Community honors retiring Green Bay Metro Fire Department chief

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Green Bay Metro Fire Chief David Litton is officially hanging up his helmet after serving a decade with the department.

“A lot of tears this week. Tears of joy. Not tears of sadness or sorrow,” Chief Litton explained.

He’s not just leaving Green Bay... he’s leaving the firefighting profession after four decades.

“He’s worked for two different mayors, three different village administrators… and thirty different council members,” President of the Green Bay Police & Fire Commission Rod Goldhahn said.

The ceremony began with a presentation of colors and drumline, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and speeches from people close to Litton.

He beat out 38 other candidates for the position back in 2013. Now, he’s being honored for his devotion to the community.

“I’m sure that some of your best memories are on the floor, in the fire houses with the men and women in the fire service. There’s so much that you can look back on and be proud of,” Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich said.

Public Information Officer Lt. Shauna Walesh issuing a statement on his accomplishments:

Litton is heading south to his retirement home in Tennessee showered with plaques to hang on his walls. That includes a Firefighters Lifetime Achievement Award, plus proclamations from the State of Wisconsin Governor and from the City of Green Bay.

“You never know, when you’re in this position, what people think of you, ‘cause you don’t go around asking,” Litton said. “To come to this and see people that I absolutely admire and respect come out and show up for me and say nice things about me was really really gratifying.”

Chief Litton said he’s only leaving with one regret... not rebuilding fire stations one and three.

“We understand the fiscal realities of things but I also know when its time to get it done, it’s time to get it done... I’ll certainly be around if you don’t do it. I might fly back just because of that.”

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