It’s been a couple of hours now, probably not long enough for it to really sink in, but as of 3 p.m. today, Battalion Chief Doug Owen is officially retired. Central Fire Station on Dabney Drive was filled with a hundred or more family, colleagues and government officials Tuesday afternoon to wish Owen well as he begins a new chapter of his life.
“I’ve had the best years of my life right here,” Owen said during the ceremony. “I’ve really enjoyed my career.”
Amy Colbert and Fire Chief Tim Twisdale presented Owen with a fireman’s axe to say thank you for the 30-plus years Owen devoted to the fire service.
“Chief Owen has been an asset to our department for more than 20 years,” Twisdale told WIZS News after the ceremony, adding that he was always an effective leader and always brought a good work ethic to the job.
“He expects a lot out of his crew and encourages all of us to do our best” when headed out on calls.
For these reasons, and more, Owen has earned the respect of his peers within the local fire department and across other jurisdictions, Twisdale said.
Owen may be retiring from his full-time fire job, but he told WIZS News that he’s planning to stay part-time. “This is the best career anybody could have,” he reiterated.
“If you’re a fireman, you know that bond,” Owen said. “The brotherhood in the fire service is unreal – unbelievable,” he said. “It becomes a bond you can’t break.”
