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GLEN DALE - Former Glen Dale Police Chief Norman "Norm" Stenger died Sunday evening. He was 73.
Stenger had served for nearly 30 years as police chief, being appointed on April 30, 1985, a position he held until his retirement on June 30, 2014. Prior to joining Glen Dale PD, Stenger was a Marshall County sheriff's deputy. Alongside his policing duties, Stenger was also active with the city's fire department during his career.
City Clerk Jane Criswell said Monday that Stenger was responsible for welcoming numerous businesses into town, serving the community in numerous ways.
"He was truly the backbone of the city," Criswell said. "He made sure things got done. He loved the city of Glen Dale, and would do anything to make it a wonderful place to be."
In addition to his policing and firefighting duties, Stenger was also an organizer of the fireman's festival, she said.
"Everything he could do for the city was in his heart," Criswell continued. "He was a Notre Dame and Bishop Donahue (High School) fan, and he lived and breathed for both causes."
Rick Blake, longtime friend of Stenger's and a business partner at Coach's Bar and Grill, mourned his loss Tuesday.
"I met Norm Stenger in 1983 when I became the head coach at Bishop Donahue. He was always the number-one supporter of the school and the football team," Blake said. "I was there for 16 years, and became good friends and eventually business partners at Coach's Bar and Grill. ... It's a sad time of my life. He was a real good friend."
Stenger is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, both of Florida.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Altmeyer Funeral Home. Services are currently scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in McMechen.