From left, are Brian Thompson, Todd Lincoln, new incoming Fire Chief Rick Hurley, Chad Zellers, Assistant Chief Tommy Stutzman, Bob Haines, Jason Slone, Ed Burbank, Zac Wiesehan, Steve Keene and Jason Neher. Not pictured are Logan Brown, Joe Bencze and Drew Shilling. Photo provided by Stephanie Stutzman.

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Fire Chief Bob Haines has retired after 37 years of fire service.

Haines started his fire service career with Winona Lake Fire Department in 1982. In 1985, at the age of 23, he moved to Tippecanoe and became chief at Tippecanoe Fire Department until he moved to Etna Green Fire Department in 1995. He served as secretary, treasurer, captain and chief. In 2006, he then moved to Claypool and joined the fire department. In 2008, Haines took over as chief and remained chief until Dec. 1.

Haines is a certified emergency medical responder. His fire certifications include 1st and 2nd Class Firemen Instructor, 1st and 2nd Class Master Firefighter in Fire Investigation and Strategy and Tactics. During his Dec. 7 retirement party, Indiana Representative Dave Wolkins presented Haines a letter from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Holcomb said his personal thanks and gratitude for his 37 years of “stellar service and devotion of duty to Indiana Hoosiers” through his fire career.

Haines was presented a gold fire axe for years of service from Claypool Fire Department and was also made a lifetime Claypool Fire Department member.