Longtime Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia is retiring at the end of this year after 40 years working as an emergency responder.

Chief Chia started as a firefighter in 1985 with the Des Moines Fire Department. Over his 30 years in Des Moines, he worked his way up the ranks as lieutenant, captain, district chief, assistant fire chief and chief officer before becoming Indianola’s fire chief in May 2015.

Chief Chia tells KNIA News he plans on spending more time with his family including his four grandchildren, and it was a good time to retire as the department is in a good place and in good hands with Chief Hurt being named as his successor.

An open house and award ceremony will take place on December 30th from 2-6pm, with the award presentation at 4pm, with Chief Chia’s last call will be December 31st at 4pm. Hear from Chief Chia on today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.