GRATIS — Bob Colucci was recognized for 47 years of service to Gratis Fire and EMS at a Christmas party held Monday, Dec. 12.
It was also Colucci’s birthday — he turned 80 years old.
Colucci started Montgomery Rehab and Rescue on Aug. 29, 1969, with his wife Evon Colucci. The effort is self described as an “all purpose rescue run by Jesus Christ.”
Montgomery Rehab and Rescue strives to help fire officials, police departments, sheriff’s departments, and state troopers throughout the Miami Valley in a manner meant for them only.
He monitors the radio for structure fires and caters to fire and EMS needs — when the fire department is out late in the cold, Colucci shows up with hot coffee. He tends to the needs of the departments, as he considers them “our soldiers in our community.” He helps where others do not.
Montgomery Rehab and Rescue is completely non-profit and Colucci accepts no money for his efforts, only donations to the cause.
Everything he does is at his own expense and thanks to his religion. He considers everything he does something God is doing. He wants all the recognition and thanks “to go to Jesus Christ.”
Gratis Fire and EMS came together during the department’s Christmas celebration to honor him, and issued him an award for his long service.
