Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory firefighter Fred Parrett retired Monday, Jan. 30, after 24 years, with a party being held for him then at WWFT Station 3. From left: Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer; Parrett; and his daughters Nikole Parrett and Victoria Parrett and wife Kim Parrett. The clock Parrett is holding was made for him by former WWFT firefighter Jon Swoverland. InkFreeNews photos by Leah Sander.
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Moving to the Warsaw area, Fred Parrett wanted to help his new community.
“I was actually looking into being with the (Kosciusko County) Sheriff’s Department or the … fire department,” he said. “The … fire department won.”
That led to 24 years with Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, with Parrett’s last day being Monday, Jan. 30. A retirement party was held for him then at WWFT Station 3.
At the party were Parrett’s wife Kim and daughters Victoria and Nikole as well as local officials and his colleagues.
Parrett spent about three and a half years as a volunteer fireman with WWFT, before becoming full time.
“There’s a thing called 24 hours when you first get on, you’ve got to do 24-hour training, just basic training and after that was done I (decided) this (was) my career,” he said.
With some health issues, Parrett made the decision to leave firefighting. He will work full time in maintenance at Grossnickle Eye Center, where he’s already been part time.
Parrett said he will miss “helping the community” the most or “helping save people in their worst times.”
“Anytime we go out, somebody’s having a bad day and it’s our job to make it better. I’ll miss that,” he said.
He also added that he would “miss sitting around the table and chitchatting with the guys.”
Parrett said he would tell others considering becoming firefighters that “it’s good career if you want to help people.”
“He’ll be missed,” commented WWFT Battalion Chief Brooks Huffer regarding Parrett. “He’s a good firefighter and a good guy. He’s saved a lot of lives and he’s done very well for himself.”
“It’s just always difficult to let go of guys that have given 20 years to the city,” said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. “Fred’s done a great job.”
A look at Parrett’s cake.
