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Riehm will be missed as Kendallville Fire Chief
By: Tim Murray - Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Kendallville Fire Chief Mike Riehm

KENDALLVILLE – As one career begins, another comes to an end.

Kendallville Fire Chief Mike Riehm is hanging up his helmet after 16 years as chief and 43 years with the department.

Mayor Suzanne Handshoe said Riehm’s decision shook her.

"Oh my gosh! I cried! I hate to admit that, but when he came in and told me the end of the year would be it for him and he had had enough...oh, huge boots to fill. I'm so grateful for his service and the way he has brought the department to a new level with equipment and training, and recently got our ISO rating to a 4. That's a huge accomplishment and we're so proud."

Riehm says the timing of his retirement is right.

"It's time to start a new chapter in my life. While I still have my health and still got some things I want to do that I didn't have the time to do before. I'm excited about that, and the accomplishments we've had over the years. It's just time for me to start another chapter and I'm looking forward to it."

Looking back on his career Riehm says it was filled with unexpected opportunities.

"Things I never dreamed of. Between the district concept, the district task force, I worked with the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, plus every now and then I worked the Indiana State Operations Center. So I've gotten to do a lot of things that I'm going to carry with me forever."

Jeremy McKinley will succeed Riehm as Kendallville Fire Chief.



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