Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory saw off one of its veterans Wednesday, as Battalion Chief Ed Kipker retired after 35 years of service.
Kipker started with Warsaw Fire Department March 1, 1981, and worked as a full time employee since then. Kipker plans on spending some of his retirement time working on his farm.
Kipker said the things he will miss the most about WFD is the brotherhood and the education possibilities.
“Memories of the brotherhood made this the best job in the world,” he said. Working 24-hour shifts with people reinforces the family-like connection, he added.
Kipker also loved being involved with local children. He often hosted tours of the firehouse and visited schools to teach about fire safety. He hopes WFD remains instrumental in public education.
His retirement party ran from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, where Kipker was visited by numerous coworkers, friends and family.
