Accolades, thanks abundant as health commissioner retires Health building to be named for Rosebrock

LIMA — The Allen County Health Department or the community isn’t quite ready to let go of retiring Health Commissioner Dave Rosebrock.It was evident Friday as coworkers, friends and elected officials gathered to say goodbye and to surprise Rosebrock with the announcement that the health building will be named after him.“We want to retain a little bit of David,” an emotional board President Dr. Charles Thompson said.The building at 219 E. Market St., which Rosebrock worked diligently to renovate and make it the health department’s permanent home, will soon we known as the Rosebrock Public Health Building. Rosebrock sat with his wife Jan, shaking his head as about 50 at the open house applauded at the news.“I am so humbled and so pleased,” Rosebrock said later, saying it is important for the department to have a home and not rent anymore. “I think it gives the department some firmer roots in the community. I am just blown away that the board would consider associating my name with that. That is just incredible, and I am so thankful.”On his last day on the job, people remembered the many ordeals Rosebrock faced in his 39 years of work: Swine flu, West Nile, whooping cough and mail coming to Lima to be cleaned of potential anthrax are just a few.“The leadership he has provided here in his own, quiet, determined way has just been exceptional,” Lima Mayor David Berger said. Elected officials came armed Friday with proclamations from the cities of Lima, Delphos and Bluffton, Allen County Commissioners, health board, Ohio House of Representatives and even Gov. John Kasich, delivered in person by Dr. Ted Wymyslo, director of the Ohio Department of Health.“We are so impressed with the dedication you have shown to public service over these years,” Wymyslo said, of Rosebrock, who leaves as the longest-serving commissioner in the state. Over and over again, people talked of Rosebrock’s hard work, dedication, commitment and advocacy for public health. Martin Tremmel, chief administrative officer for the state department of health, said he has had no greater mentor. Delphos Mayor Michael Gallmeier said it was always apparent that Rosebrock cared deeply for the health department and the health of Allen County.“You can tell when you talk to him, that is his pride, that is his baby, he takes care of it,” he said. While a few shed tears Friday, the open house came with plenty of laughs too. Gallmeier did his own impersonation of Rosebrock, while others made sure to mention his full head of hair.Rosebrock said he will miss the people and being involved, but not the stress of the job or the constant emails.“People have been retiring for hundreds of years, but when you do it yourself, it is kind of a big deal. I am humbled by all the people who came out to say farewell,” he said. “It is very much with mixed emotions. It is a good feeling, but also with some regrets that I am leaving the job.”You can comment on this story at www.limaohio.com.