05/01/2026
Congratulations, Chief. It has been a pleasure working with you over the years Enjoy !!
***IF ANYONE HAS PHOTOS FROM TODAYS CELEBRATION THEY WOUKD LIKE TO SHARE PLEASE FIND THE DROPBOX LINK IN THE COMMENTS!***
Today we recognize and celebrate Fire Chief Frank Guido on his retirement after an incredible 46 year career with the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department, including the last 17 years as Chief.
Chief Guido began his service in December 1, 1980, hired by Mayor Charles Bankes, and later promoted to Chief by the late Mayor James Haggerty. Over the decades, he worked alongside six mayors and seven administrations, helping guide the department forward with dedication, professionalism and vision.
Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Guido received numerous citations for bravery and lifesaving efforts-an enduring testament to his courage and commitment to the community.
When asked about moments that define his career, Chief Guido points to several key milestones. Among them was the functional consolidation with Forty Fort Borough-an effort originally started by Chief Robert Cannon- which Chief Guido proudly built upon, strengthening and advancing the partnership to new levels.
He also reflects on leading the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most challenging and demanding periods in history. Above all, he highlights the courage of the departments members. He often says that the men and women on the front lines, day in and day out, never wavered-demonstrating their commitment to protecting the community.
Another proud accomplishment was working alongside career and volunteer members who formed a committee in 2020 to purchase Engine 1. Despite the uncertainty and unstable financial outlook, Administrator Paul Keating and Chief Guido secured time sensitive federal funding, allowing the dept to move forward. Partnering with Dave Roberts, the team successfully ordered a new Pierce Saber!
Lastly, Chief Guido reflects on the incredible effort behind the purchase of Tower 1. Through an extremely competitive Luzerne County grant process, Mayor Jeff Coslett For Kingston Mayor, Admin Paul Keating and Chief Guido worked tirelessly to secure $1.921 million grant! With the support of a dedicated committee, the department was able to order a new Pierce 100’ quint- now known as Tower 1. Chief Guido credits the hard work and commitment of the tower committee as the backbone of the entire project!
These milestones, along with his decades of service, leave a lasting legacy of leadership, resilience, and progress for the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Dept. and the community it serves.
As his time with the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Dept. comes to a close, Chief Guido reflects on a career defined by meaningful relationships. “Working here was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life!” Over the course of 46 years, he encountered thousands of people- far too many to name individually- but the connections he built will always stay with him.
He especially reflects on the strong relationships formed with neighboring communities like Forty Fort and Swoyersville, along with fellow fire service leaders including Chief Jay Delaney of the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, Chief Joe Temarantz of the Hanover Township Fire Dept, Chief Mark Ritsick of the Plains Township Fire Department, and Chief engineer Jack Bonczewski of the Edwardsville Fire Department.
The partnerships and mutual aid efforts shared with these departments and so many others were a cornerstone of his career. Chief Guido says those bonds, built by years of working side by side, will always hold a special place in his heart.
As he closes the remarkable chapter, Chief Guido shares his deepest gratitude with those who have meant the most throughout his life- his family.
To his loving wife, Ann Judge Guido, his children Paul, Christopher and Kelly, and his grandchildren Madison, Carter and Carly- his love for you all is immeasurable. He often says that without your unwavering support, he would not have become the man or Chief that he is today. His world has always revolved around his family, and he could not be more proud of each and every one of you!
Lastly, Chief Guido recognizes his “other” family- the men and women of the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Dept.
To the career and volunteer members he has worked side by side with for nearly 50 years, he offers his heartfelt thanks. Your commitment to community, service and sacrifice is what makes everything possible.
“My guys are truly the Best of the Best!”
The pride he carries for this department and its members, and the bonds shared, will last a lifetime.
Thank you Chief Guido, for a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to the communities you proudly served! 🚒 🚑 🔥 🧑🚒
