CAPTION: Chillicothe Fire Department honored Les McMahan, center, for his 23 years of service. He is pictured with Capt. Les Hinnen, City Administrator Ike Holland, Councilman Tom Douglas, Chief Darrell Wright, Mayor Chuck Haney, Asst. Chief Kevin Hoskins, Councilman Reed Dupy.

CT Photo / Brittany Tutt

Les McMahan, EMT/firefighter for the Chillicothe Fire Department, is retiring from the fire department after 23 years. He served two years as a paid by call firefighter and the remaining 21 years as an EMT/firefighter. Les began working for the fire department in 1992 on his daughter's first birthday.

At the McMahan retirement reception Wednesday afternoon at the fire station, Mayor Chuck Haney presented McMahan with a plaque on behalf of the City of Chillicothe, the Chillicothe Fire Department, and the community that he has proudly served. The plaque read, "In recognition for his 23 years of dedicated service to the Chillicothe Fire Department and the citizens and community of Chillicothe. Les has contributed to saving countless lives, reducing property loss by fire, rescuing, and changing the lives of so many." McMahan was also presented with an axe from the President of the Fire Fighters Union Donnie Rogers, on behalf of the union, and his fire fighter hat was presented to him by Fire Chief Darrell Wright on behalf of the fire department.

After items were presented, Les said a few words. He informed everyone that he didn't seek out other employment, but he was approached by another company, Marmic Fire and Safety. Marmic had been talking to him for a few years. McMahan said after a motorcycle accident three years ago, his back isn't the same, and it's "time to move on." "And, being 51 years old, it's time to slow down," McMahan said at the reception.

McMahan is starting his new job on April first. McMahan's daughter, Marie (21) just graduated from college, so McMahan said the timing felt right to move onto something new. McMahan also has a son, Timmy, who is 23.

"I want everyone to know I've really enjoyed my time here," McMahan announced at the reception. McMahan's favorite part of being an EMT firefighter was "dealing with the public and taking care of people." He also said he will miss "helping people in a time of distress."