Warsaw’s Rich Miotto retired in April 2017 from his job as Milford’s town marshal. Since then, he has found new and interesting ways to keep busy. (Photo by Keith Knepp)

WARSAW — In this world, there are many good people who are out there doing good things. Warsaw resident Rich Miotto is one of those people.

It’s been a year since Miotto retired from his post as Milford town marshal, a position he held for eight years. A Chicago native and a mechanic by trade, Miotto made a mid-life career change and entered law enforcement as an officer with the Milford Police Department in the early 1990s.

Don’t confuse retirement with indolence, however. During the last 12 months, Miotto has kept himself busy reacquainting himself with projects and “honey-do” items that escaped him when he was on the job.

Additionally, he has his eye on some new activities to keep himself busy, as well as a desire to put check marks next to some bucket list travel destinations, including famous and iconic American landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Alamo. From the comfort of their living room, Miotto and his wife, Debbie, shared some of their favorite vacation spots, including the Smoky Mountains. They also recalled stories about a quick and impromptu trip they took to Las Vegas.

Miotto currently is on the mend following spinal fusion surgery. His doctors gave him a six-week to three month recovery estimate, but as he nears the one month marker, he said he’s feeling pretty good. He pointed out the surgery is something he had been putting off, and he is grateful to finally have completed. “I’m getting around and moving slowly,” he noted. “It’s coming along.”

Along with his two sons, Miotto is planning to take up a new hobby later this year: beekeeping. “Bees are really fascinating,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of research and learned so much about them.”

They have purchased two hives and taken classes. Miotto pointed out the importance of bees in the food chain and some species have become threatened. “People rely on bees and don’t even realize it,” he said. “If you eat, you need bees.”

Miotto also has been busy as a member of the Kosciusko County Shrine Club, which he has been a part of for five years. As part of his responsibilities, Miotto has made numerous trips to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago, usually transporting young people for appointments. With the exception of one visit, the trips take place all in one day, with the appointments sometimes lasting less than an hour. He does not mind, however, as it is just another way to give back to others.

“I’ve had a good life and I’ve always believed in giving back,” he said.”I’m a people person. That’s one of the things I miss most about being a police officer. I miss the interaction with the good people, and even some of the bad ones. I’ve had a few people who I arrested who have contacted me and thanked me for helping them get back on course.”

Miotto recently finished restoring his ‘65 Impala. His next vehicle project is a ‘79 Chevy pickup truck, which he is looking forward to converting into a “Rat Rod,” an exaggerated version of a 1950s era hot rod.

He also would like to find a part-time job once he is fully recovered from his surgery. He and Debbie joked about the increased amount of time they’ve spent together in the past year. “We’re driving each other nuts,” he said.

Without missing a beat, Debbie countered, “There’s only so much we can say to each other in a day!”