By Danny Davis
Conway Springs Star Argosy – October 3, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – October 22, 2013
Don Thompson, former assistant chief of the volunteer fire department, retired after 40 years of service. The department and city held a retirement ceremony.
At age 68, Thompson has seen many memorable fires and events during his time at the department. The one that springs to mind first is the elevator fire.
“The biggest fire we had was over the Christmas and New Year holidays,” Thompson said. “The elevator full of milo caught on fire.”
Thompson joined his dad, uncle, and brother on the staff when he volunteered in 1973. His brother became Fire Chief before he passed away, Thompson said.
A lot has changed over the years at the department.
“We do a lot more training than we used to because of the requirements,” he said. “We also have more mutual aid than we used to have. We help Viola and other departments in the county.”
Thompson said the department has never lost a firefighter, something he said the department is proud of.
In his retirement, Thompson plans to stay active with riding his motorcycle and doing work around his house. He also continues to build items to sell for the fire department fundraiser.
“I’ve got plenty to do, I think,” he said.
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