Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department Logo - Photo by the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – For thirty-four years, Todd Eckes has devoted many hours to aiding people in his community when needed.
When the sirens went out, Eckes was prepared as the fire chief for Wisconsin Rapids, whether it was a house fire, an accident, or anything else.
Now, though, it’s time to slow down a little. In preparation for the arrival of his fourth grandchild, Eckes is prepared to trade in his fire gear for a grandfather’s pajamas.
“Spend time with family that I never really, they weren’t really the necessity at the time,” Eckes stated. “When the pager goes out you run out the door, and at that point sometimes you leave the family at crucial times, so now we’re going to focus on making sure I’m there for all that.”
“If it’s somebody outside the organization that’s one of the reasons why I gave my resignation in October, early in October, is so, they had time to identify that person. Then I could help to make a smooth transition so that there aren’t bumps in the road and they just keep moving forward from the day I walk out,” Eckes continued.
When the new year begins, Chief Eckes intends to start renovating his hunting cabin and enjoying retirement.
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