It was 1962, and Duane Ashenbrenner had just turned 21.
That was the minimum age to join the Shawano Fire Department, and he didn’t waste time signing on.
More than 60 years later, in late 2023, Ashenbrenner retired as deputy fire chief from the department.
“He is the kind of guy who, when they say they’ll take care of something, they take care of it,” said Fire Chief Shawn Borlace, who is going on eight years as chief. “His dedication to the department was unbelievable. It was a privilege and honor to work with him. He was a great mentor.”
Back in the early 1960s, Ashenbrenner connected with Doug and Mel Knope, who both served as fire chief in the ensuing years.
“I worked next door at Shamoco Ford,” he said. “I knew Doug and Mel Knope, and it all worked out really well.”