``I plan to stick around as long as I can, even if it means just answering phones at the fire hall in a wheelchair,'' he said.
Wetzler has been the volunteer chief for 17 years and has 24 total years of service.
``The time was right (to retire) and the decision was right,'' he said. ``I feel good about the move. Sometimes when people retire, you cut yourself off. This way, I'll still be with the fire department.''
The fire district's board of directors has decided to hire a full-time paid chief. Rex Weltikol, an assistant state fire marshal, will fill the job.
Wetzler works for SRT Communications, designing and planning cable and switching equipment. The New York City native came to Minot through the Air Force.
He said the January 2002 train derailment and chemical spill on the west edge of the city that killed one person and injured hundreds was his worst experience as chief.
``That took two years out of my life,'' he said.
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Information from: Minot Daily News
