Brownwood firefighters, local officials and friends offered their best wishes in a Tuesday reception to outgoing Fire Chief Eddy Wood, who will begin working as division chief — the number two position — at the Saginaw Fire Department. Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston will serve as interim chief until a new chief is hired. Wood, who became Brownwood fire chief in April 2017, is from Azle and said the Saginaw job put hm closer to family. His last day on the job in Brownwood is Wednesday. “It’s been awesome,” Wood said of his Brownwood tenure. “It’s been a challenge but it’s been outstanding. It’s been very good for me.” Preston said the fire department is happy and proud for Wood. Preston drew laughter when he said, “by tradition, if you retire from the Brownwood Fire Department you get a mounted axe. He’s not retiring so he gets a knife.” Preston again drew laughter when he said, “we’ll always be here. Whether you are here or not, we will.”