For both Bob Leonard and Mike LaVenture, the time to retire from their respective fire departments felt like the right move. Leonard, who served with the Dousman Fire Department for 45 years, retired as assistant chief in 2015. LaVenture, who served for 42 years, decided to step down from his position as a lieutenant at the Oconomowoc Fire Department a year later. As time went on, both missed the environment they had been a part of for so long. Then Leonard got an idea. After visiting Arizona in the winters, Leonard heard of retired firefighters who formed a volunteer unit within their local fire district. Leonard brought the idea to Western Lakes Fire District Chief Brad Bowen last May.