Sgt. Bill Beyerle, Sgt. Paul Darst and Sgt. Bill Ridley had 75 years of fire service experience between them. Sgt. Beyerle served the longest, having started as a volunteer on November 29, 1972. He and Sgt. Darst were among the first full-time firefighters hired by JFPD on November 1, 1999. Sgt. Darst began as a volunteer April 8, 1996. Sgt. Ridley began volunteering on June 19, 1991. He became a full-time firefighter on January 3, 1994.
For their years of dedication and service to our community, Chief Sean Dreisbach, Ltc. Tom Darst and Major James Sebastian presented the honorees with shadow boxes displaying their helmet shields, badges and service pins. Respective family members then presented the guests of honor with the fire helmets they worn while making emergency runs. JFPD also presented each of the three sergeants with the traditional golden axe, which included a plaque stating their years of service.
Thank you Sergeants Beyerle, Darst and Ridley for your combined 75 years of service!