The City of Fort Scott gave a come-and-go retirement party for retiring Fire Chief Paul Ballou on Jan. 3 at Buck Run Community Center.

Ballou started as a rural firefighter in May 1990 before coming to work for the City of Fort Scott’s Fire Department.

A luncheon, along with cake served the many well-wishers who came.

Displayed on a table as one entered the gym of Buck Run Community Center were photos of the fire department with Chief Ballou at the helm and a firefighters hat to hold cards for Ballou from the community.

In addition to fire chief, Ballou was also made assistant city manager last year by Dave Martin, Fort Scott’s City Manager. He oversaw the city’s dispatch division and occasionally helped the city’s code enforcement department, he said.

Dave Bruner was named the new Fort Scott Fire Department Chief and assumes duties on Jan. 6.