Brooks Huffer is retiring after 34 years as a Warsaw firefighter, including five spent as a battalion chief. A retirement party was held for him at Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Station 2 on Wednesday, Aug. 16. From left: Huffer’s son Cameron Huffer, Huffer’s wife Tena Huffer, Huffer and Huffer’s son Tyler Huffer. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Brooks Huffer followed in his father Max Huffer’s footsteps by becoming a Warsaw firefighter.

Brooks celebrated his retirement after 34 years with family, friends and co-workers on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

A party for him was held then at Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Station 2. Brooks, who’s been a battalion chief for five years, officially retires on Thursday, Aug. 17.

He started as a Warsaw volunteer fireman in 1989, before being hired on in 1998.

He said his father inspired him to be a fireman, with the elder Huffer being a Warsaw volunteer firefighter for 35 years. Brooks said he got to fight a few fires alongside his father before Max retired from the department.

Brooks said he will miss “the camaraderie with the guys.”

“I’ll miss the exciting calls,” he said, adding those have allowed him to test his problem-solving skills. Brooks added he won’t miss some of the EMS calls.

“I’ve very proud of this department,” he said. “I would put my guys up against anybody in the state … The community should be very proud of this department.”

At the party was Warsaw City Councilman Jeff Grose.

He mentioned his family had been close with the Huffer family even before he and Brooks were born.

“I’m so happy and thankful for everything he’s done,” said Grose.

He praised Brooks’ “commitment to community with the city of Warsaw’s fire department, then the territory” as well as “his leadership and just being an example.”

“It’s just neat I can’t even find a parking spot to get into (the party), so that says a lot about him,” said Grose.

WWFT Chief Brian Mayo said Brooks has been “amazing” with the department.

“His time here has been invaluable for sure,” he said. “He’s leaving a good mark on the department.”

Mayo said Brooks as well as Battalion Chief Mike Brubaker, who’s also retiring soon, have been helping in training their replacements, who are Nate Iden and Shade Keeney respectively.

“Do I want to see them retire? No … but I love the fact that they’ve reached that pinnacle of their career,” said Mayo.

A retirement party for Brubaker is 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at WWFT Station 2, 2204 E. Center St.