BROOKPORT, Ill. -- The fire chief in Brookport hung up his gear for the last time after five decades with the same fire department.
Newly retired and now former Brookport Fire Chief Bill Copley signed off on September 18th with the fire department after serving his community for 50 years.
He first signed on as a cadet in 1973 and then later became fire chief and served 45 years in that role.
"Thank you for your service and dedication to the department and to our community," the Brookport Fire Department said in a post on Facebook.
In place of Mr. Copley, the Brookport Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Wooten has become the Brookport Interim Fire Chief.Â
"Wooten is a full time paramedic and has been serving our community on the fire department since February 2008," the Facebook post said. "Wooten has played a pivotal role in shaping the departments operations. His long- standing commitment to Brookport, coupled with his leadership and expertise, make him the ideal choice for the role."
"Please help us in wishing a happy retirement to Bill Copley and Congratulating Joseph Wooten in his new role," the fire department also said in the post.
