Tim Hood will retire as Warsaw's fire captain after 21 years of service with the fire department.
Hood's resignation was announced during the Feb. 2 Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
Hood's resignation is effective Feb. 21.
"I will miss meeting new people and the good working relationships I have developed with our department and other departments," Hood said.
A 1968 Warsaw Community High School graduate, Hood, Winona Lake, served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1974 on the firefighting flight crew as an electrician where he repaired generators on ships.
Hood began his firefighting career as a volunteer fire firefighter with the Winona Lake Volunteer Fire Department in 1974, and continued in the position until 1986.
Hood joined the Warsaw Fire Department in 1986, first serving as a ladder truck driver, and was promoted to a firefighter in 1987.
In 2001 he began serving as the department's fire lieutenant, and was promoted to fire captain in March 2004.
His duties as fire captain included preparing firefighters to fight fires and making sure the department has the resources it needs to fight fires.
Hood said there have been changes in equipment at the department over the years. He said the department previously had plastic helmets and plastic coats, but the department has upgraded its equipment over the years to meet Occupation Safety and Health Standards.
The department now has coats with thermal barriers, a moisture barrier to keep water out and self-contained breathing apparatus equipment to help firefighters breath during fires.
He said one of his favorite memories is the department educating school children about fire prevention during Fire Prevention Week in October.
"I like to teach children about fire safety because there is nothing like seeing a smile on a child's face," Hood said.
He said he looks forward to spending time with his four sons who live in Winona Lake, wife Catherine and grandchildren.
He said he will continue to serve as a part-time Heating and Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigerator Cooling employee at Grace College.
Warsaw Fire Chief Mike Rice said Hood will be missed.
"Tim has contributed a steadfastness to the department and formed a bond with the current firefighters and those who have retired," Rice said.
Jennifer Whitaker, human resources director, said six candidates have been interviewed and the department hopes to make a recommendation to the Board of Works at its Feb. 16 meeting.
