SPRINGFIELD TWP., Mahoning Co., Ohio - A celebration was held in Springfield Township Tuesday as firefighters held a surprise party for their retired chief.

Matthew Gebhardt joined the force over 30 years ago and became the township's fire chief back in 2007.

The newly appointed chief said Gebhardt went above and beyond for the department and built a great foundation for future generations.

"He took the department leaps and bounds into the future and we just wanted to recognize that," Springfield Township Fire Chief Michael Wright said. "He set it up for us so that the next 18 years with the new officers, we'll have a nice jump start."

Gebhardt retired as chief but is still active at the department and helps with training.

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