Today the Kenai Fire Department celebrated Fire Chief Mike Tilly’s 23 year career at the station.
When we asked him what he’s looking forward to most after retirement, Tilly said…
Tilly: “Well, for 23 years I’ve slept with a pager clipped to my headboard and I’ve listened to the guys run every night and it’ll be kind of nice to be able to shut it off and get a full night sleep without getting woke up. I’m kind of looking forward to that.”
He also said that he will always worry about the people he has worked and lived with for the past 23 years, however he knows that they will continue to work hard and safe.
Tilly’s celebration was a full house, held in the Kenai Fire Department. He was presented with multiple achievements and awards, one from the City of Kenai thanking him for his service.
Among some who attended were Retired Seward Fire Chief David Squires, Central Emergency Services Chief Chris Mokracek, and James Baisden with the Nikiski Fire Department, who all commented on being able to work with Chief Tilly and his celebration.
Squires: ” Well what I hope is that they are going to make a great honor of him, then tease him a bit, and then hose him down.”
Mokracek: “Just been a great working relationship and he’s just been a real good example over here as far as a leader. We’ve just appreciated the time working together.”
Baisden: “So the goal is to have a fun time with him and make sure that he realizes how appreciated he’s been.”
Tilly will officially retire on Friday.
