Feel Good Friday: The Bowling Green Fire Department celebrates four retirees

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Four members of the Bowling Green Fire Department were honored at a retirement ceremony on Thursday evening at Fire Station 5.

Captain Brian Chambers, administrative assistant Buffy Watt, Assistant Chief Shannon Pardue and Captain Michael Cornwell were celebrated for their combined 96 years of service.

“The two goals that we have for each addition to the family is that they get to a retirement age and time in their life, both happy and healthy, and these four have done that,” said Bowling Green Fire Chief Justin Brooks. “Tonight is the celebration where the family gathers to celebrate that both goals were met.”

Each of the four firefighters said they are leaving behind a lifetime of stories, memories and a family.

“It’s kind of a bittersweet feeling. It’s bitter that I’m leaving a big family here at work that I’ve come to appreciate over the last several years,” said retiring Captain Michael Cornwell. “It’s also a little sweet that I’m gonna get to spend some more time with my family.”

The retirees said they will cherish their memories with their fire department family.

“The memories, the stories, spending time together, laughing, crying and just being a family. That’s what we are, a big family and that’s what I’m gonna take with me,” said retiring Assistant Chief Shannon Pardue.

As they transition out of their roles, the group offered words of advice for the next generation of firefighters.

“Take care of each other. Anybody can be a leader, from the back of the truck or the front of the truck. It doesn’t matter. You can be a leader from wherever you are,” Chambers said. “It’s just how you carry yourself and how you care.”