Westlake Fire Chief Jim Hughes celebrated his retirement Wednesday at Fire Station #1 surrounded by colleagues, family and friends.
Mayor Dennis M. Clough presented the outgoing chief with a Proclamation noting his 29 years with the City of Westlake. He became Fire Chief in December 2014. The Proclamation also detailed his previous experience as a firefighter and in the Air Force, where he received several decorations and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Hughes also has worked as a part-time police officer for Olmsted Falls.
In addition to a Proclamation from the Mayor, Hughes also was presented a commemorative plaque, a handwritten message for Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and a letter from the Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation recognizing his outstanding career.
With Hughes' retirement, Assistant Chief Mike Freeman becomes the Acting Fire Chief for the City of Westlake.
More photos from the retirement event will be available on the City of Westlake Government Facebook page.