Putnam's Longest-Service Firefighter Retires After Decades of ServicePutnam's Longest-Service Firefighter Retires After Decades of Service

2/15/13 - After 43 continuous years with the department, Putnam Township’s most experienced firefighter is retiring. Gordon “Mac” McIlvain started with the Putnam Township Fire Department in February of 1970 as a firefighter. He rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief before becoming the department’s fire chief in the mid-90’s. He eventually gave up the chief’s position due to declining health, but has remained with the department as an engineer ever since. He formally retired yesterday. Fire Chief Greg Amburgey says the experience and knowledge of the longest-serving member of the department will be missed. McIlvain says he joined the fire department because he always wanted to help people who could not help themselves. Both his son and his daughter have become fire fighters in other departments. Putnam Fire Chief Greg Amburgey says the department will miss the knowledge and experience of its longest-serving firefighter. McIlvain says he plans to spend much of his retirement fishing. (TD)