After 16 years of service, Winona Lake Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Bell has retired.

At the Jan. 20 Winona Lake Town Council meeting, town officials, members of the community and fellow fire fighters gathered to honor Bell. Town Coordinator Craig Allebach read the following speech:

“This evening we are here to recognize Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Bell. Kevin began his career with the Winona Lake Fire Department in 1999.

During Kevin’s career as a Winona Lake Firefighter he has been one of the most dedicated firefighters on the department. He has proven to be an excellent leader, always willing to lend a hand or help teach the new guys how to be a fire fighter.

Kevin has been a part of everything from budgets to training. Through his efforts over the year the Winona Lake Fire Department has received over $500,000 in grant money and a Gator for use on the trails. Kevin also wrote a grant so all fire departments in the county could receive a thermal imaging camera.

Kevin has not only won the Winona Lake Fire Department’s Fireman of the Year and Service Award, but also the Kosciusko County Fireman’s Association’s Service Award, which is a huge honor.

Kevin recently retired from the Winona Lake Fire Department in December 2014. The Winona Lake Town Council, on behalf of the residents of Winona Lake want to congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for your many dedicated hours in service to the town of Winona Lake as a Winona Lake fireman. You will be greatly missed.”

Kevin was presented with a plaque by Winona Lake Town Council President Randy Swanson. Upon receiving the plaque, Bell was met with a standing ovation.