Cranberry assistant fire chief retires after 4 decades of service
On the last day of 2024, after a career spanning more than four decades in volunteer firefighting, Assistant Chief John Pristas, of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department, officially hung up his boots and retired.
“I couldn't have asked for a better relationship with the township,” Pristas said, reflecting on his tenure in Cranberry.
Pristas’ retirement brings to a close a career in volunteer firefighting that included 22 years in the township. His career in firefighting began at the age of 16 at Wilkins Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
“John Pristas has been a loyal servant to the organization for a very long period of time,” said Scott Garing, the township’s chief of fire and emergency services. “No matter what needed done, he was always there to mentor the group. He was an unbelievable person, and one of his best characteristics was that he was always smiling. He's the definition of selfless service.”
During his time in Cranberry Township, he rose through the ranks to become lieutenant, captain, and finally, assistant chief. His service to the fire department was recognized with multiple awards, including the Merit Award, Brigade Member of the Year, the Most Calls award, the President's Award and two Chief’s Awards.
Pristas says he is retiring in part because his job at medical device company Becton Dickinson will require him to travel more often.
“I wasn't able to commit the time that I had previously,” Pristas said.
Pristas, who turned 60 last year, also says he felt it was time to step aside.
“I was getting older,” Pristas said. “I had the milestone birthday this year, and then it was time to turn it over to the next guy.”
While he is leaving active duty behind, Pristas isn’t leaving the department completely and is looking for ways to contribute even after retirement. This includes passing on his firefighting experience to the next generation.
“One of the things I want to do is make sure the lessons learned from leaders are passed on to future officers and chiefs,” Pristas said. “I’m looking to contact our other past chiefs in the department and see what they want to pass on through the department.”
