07/11/2026
Today we celebrate an incredible career and an even better person as Fire Marshal Marty Broadbent retires after 32 years of dedicated service to Boardman Fire Rescue District on July 15, 2026.
Marty’s journey began in 1994, when he started volunteering during a unique time in our history. At that time, there were two separate organizations serving our community: the Boardman Rural Fire Volunteer District and the City of Boardman Volunteer Fire Department. Volunteers proudly served both agencies, responding with City-owned apparatus for incidents within the city limits and District-owned apparatus for calls in the rural district. While the system wasn’t always simple, it worked because of dedicated volunteers like Marty. In 1998, those two organizations merged to become the Boardman Rural Fire Protection District, creating the organization we know today.
Throughout his volunteer years, Marty served as Lieutenant, Captain, and Training Officer before being hired full-time as Fire Marshal in 2004. Over the years, he became so much more than a Fire Marshal. He became a mentor, a teacher, a leader, and someone everyone could count on. Whether you needed help understanding the fire code, solving a complex problem, learning about the history of our department, or simply wanted honest advice, Marty was always “that guy” people turned to.
His dedication has been recognized throughout his career, including receiving the Pioneer Award in 2012 and the Boardman Chamber of Commerce Front-Line Worker Award in 2017. Those awards reflect what so many of us already knew: Marty has spent his career serving this community with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.
“On a personal note, I’ve had the privilege of working full-time with Marty for the past nine and a half years. What started as working with my Fire Marshal quickly turned into learning from one of the best mentors I could have asked for—and gaining a lifelong friend,” says Deputy Chief Sam Irons.
Incoming Fire Marshal Jeremy Gierke recalls, “Marty took my interest in fire prevention and codes and helped turn it into a true passion. He taught me that our job is about far more than enforcing code requirements. We have the unique opportunity to help ensure buildings are constructed safely and to give our firefighters the best possible chance to protect lives and property when someone’s worst day arrives.
Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the honor of working alongside Chief Broadbent full-time as his Deputy Fire Marshal, preparing to continue the work he has built. During that time, he taught me so much more than what can be found in the volumes of code books sitting on our desks. He taught me that while the code is important, understanding the intent behind the code is what truly matters. Through countless inspections, conferences, training classes, road trips, and long conversations over dinner, he shared not only his knowledge but also the wisdom that comes from decades of experience.
As difficult as it will be to see him leave, I couldn’t be happier knowing he leaves Boardman Fire Rescue District in such a great place. The foundation he helped build will continue serving our community for years to come.”
“Chief Broadbent quickly became my right-hand man when I was appointed Fire Chief. Chief Broadbent was the perfect man for the job. He has the historical knowledge of the department, understands the leaders within our District, and knows how to navigate the sometimes complex personalities of our firefighters. Good leaders surround themselves with people who make them successful, and Chief Broadbent is one of those people. Chief Broadbent will truly be missed,” said Fire Chief Mike Hughes.
Whenever Marty is asked what his retirement plans are, his answer has never changed: “I’m going to do whatever I want, whenever I want to.”
After 32 years, he’s earned exactly that.
Thank you, Chief Broadbent, for your leadership, your friendship, your patience, your mentorship, and your unwavering dedication to the department, the community, and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside you. Congratulations on an incredible career. We wish you and Mavis many years of health, happiness, travel, and new adventures.
We look forward to hearing the stories, seeing the pictures, and welcoming you back whenever you stop by.
Congratulations, Chief Broadbent! Your legacy will continue to inspire all of us. Enjoy every minute—you’ve earned it.
