Bob Nahmens ends 30-year career with Woodside fire district Bob Nahmens ends 30-year career with Woodside fire district (March 03, 2004)

By Andrea Gemmet

Almanac Staff Writer

Bob Nahmens, a 30-year veteran with the Woodside Fire Protection District, is hanging up his firefighter's helmet on April 1. A volunteer firefighter before joining the staff in 1974, he rose through the ranks to his current post as fire marshal and battalion chief, said fire Chief Mike Fuge.

"I'm devastated," said Chief Fuge of Mr. Nahmens' impending retirement. "No one knows the district as well as he does."

And it's no wonder. Mr. Nahmens' grandfather settled in Portola Valley in 1860, and the family has lived in the area ever since. His father was the manager of the Bear Gulch District of the California Water Service Co., and as a boy, Mr. Nahmens roamed the Bear Gulch Reservoir's hundred-acre property in Atherton where his family lived. He also worked at Searsville Lake and in the town of Woodside's public works department, he said.

"This has been the best job, that's why it's so hard to leave," said Mr. Nahmens. "They're great people. It's a good organization, top to bottom."

He's had plenty of excitement over the years. His most dangerous fire call was also his first, he said. He worked the hose line on the 1974 Morshead fire in Portola Valley alongside Ron Puccinelli, another veteran Woodside firefighter.

Over the years, he has been to a lot of house fires and a lot of car crashes, he said. The most memorable fires were also the most visual, he said -- the Albion Avenue wildfire that threatened central Woodside in August 2002 and the four-alarm greenhouse blaze on Alpine Road near the Webb Ranch produce stand in Portola Valley in June 2001.

"It's a tough job; it can be a fun job and it can be a sad job -- you never know," Mr. Nahmens said. "When I grew up, I thought, I want to work in Woodside. It's like a dream come true working here."

When asked how he plans to spend his retirement, without hesitation Mr. Nahmens replied, "Hunt, fish and travel."

With his mother, two brothers, and two sons living locally, he said he doesn't plan to move, but he's looking forward to spending more time on the family ranch in Mendocino County.

"He's young enough to be able to enjoy a long retirement," said Chief Fuge.

Mr. Nahmens will turn 56 shortly after retiring.

His departure leaves openings for a new battalion chief and fire marshal.

Don Romero, a firefighter for the Woodside fire district since November 1994, tested for the position and has been promoted to the rank of battalion chief, said Chief Fuge.

Deputy Fire Marshal Denise Enea will take over as interim fire marshal until a permanent replacement is found, he said.

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