LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Schmidt, fire chief of the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron’s Fire and Emergency Services Flight, was officially retired from military service July 19 during a ceremony at the Kentucky National Guard Air Force Base, ending a career spanning more than 37 years.

Lieutenant Colonel Jarret Goddard, Squadron Commander, took the stage to express his appreciation to a crowd of friends, family and fellow soldiers.

“Throughout his tenure, Chief Schmidt has been a pillar and guide for the 123rd Fire Department,” said Goddard. “His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s culture – creating an environment of integrity, service before self and excellence. His wisdom and experience have been invaluable and his contributions go beyond his exemplary service.”

“You have been a driving force behind numerous initiatives within the fire department,” Goddard continued, addressing Schmidt directly. “Your legacy is not only the awards and accomplishments, but also the leaders you have developed. You leave behind a fire department that is stronger, more resilient and more capable because of your leadership.”

Schmidt joined the Kentucky Air National Guard in 1984 and attended the Fire Protection Specialist Course. In 2010, he became the assistant chief of training, training firefighters for deployments and domestic operations. As fire chief, Schmidt was the highest ranking noncommissioned officer and directed the training and readiness of all firefighters in the Kentucky Air National Guard.

Schmidt deployed as a firefighter in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001-2002. He also served as deputy chief of operations in the Netherlands Antilles in 2006 and at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait in 2011 and 2013-2014.

In 2018, he was again deployed to Southwest Asia as a fire chief for deployed Kentucky Air Guard forces. Finally, in 2022, Schmidt participated in Operation Allies Welcome, where he served as the senior noncommissioned officer for one of the villages supporting relocated Afghan citizens, supervising 127 noncommissioned officers.