Lt. Dave Ott gives a final inspection to the firefighters of Estero Fire Rescue.

Estero Fire Rescue retired its first original firefighter today.

Lt David Ott performed a final inspection and roll call with staff and crew of Estero Fire Rescue, saying goodbye after a 26-year career with the department.

Ott joined Estero Fire Rescue as a volunteer in 1982 and was hired as one of only three paid firefighters on January 26, 1985. Lt. Brent Althouse, who is still employed by EFR, was hired at the same time.

Since then, Ott has seen and been a major part of the growth in Estero as well as that of Estero Fire Rescue.

He has helped to form the department from a two-bay garage on Route 41 to the professional organization it has become today, including Advanced Life Support, marine rescue and hazardous materials mitigation.

When asked what advice he would give younger firefighters he said, “Don’t bring your work home with you. Keep your family time, family time.”

Ott will truly be missed by the members of the department but he promises to be around, said Susan M. Lindenmuth, a public relations spokesperson for the department. As a resident of Estero, he plans on continuing to be at every fire commission meeting, she said.