News : Garrison Fire Chief Steve Meyer retires; members elect Jake Isbell new Chief

After 37 years with the Garrison Fire Department and 33 years as chief, Steve Meyer is retiring. The Garrison Fire Department members elected Jake Isbell to replace Meyer. In addition to his work with Garrison, Meyer also helped re-organize the Mount Auburn Fire Department, and spent several years as its chief, as well. During his tenure, he also helped oversee the rebuilding of the Emergency Services Building, which was destroyed in the July 11, 2011 wind storm. Meyer was also a leader in instructing other firefighters, as well an an author who helped guide departments. A 2004 article entitled "Keeping the Small Fire Department on Track and In Line," appeared in Firehouse Magazine, a publication for fire departments throughout the U.S. That article offered guidelines for setting up procedures for small town departments. Meyer also helped the Garrison and Vinton fire departments host two Iowa Firefighter's Association Conventions in Vinton. Meyer also helped train several local firefighters. After hearing of Meyer's retirement, the Vinton Fire Department honored him with the following post on its Facebook page: “If your action inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are a leader” John Quincy Adams Today the Fire Service celebrates the career of one of its finest in Chief Steve Meyer of Garrison Emergency Services. Chief Meyer is retiring today after serving as a firefighter for 37 years, 33 of which as Chief of Garrison Emergency Services (GFD). Steve joined GFD in October of 1981 before beginning the first of his 33 years as Fire Chief in December of 1985. Over his storied career, Chief Meyer also served as the Iowa Fire Chief Association president for six years and instructed for the National Fire Academy for 10 years. This last accomplishment is the one we are most proud of as several of our members were trained under Chief Meyer in Firefighter I and II certifications as use the skills and knowledge he instilled in them to better our department and protect our community. Thank you Chief Meyer for your service to Garrison Emergency Services, the Iowa Firefighters Association, Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau and to the world as a whole for the sacrifices you made, the time and effort you spent and the lessons taught. Enjoy retirement Chief, we've got it from here.