Richard A. Roatch Sr., a retired Abington Fire Co. chief who mentored hundreds of firefighters who passed through the Montgomery County Fire Academy, died on March 2, aged 91, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Roatch, an Abington native and a lifelong woodworker and carpenter, established his business in the late 1950s. For four decades, he hung doors, built additions, and completed various construction jobs in and around Montgomery County. 

In addition to his work, his passion was the fire company. His father was a volunteer firefighter, so he officially joined him when he was 20. In 1960, he became assistant chief. He served as chief from 1965 to 1993.

During that time, he was a demanding but also one of the most popular instructors at the Montgomery County Fire Academy. 

He was also a longtime officer of the company’s relief association. 

“He did not demand respect,” said John Bothwell, another former Abington fire chief. “If you knew him, of his knowledge, actions, and character, your respect for him came naturally. He was a chief with visions.” 

Read more about the life of Richard Roatch Sr. in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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