Retirement Opens Door To Community Service

The Shinnston News & Harrison County Journal has named
Richard Skinner as September’s Citizen of the Month,
a program sponsored by Thomas R. Williams, Premier Wealth Partners, a financial advisory practice of
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
By TRINA RUNNER
News & Journal Staff Writer

When it comes to community service, Richard Skinner has dedicated his life to it. Having served in both the public and private sector, Skinner’s impact on the people of Harrison County is undeniable. Having served over 40 years with Harrison County schools, Skinner retired in 2012 after over three decades as an elementary principal. Retired, however, can be a misleading word.
A typical day for Skinner includes volunteering with his church, as a Harrison County EMT, with Boy Scouts or Project Lifesaver. His favorite team member, his wife, is right by his side for most of the community service.
“I found my job very fulfilling and rewarding,” said Skinner. “When we retired, we decided to share our good fortune with the community that gave so much to us.” That attitude has allowed him to enjoy the blessings of making new friends and helping those in need.
At St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Skinner serves as president of the church council. Leadership comes naturally to him and he seeks positions that allow him to use that gift. He was the scoutmaster for the church’s Boy Scout Troop for 30 years and the director of the High Adventure Sailing Program for 14 years. He was appointed to serve on Scuba Staff and the National Boy Scout Jamboree and served a term as a member of the Executive Council for the Scouts.
For nine years, Skinner has served with the Harrison County Emergency Squad as a volunteer EMT, maintaining West Virginia and National Registry certifications. He is an American Heart Association CPR/First Aid instructor and teaches at United Hospital Center and RESA VII. He is also serving or has served as a fireman/EMT/fire officer for both the Smithburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department.
Skinner and his wife are also Project Lifesaver radio trackers. As Amateur Radio Operators, they help locate individuals who are lost and unable to return to their loved ones. His service to Harrison County has created a ripple effect to inspire others to volunteer and serve as well.