Madison’s fire chief hung up his helmet Friday as he retired after more than 32 years of service.
Chief Steven Davis was Madison’s eleventh career fire chief and said firefighting has been a true calling for him, according to a blog post by the City of Madison Fire Department.
“It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” Davis said. “Firetrucks are big and they’re loud and they’re stinky, but they’re also a symbol of peace, comfort, relief. When people see a fire engine pull up, they know things are going to be okay. There’s something very romantic about that.”
Chief Davis first started at Madison’s Fire Department on Aug. 21, 1989 as a firefighter on the city’s north side. He moved into several positions in his early career, including firefighter, training officer and his favorite- paramedic.