Kaukauna’s fire chief plans to retire next month. Chief Paul Hirte says he’s had a successful career with the department for over 35 years. He says it’s time to move on to the next stage of his life. Hirte says one of the biggest changes during his time with the department was the new station. It opened in 2017. Hirte says they’ve also learned how to rescue people from water, trenches, and confined-spaces. He says they also expanded their coverage area to serve more of the Fox Valley. Hirte has been with the department for over 35 years. He became the chief in 2005. He plans to retire on February 15th.