(BUTLER) - Jimmie Eck has retired from the Butler/Wilmington Township Fire Territory, closing a chapter on a 33-year career marked by service, leadership and family legacy.
Eck joined the department as a reserve firefighter in 1992 and went on to serve three decades as a volunteer, many of those years in officer roles. He retires as division chief overseeing training.
During a recent recognition, Eck was congratulated by Mayor Mike Hartman for his years of dedication to the department and the community.
Fire service runs deep in Eck's family. He is the fourth generation to serve on Butler's department, following his father Jim, grandfather Roy Eck and great-grandfather Fred Eck. That tradition continues with his son, Josiah, who represents the fifth generation currently serving on the department.
A public retirement celebration is planned later this month to honor Eck. The event will be held Jan. 24 at the Butler American Legion Post 202 and is open to the public, giving community members a chance to recognize Eck's long-standing commitment to the department and the Butler community.