Green Bay Metro Fire
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is celebrating two retiring captains who have each served the community for more than two and a half decades.
According to officials, Captain Dustin “DR” Ridings and Captain Chad “Shemp” Allen started at GBMFD 26 years ago, on the exact same day — April 1, 1999. The two men are now retiring just one day apart.
On Friday morning, Ridings wrapped up his GBMFD career that got its start when he was an EMT-Paramedic. Since then, he has risen to captain and also served as the captain of EMS training and on the Hazardous Materials Team, Urban Search and Rescue Team, RTAC and State EMS Board.
Ridings said he will most miss morning coffee talks, breakfast on the weekends and interacting with his fellow crew members. In his retirement, he’s looking forward to “focusing on his ministry as Pastor at his church, potentially becoming a Fire Department Chaplin in the area, making more time for hobbies, flying airplanes, fishing and spending time with his family and grandkids!”
Additionally, on Saturday morning, Allen walked out the fire station doors for the final time. He has been with GBMFD for 26 years, since he began as an EMT-Basic in 1999.
Allen said he will most miss the camaraderie with his brothers and sisters on the job. He’s looking forward to “sleeping through the night, spending time up north, building a cabin he has been putting off and most importantly, spending time with his family!”
Both Ridings and Allen worked at various stations throughout their careers, climbing the ranks from private to captain.
For information about applying to work at GBMFD, click here.
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