David Marquardt Day set as an annual event by Falmouth mayor

By Carolyn Reid

Mayor Sebastian Ernst called a ceremony Wednesday, July 5, at the Falmouth Fire Station in order to honor the late David Marquardt by declaring his birthday, July 26, as David Marquardt Day.

The day is to be an annual event, according to the proclamation.

An emotional Ryan Marquardt accepted the honor, expressing his gratitude for the proclamation and the support the family has had since the sudden loss of his father.

The proclamation acknowledges Marquardt’s 37 years as a firefighter, and his nearly 20 years as the chief. It also recognizes his 25 years as a supervisor at Bosch.

Marquardt told the Outlook in an interview upon his retirement that he spent nights out answering calls and still went to work the next day because he watched his father do the same.

Marquardt was the second of three generations to serve as a volunteer firefighter. He followed in the footsteps of his father “Tinker,” and Ryan followed his father and grandfather.

Ernst asked if a fourth generation would serve, and Ryan Marquardt said essentially that time would tell.

Ernst said in the ceremony he also plans to work with council to rename the alley street between Wells’ and the firehouse after the late chief. That will be addressed in an upcoming council meeting.