Andrew “Chatty” Hellebusch has spent his entire life in southern Warren County living in Treloar, working at Schrader’s Garage and volunteering with the Marthasville Fire Protection District. 

He still lives in Treloar, with his wife of 52 years, Linda Hellebusch. 

Hellebusch, who also goes by his nickname “Chatty,” was one of the original 12 volunteer firefighters that started at the Marthasville Fire Protection District Station 2 in Treloar in 1976. He served with the district for 42 years and was often one of the first to respond to calls, since the Hellebuschs live a mere two blocks away from the fire station. 

Linda said it was so common that “Chatty” was the first to arrive that at times, those in need in Treloar would call the Hellebusch residence first, before reaching 911. 

“People would call here asking for ‘Chatty,’ and I’d tell them I’ll send him, but hand up and call 911,” said Linda. 

As one of the original 12 volunteers at Station 2 he was also partially responsible for the construction of the station itself. While outside contractors were hired much of the work on the building was done by the volunteers themselves, according to Linda. 

The construction of that station helped to reduce response times by up to 15 minutes since firefighters were originally coming from Station 1, roughly nine miles away. 

He worked at the fire station until 2017, when he suffered a stroke and was forced to retire. 

He also worked at Schrader’s Garage for 43 years before it burned down in 2019, and was known for always being willing to lend a helping hand. 

“He worked as much at night as he did during the day,” said Linda. “Our daughter would think it was unusual if Dad was home at night because he worked every night, going back to help somebody, whether it be on the farm or back down at the garage or whatever. Wherever someone needed him, that’s where he would be.”

Hellebusch is quick to deflect when asked about his efforts saying “it’s just how I was raised.” 

Acts like these seemed natural to him, and there was no reason to refuse help when it was asked of him. 

He is also known for his endearing nickname, “Chatty,” which he earned as a seventh grade student at St. Ignatius of Loyola School in Marthasville. 

As he remembers it, he and some friends were talking in the back of class and did not notice when they were called on by the teacher, prompting her to chastise him, telling ”’Chatty’ to quit his talking.”

For whatever reason, the nickname stuck and he has been “Chatty” ever since, so much so that Linda remarks there are many around town who do not even know his actual first name. 

Now that he is retired, “Chatty” leads a calmer lifestyle, enjoying the outdoors, greeting travelers as they pass through Treloar on the Katy Trail, and reading everything he can get his hands on, according to Linda.