Richard J. Schaefer

Richard Schaefer, Chief of the Hopkinton Fire Department died suddenly on Sunday, September 2, 2012 in the line of duty.

Rick was born on June 21, 1960 to Richard L. Schaefer and Eleanor (Sears) Schaefer in Boston and lived in Burlington MA until the family moved to Contoocook. Rick Graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1978 and remained in the town he called home. Rick married Kathy Starkey and began a family. In 1978 Rick became a member of the Hopkinton Rescue Squad, beginning his career in Emergency Services. After a year on the Rescue, Rick joined the Hopkinton Fire Department, beginning a life-long ambition to become a firefighter. Rick was assigned to “Company 1” which provided water to the engines to extinguish the fire. He remained a very active member and promoted to Lieutenant. During an exemplary tenure, he was promoted once again, to Captain in 1991 and then to Deputy Chief that same year. Under the guidance of then Chief Peter Russell his management abilities grew over the next eight years preparing him to take the position of Fire Chief.

Building upon the accomplishments of past leaders, Rick was able to continue high training standards for the members. Rick was also able to augment the fire department by adding additional full time firefighter/EMT’s and Paramedics, providing the highest quality public service and equipment to the town of Hopkinton, while remaining fiscally responsible to the taxpayer.

In 2009 Rick became the first full time Fire Chief for the Town. He became instrumental in promoting the Advanced Life Support capabilities of the ambulance staff. He focused much of his time on life safety code enforcement, and the overall safety of others. His professionalism and dedication to the job also earned him the title of vice president of the Capital Area Fire Compact, organized and managed by his peers. Rick was respected by all who knew him. He was known for his overwhelming dedication to the fire service. His level of commitment was second to none.

Chief Schaefer is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Kathy (Starkey) Schaefer, three children Richard Jonathan Schaefer, Jessamyn Delude and her husband Donald and Joshua Schaefer. He also leaves his granddaughter, his little pumpkin, Kyleigh Mae Delude, whom he adored, parents Richard and Eleanor Schaefer, two sisters Karen Gagne and Diane Fabri, inlaws John and Sandra Starkey, Kim Arnold and her husband Steve, Kelly Clark and husband Bryan, Kristen DiCicco and husband Joseph, along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Hopkinton High School on Friday September 7, 2012 from 4pm till 8pm. A Celebration of life will be held at St. Theresa’s Church in Henniker on Saturday September 8, 2012, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Rick’s memory to the Hopkinton Firefighters Association. 9 Pine St, Contoocook NH, 03229

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.