(KIRKSVILLE) The Kirksville Fire Department just received word it's losing one very important man.
Effective July 2, 2004, Ron Stewart will step down from his position as fire chief, after 30 years with the Kirksville Fire Department. Firefighters say he'll leave big shoes to be filled.
"Ron, he's done a very hard job over the many years he's been here and I think he's probably done the best he could do. I just wish him the best of luck," said Kirksville Firefighter James Snyder.
Stewart began his career with the Kirksville Fire Department in 1974. Since taking over as Fire Chief in 1981, he has played a large role in changing the shape of the fire department. He's lead the rest of his staff in providing community services such as emergency preparedness, pre-fire planning and public safety education.
"Ron has been instrumental in getting a lot of those services started again. Being the leader of that department and encouraging other with in to find sources, find new programs to benefit the community," said Kirksville City Manager Mari Macomber.
Kirksville firefighters say they are shocked to hear the news that Stewart is headed into retirement. In fact they were first made aware of the announcement when KTVO asked for them for reaction.
"I would hope that our leaders with in the city, specifically our city council, would in the future have enough respect for the employees there going to affect, would come down and let them now so were not hearing it from the news media," said Snyder.
