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SOUTHINGTON -- William D. Harshman Sr. remembers when he was in high school in Southington, the fire siren at the nearby station went off twice and he and other volunteers were allowed to leave school to go to a fire scene.
Harshman has many memories of his 54 years as a volunteer firefighter in the community and was recognized by township trustees and the community this week for his retirement.
Township trustees presented a resolution for outstanding community service and other items to Harshman recognizing his service, including going from firefighter to lieutenant, and for working to protect and serve the residents of Southington and the surrounding area.
Harshman received his fire badges, which were placed in a picture frame.
Resident George Kirk, a former trustee, said this will be the first time the fire department has not had a Harshman on the crew.
Harshman's father, William Charles Harshman, served for many years as a firefighter as did his mother, brother, sister and son, William D. Harshman Jr.
"I stayed for 54 years because I love doing this. I have so many good memories serving Southington as a firefighter. I always was proud to be able to help the public," he said.
Harshman owns Harshman and Sons Towing and gas station near the fire station so he could easily get there if he was needed.
He said in the fire department's earliest days, it was mostly fire calls, but now it is more ambulance calls.
Harshman said other changes over the years have included the department getting different equipment.
His official last day was Sept. 1, which was his birthday.
During his 54 years, Harshman has served for eight fire chiefs with the first being George Culp and the most recent being Scott Bower.
He said he always has worked out of the fire station across from his business.
Trustee Chairman Charles Hagman said Harshman deserves to be honored for dedicating all those years to serving the community.
"He has done such a great job serving for 54 years," he said.
Bower said, "54 years of serving a community is a lifetime achievement. You do not see that much."
Trustee Cindy Speaker added: "That is something you hardly ever hear of, someone dedicating 54 years to a job. He has given so much back to this community."
Harshman started serving at 15 while in high school and would leave when called with fellow students who also were volunteers.
He said he remembers once driving a fire vehicle to a fire -- and he did not have his driver's license.
"When we heard the second siren whistle, we knew it was a fire and they let us leave school," Harshman recalled.
Harshman said even though he was only 15, he was not afraid at the fire scenes.
The department is all-volunteer, but the township is seeking a continuous 7-mill levy in November to support paid firefighters.