FRANKFORT, Ind. – Firefighter John Kirby has retired from the Frankfort Fire Department. The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety accepted his retirement at its September 12th meeting. Kirby’s official retirement date of September 7th marked the end of 24-years of community service as a firefighter with 10 of those years served as Fire Chief under both Mayor Chris McBarnes and Mayor Judy Sheets. He began his firefighter career during Mayor Harold Woodruff’s administration.
“I am excited for the next chapter of life,” said Kirby when reached to discuss his retirement. “I will miss my fellow firefighters – we are a big family.”
When asked what he will miss most as a firefighter, Kirby replied, “I will miss serving the citizens of Frankfort as a firefighter.”
Retirement as a firefighter does not signal the end of community service. Kirby shared his involvement in youth basketball and program development.
“I was recently asked by the new Frankfort Hot Dog varsity basketball coach Dave McCullough to be the junior Hot Dog basketball coordinator,” explained Kirby. “I will also coach the 8th grade boys basketball teams alongside Brian Ewing.”
Kirby described the junior Hot Dog basketball program as a youth basketball development program.
In a press release issued by the city of Frankfort today (September 16), Mayor Sheets thanked Kirby for his service and dedication.
“Thank you John for your years of service and dedication to the residents and to the Fire Department. We (Frankfort) know you will miss the firefighter duties and serving the City of Frankfort, but we know you will enjoy spending this time with your family. I want to wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
Recently, Kirby announced his intention to run as a Republican for mayor of Frankfort in the May 2023 Republican primary.
