NAVARRE, Ohio — The equipment has changed significantly since Bill Whitmore signed up for the volunteer fire department in 1964, at the age of 18.
Sixty-eight years later, what hasn’t changed is his dedication to the job.
“Somebody has to do it, you know?” he told Fox8 News. “We have a hard time getting people; there is a lot to it. The training and that, that the state requires.
After 30 years of service with the fire department, he became a certified EMT, and continues responding at the age of 89. His experience is priceless.
“Any time I have a question or need some advice on something, I go to him because he’s been there, done that,” co-worker Michelle Williams told Fox.
“He’s an inspiration,” said e’s aBill Toulson, Navarre Fire Department assistant chief. “An inspiration to myself, our chief, everyone in the village.”
Navarre’s wife, Doris, said she’s extremely proud of how long and how active her husband has been.
“He does things he shouldn’t do, and I try to get him not to do it, but that doesn’t stop him,” she said.
And he doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“I think I’m going to renew at least one more time,” Whitmore said. “I’d be close to 90 then, I guess.”