Bellefontaine Fire Department announces the retirement of Assistant Chief Tom “T.J.” Weikart Jr. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, after more than three decades of service.
“T.J., thank you for endless dedication, commitment and knowledge for the last 31 years,” BFD officials said.
He started with BFD Auxiliary in August of 1993, and graduated from Bellefontaine High School that same year.
Following high school, Assistant Chief Weikart attended Hocking College and obtained his Firefighter/EMTB certifications.
That summer, he worked at Cedar Point in the Fire/EMS Division, and then he returned to Hocking College to obtain his paramedic certification.
March 27, 1995, Weikart was hired full-time by BFD and was promoted to assistant chief in 2004.
He is the second generation of his family to work for BFD after his father, Tom Weikart Sr. T.J.’s son, Robby, has carried in their footsteps and became the third generation to work at BFD after his hire in 2020.
T.J.’s other son, Daniel, has also joined the fire service and works full time for the Kenton Fire Department.
Over the years, Assistant Chief Weikart has obtained multiple certifications, including Fire/EMS Instructor, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, CPR Instructor, Stop the Bleed Instructor and TEMS Medic.
“T.J. has been essential in multiple projects, including our current ambulance specifications, Truck 21 specifications, turnout gear and radios, to name a few,” BFD officials said. “T.J. has also been our EMS Coordinator, which means he was responsible for maintaining our drug license, EMS equipment, and more.
“T.J. is the TEMS commander for the Bellefontaine Police Special Response Team, which he oversees six other TEMS Medics and any EMS operation involvement.”
Around Logan County, Weikart also serves as an assistant chief at Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department, works part-time at Indian Lake EMS Joint Ambulance District, and is very involved with the county fire and EMS boards.
