Local Firefighter Celebrates 50 Years

After 50 years as a firefighter, Walter Woodruff, or “Woody” as his fellow firefighters call him, is still active on the job.

Wayne Township Fire Chief Donald Alexander has worked with woodruff for more than 25 years. He says he continues to be integral to the force.

“He’s not retiring,” said Alexander. “He still comes down and runs the radio. He works every fundraising event we have. He cleans the building and makes car show awards. We don’t expect him to go on fire runs anymore, but he likes to be here and participate.”

Woodruff says he’s seen many changes throughout his 50 years at the station.

“I’ve seen so many changes,” said Woodruff. “Like at one time we had a station wagon and when you would have a run, you would get as many people in that as you could. There was no room on the fire truck, but for a couple people. We would hang on the back, three or four.”

Woodruff says he wouldn’t trade his time with the force for anything else.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “A lot of memories. A lot of people have come and gone and passed on, but that’s life.”

Woodruff continues volunteering his time. Instead of going on runs though, he stays around the station and manages the radio and helps with maintenance work.