Columbia High School honors retiring fire chief with gym rededication

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP – It was a sea of green in Columbia High's gym Thursday evening as wrestlers cleared the mat between matches. But school spirit was not the only reason crowds packed the gym, filling bleachers and standing along the sidelines that evening. It was also to honor one of their own. Longtime Columbia Township Fire Chief Ray Anthony will retire at the end of March, leaving behind a legacy of service that stretches far beyond the firehouse. "When we say the 'Raider Way,' we talk about this man," Superintendent Graig Bansek said. "We appreciate all that you've done for our community, all that you've done for our schools and we are so proud of you." In recognition of Anthony's service to his community as a Columbia High School alumnus, fire chief, and a lifetime of involvement with the wrestling program, Bansek unveiled the newly minted Ray Anthony Gymnasium on Thursday, much to the chief's surprise. Reading a proclamation for Anthony's service, Athletic Director Jason Ward noted the chief's ties to the district from his time as an All-Ohio football player at the high school, to his time spent as wrestling coach, mentor and statewide referee. "Raymond Anthony continues to be a steadfast champion of the district, a familiar and welcoming presence at every event, a loyal advocate for students and staff and an active participant in every aspect of the Columbia Local School District," Ward said, adding that the man's influence was reflected in the countless lives he touched and the community he helped build. Anthony, with his wife Jean by his side, hugged Ward as he accepted the framed proclamation. The couple's eldest daughter, Tina Marks, spoke on the family's behalf with her siblings, Ray Jr., Eric, and Tracie Anthony standing nearby. She thanked the district for honoring her father, who was kept unaware of the pending celebration for several months until Thursday night's ceremony. "Our hearts are so full of pride tonight seeing him be recognized for that exceptional, selfless work that he always does without asking for anything in return," she said. "As kids, we've always looked up to our dad – and our mom – for the way they treat each other, for the way they treat us as their children, their grandchildren, their family, friends in the community." Anthony truly embodies the values of selflessness and trust in God that he has instilled in his children, she said, through his time with Columbia Township Fire, his work with Toys for Tots, the Red Cross and Columbia Schools, she said. Many in the packed gymnasium could share stories about how Anthony has impacted their lives, she said, and recognized the embarrassment her father must feel at the fanfare he was unexpectedly receiving. "We are all better people because you've taught us to have pride in ourselves and the work that we do," she said. "You've taught us to have respect and compassion for others, have integrity in our actions and do it all with love – you are our greatest gift. We are so broad of you and blessed to call you ours." After hugging his daughter, Anthony reluctantly took the microphone, still embarrassed at the spotlight, and thanked Bansek and others for organizing the honor. "I thank the community and everybody for allowing me to do what I love to do – serve as your fire chief, serve in our schools and help out," he said. The Columbia School Board designated Feb. 12 as Ray Anthony Day within the district and a copy of the chief's proclamation will hang in the high school gym. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.