[Press Release] : Columbia fire lieutenant and engineer retiring

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Chief Steven Sapp - (573) 499-7035

Columbia fire lieutenant and engineer retiring

COLUMBIA, MO (January 4, 2006) -- Two Columbia firefighters will retire
on Thursday, Jan. 4, each with a little over 20 years of service. 

Lt. Mathew "Matt" Meinert was hired in November 1986 as a firefighter,
was promoted to fire engineer in October 1994, and to lieutenant in
October 2001. Matt was an original member of the award winning Columbia
Fire Department Honor Guard for 15 years. Matt was instrumental in
implementing the Columbia Fire Department Explorer Post 3 during his
tenure and will retire as the director of the Explorer Post. Meinert has
a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation and off duty was very
involved in physical fitness activities such as running, ice skating,
hiking and motorcycling. 

Engineer George Gregory was hired in November 1986 as a firefighter and
was promoted to fire engineer in March 1991. Gregory was also a member
of the award winning Columbia Fire Department Honor Guard for over 14
years. Gregory served in the United States Marines prior to his
employment with the Columbia Fire Department. George was a member of the
Columbia Fire Department Special Operations Team in the Haz-Mat sector.
George also was an instructor teaching fire hydraulics, pump operations,
repelling and LP gas emergencies. 

A reception to honor Meinert and Gregory will be held at 2 p.m. on
Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Columbia Fire Department Station One located at
201 Orr Street. The public and media are welcome to attend. 

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