Oldest Living Columbus Firefighter Darrell Hall Receives Special Salute

Columbus firefighter Darrell Hall received a special salute at his nursing home on Tuesday as the city’s oldest living firefighter.

Hall, who began his career with the Columbus Fire Department in 1972, was honored during a celebration that recognized his decades of service to the community. WSYX reported that the tribute took place at his residence, honoring a man who spent more than 29 years serving the city.

The celebration served as more than just a look back at a long career; it was a moment of connection between a local legend and the community he protected. While Hall expressed that he felt overwhelmed by the support, he remained characteristically modest about the attention.

A career at Station 17

Hall’s journey into public service began with a choice. Although he was being recruited by the Columbus police at the time, he decided he wanted to be a firefighter instead, WSYX reported.

He was eventually assigned to Station 17, where he developed a deep familiarity with the rhythms of the job. His tenure included the high-stakes responsibilities of working as a tillerman, a role that requires precision when maneuvering ladder trucks through city streets.

One particular memory stands out from his years on the truck. He recalled a narrow escape when a vehicle ran a stoplight and nearly collided with the ladder truck. “It was so close, that car was so closed to hitting that you couldn’t even get a card in between the car and the truck,” Hall said.

The job wasn’t always defined by near-misses, however. Hall also shared lighter moments from his time at the station, such as a practical workaround the crew used to stay efficient. To avoid getting up from the table every time the phone rang, the team at Station 17 simply cut a hole in the wall so they could reach through and answer it.

Hall also acknowledged another event besides his firefighting legacy. He made sure to point out that the day of his celebration coincided with the Marine Corps birthday.