Deputy chief enjoys one last fire before retirement

By Erik Bilstad

CREATED Jun. 20, 2012

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MILWAUKEE - Wednesday will be a day to remember for Deputy Chief Randall Zingler.  Not only did he fight a 5-alarm fire, but he did it on his last day of work.  Zingler is retiring after 33 years with the department.

"It was a great day," Zingler said.  "I really enjoyed the experience of one last fire fight."

Zingler didn't know what to expect on his last full day at work, but he was ready for anything.

"It's a big city and a lot of things can go wrong," he said.  "Fires are always a possibility." 

Some retirees get cake and ice cream on their last day.  For Zingler, he got to taste one more 5-alarm blaze.

"I had some pictures taken," he said.  "I enjoyed every minute of it.  (Fires) are always challenging and fun to be a part of."