Augusta fire chief honoredfor 50 years of service

Augusta Fire Chief Ron Dinger was surprised during the 2023 Strawberry Festival with a plaque honoring his 50 years of service to the fire department.
He was the oldest of the Dinger family to join the local fire department, becoming a member in 1973. He succeeded Bud Manfull as fire chief and has held the position for over 30 years.
The Dinger family has strong ties to the fire department. His sister, Stephanie has been a firefighter for 22 years and his son, Ronnie, served the department. Stephanie’s daughter, Shelby Rhodes, is a three-year member of the department.
Dinger led the annual Strawberry Festival parade in an Augusta fire truck, followed by Rhodes. Stephanie, adorned in her usual clown costume, entertained the parade crowd on a minibike.