Petersburg Monday night honored a retired fire chief with just over half a century with the local volunteer fire department.
Doug Welde retired March 6. He joined the department February 6th, 1969 after returning to Petersburg following service in the Air Force. He served as assistant chief and chief, emergency medical technician and worked for the city of Petersburg as fire marshal for over 22 years.
Mayor Mark Jensen read a proclamation of appreciation at Monday’s borough assembly meeting.
“Chief Doug was instrumental in helping lead the volunteer fire department from a single purpose department to a fully integrated department that saves lives, not only from fire emergencies but also medical and search and rescue emergencies,” Jensen read.
Welde followed in his father’s footsteps. Kenneth Welde was a long-time member of the department and chief. Son Ryan is Petersburg’s fire marshal, one of two paying jobs in the local department.