Hal “Matt” Hanenkrath

On June 27, 2023, South Richland Fire Chief Hal “Matt” Hanenkrath collapsed at the scene of a fire after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains. He was immediately transported to a local hospital where he passed away shortly thereafter.

Hanenkrath was born and raised in Defiance, Ohio alongside two younger brothers. As a child, he enjoyed playing sports and spending time with his parents, who were both first responders and inspired him to become one himself. Later in life, he met his wife, Ashley. They eventually married.

Having joined the fire service in 1999, Hanenkrath selflessly dedicated much of his time to his community, having served as Fire Chief for South Richland Volunteer Fire Department as well as Assistant Chief for Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department. His service was inspired by his father, Hal Michael Hanenkrath, who served an honorable 35 years before retiring in 2002 as the Fire Chief for the Highland Township Fire Department. Hanenkrath felt deeply fulfilled by helping others, and had ambitions to advance his career as a firefighter and take on a leadership role. Hanenkrath received the Ohio EMS Star of Life twice, served as an Assistant Fire Chief of Highland Township, and as the FIre Chief for South Richland FIre Department. He also was appointed Director of Defiance County 911 Communications Center in 2016, and created many policies and procedures for the county Fire and EMS services to abide by. He served as School Board President for Ayersville Local Schools, was an Assistant Coach for the Ayersville High School Football team, and also coached his daughters’ softball teams. He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, and spent as much time with his family as he possibly could. A word used to describe Hanenkrath is “unselfish,” always thinking of others before himself and helping them in their time of need.

South Richland Fire Chief Hal “Matt” Hanenkrath is survived by his wife, Ashley, and his three children, Haleigh, Brynn, and Bentley.