Late Arnold fire chief remembered at memorial Oktoberfest, volunteer company's fundraiser

Arnold Volunteer Engine Company No. 2 was like a second home for Keith Dziobak.

The longtime public servant joined the company as a junior firefighter in 1982.

Of his 40 years with the department, Dziobak was its chief for 12 years over two tenures. A life member, Dziobak had also served as a lieutenant, assistant captain and assistant chief.

The New Kensington-born leader died March 23 at age 57.

Friends, family and area fighters gathered to celebrate his legacy and raise funds for Arnold No. 2 at the second annual Oktoberfest Saturday afternoon.

“Really good guy, somebody you could depend on all the time, you know,” said longtime friend and fire department engineer Anthony “Butch” Sgalio. “If you needed something, he was the guy to ask. He was there for you.”

The fundraiser featured several breweries, a winery and distillery. There was German food, beer flights, wine and basket raffles and much more.

Dziobak was somewhat of a brewmaster having made several beers in his basement. He introduced Sgalio to craft beer.

“He did good at it,” Sgalio said of Dziobak’s crafting. “He was a great leader. We couldn’t ask for how many people we have here today. Right now he’s up in heaven. He’s looking down. He’s saying, ‘This is great. Glad to see this turned out like this.’”

The memorial fundraiser was organized by Dziobak’s daughter, Tara, who said her dad came up with the idea for Oktoberfest last year.

It was such a success that the department wanted to bring it back.

“We threw it together in a month, and I continued it in his honor this year,” Tara said. She became emotional when speaking about her father and what he meant not only to her, but to the city.

“I can’t put it into to words,” she said. “Very community driven. The fire (company) was his second family.”

Tara Dziobak joined the fire company because her father. She said she could not recall how much was raised at the inaugural Oktoberfest, and there was no goal for this year’s efforts.

“My goal is to just bring the community together,” she said. “I’m shocked. I can’t believe it was a turnout like this. It is great. He was a big person who liked craft beer and started to brew out of his basement. He made probably eight different beers. He did everything from fruit to seasonal stuff to every day beer.

“He would be proud of this.”

At least 100 people packed the fire hall, which also housed a deejay and face painting for children.

Artist Aries Burns, 17, of Arnold volunteered to put brush to face. She painted a spider and a ghost on the cheeks of Lower Burrell resident Rachel Dobies’ daughter, Celia, 7.

“We’re here for the fundraiser,” Dobies said. “Keith was my brother’s ex’s father-in-law. We’re still very connected to Keith’s wife (Amy Dziobak). We just came out to support them and the fundraiser. Things are going really great. It looks like it’s wonderful. (Celia) put tons of tickets in the Chinese auction over here. We had a bunch of the food. They made tons of good food.”

Dobies also teared up a bit when recalling Keith Dziobak and how he would mentor nieces, nephews and other young relatives.

“He was wonderful. He loved the kids,” Dobies said. “He loved seeing them and spending time with them. He would come to Colton, my nephew’s hockey games. We wish he would have been here to see this.”

Participating businesses included Voodoo, Acrospire, Cellar Works, Erie and Conny Creek breweries, Bygone Winery and White Valley Distilling. G. Karas Packing provided meat and cheeses. Jutty’s Journey provided first responder support.

Those who bought a beer flight received a glass with the chief’s likeness, including his trademark mustache, and the name of the event emblazoned on it.

Various photos of the late chief were on display next to a sign that read; “Near or far — from local to South America to Caribbean and even Alaska. No matter where we were. Keith could always find a beer!”