Merritt Lambert "Ritt" Hewitt Jr.

Merritt "Ritt" Hewitt, Jr., City of San Rafael Fire Department Division Chief (Ret.), passed away on April 3, 2023, from ALS.

Ritt was born in Teaneck, NJ, in 1949 to Col. Merritt L. Hewitt and Gertrude "Gerry" Bush-Hewitt. Ritt was a Graduate of the prestigious New Mexico Military Institute High School and of The College of Marin, Fire Technology Program.

The Hewitt family moved to Marin County, California, in 1961, after years of Military Postings that took the family to Canada, Washington DC, Germany, France, and Kansas. Ritt treasured Marin County, California as if he were born there. He had a passion for biking, surfing, skiing, and running. But more than he loved outdoor activities, he loved being a firefighter, and the men he worked with throughout his career.

Ritt joined the fire service at age 18 as a volunteer for Kentfield Fire Department. The following year, he became a full-time firefighter with Kentfield. After 18 months with Kentfield, he joined the San Rafael Fire Department at age 21 in 1970. By the time he was 24, he was promoted to the rank of Captain; he was the youngest Captain in the history of the San Rafael Fire Department. As an Engine Captain, Ritt was an advocate of aggressive interior fire-attack.

His presence at emergency events was professional, calculating, and always under control. In 1982, he was promoted to Training Officer. Ritt's job as the San Rafael Fire Department Training Officer was extensive and complex. He acted as the Department continuity coordinator for all three shifts, usually, a Deputy Chief responsibility, conducted research and development, coordinated with outside agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, coordinated the start of the Department Paramedic Program, founded the Marin County Hazardous Material Team and led the team for 12 years.

As the Training Officer, he was a champion of large diameter water supply hose, introduced and fully supported the wildland fire attack progressive hose lay with 1-1/2" hose, the use of hose packs, large flow fire attack nozzles, upgraded

breathing apparatus, improved personal protective clothing, the adaption of fire protection hoods, and 2-layer wildland protective clothing.

Although not required as a Training Officer, Ritt continued to be involved in active firefighting. While participating in a large fire operation at the California Bar Stools and Dinette Store on Lindaro Street, June 7, 1982, Ritt, and five other firefighters, were involved in an interior mezzanine collapse that exposed the crews to active fire, superheated gasses, and smoke. All firefighters were able to exit the building.

Ritt was closest to the collapse area and was severely injured but was able to move to the front windows, where Engineer (Ret.) Dave Holland spotted him and broke the window allowing Ritt to escape the building.

Ritt experienced significant burn injuries that required treatment at The Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Bothin Burn Center, San Francisco. Ritt recovered from his injuries and returned to work with an increased appreciation for personal protective clothing.

Ritt was promoted to Division Chief, B Shift Commander, in 1997. As a Shift Commander, he was responsible for 6 fire stations, on-duty personnel, their fire engines, aerial ladders, and 2 paramedic ambulances, the delivery of emergency services to San Rafael and the surrounding contract areas, management, and command of all emergencies during his tour and other additional duties.

Ritt's additional duties included the management of the department's vehicle maintenance program, vehicle replacement program, breathing apparatus maintenance and replacement, vehicle radios and portable radios, the department's representative for the Marin Emergency Radio Authority, and Water Tank Improvements, Fire Flow, as well as, underground water supply upgrades.

The robust water supply system that is currently in place is the direct result of the many years of his robust advocacy.

Ritt's management of emergency operations was excellent, always looking out for his personnel's safety, property values, and the community. Ritt's performance was exemplary in all aspects of his job.

You could not have a better friend than Ritt. He was always candid, and provided meaningful feedback and was always willing to lend a hand.

After retirement, Ritt continued his service to his community, as the Secretary of the San Rafael Fire Foundation, helping to raise money to purchase a fire boat for the San Rafael Fire Department, among other items that the fire department's budget could not cover.

Ritt was predeceased by his father, Col. Merritt L. Hewitt, Sr.; his mother, Gertrude "Gerry" Bush-Hewitt. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jennifer Cunningham-Hewitt, his son Benjamin L. Hewitt, and daughters, Bonnie C. Hewitt-Knickerbocker, and Jaqueline L. Lenz; his sister Deborah H. Quigley, brother-in-law, Ed Quigley, niece, Margaret Quigley, nephew, Jamie Quigley, niece Cassandra L. McDowell-Crow (Lindon), nephew, Trevor L. McDowell; grandchildren: Addison Hewitt, Samantha Hewitt, Daisy Brummer, Rowan Brummer, Ivy Knickerbocker, Liberty Belle Knickerbocker, Georgiana Knickerbocker, Alexis Boggs, Sr.A. Gavin Crawford, (Oceana Crawford), Cpl. Calvin Tyler Crawford (Erika Santos), and great grandchildren: Emma Boggs-Snyder, Flynn Boggs, and Zoey Crawford.

A memorial service will be held on July 14th in San Rafael.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: donate.als.org; saint- francisfoundation.org or srfirefoundation.org