The City of Alpena will be losing a dedicated public servant when Fire Chief Bill Forbush steps down December 15.
Forbush took over the top spot at the fire department when he and his family moved to the area from Garden City in 2010.
One of his many accomplishments as fire chief was to rebuild the Presque Isle Township Fire Department, where he is also chief. Forbush plans to keep that position when he retires from the city for at least the next 3-5 years.
His decision to retire was fueled by a desire to step down while he is still in good health to travel and to reconnect with family, including two of this three children who live in the State of Washington.
Forbush says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the city. “It’s a wonderful community and I just love the people,” he said. “And I could not be prouder of my firefighters/paramedics who serve the community very well and with a “can do” attitude. It’s an honor to work alongside them.”
One of those firefighters/paramedics he is proud of, Deputy Chief and Training Officer Rob Edmonds was recently selected as Forbush’s replacement. Edmonds says he is honored to become Chief of the department. He was born and raised in the Alpena area and has been with the department since 1996.
PHOTO: Rob Edmonds, City of Alpena Deputy Fire Chief and Training Officer
