The town of Elrose will say good bye to a long standing member of the volunteer fire department as deputy fire chief Bill McKillop steps down, with these parting words.

"I'd just like to wish Fire Chief Mark Torrance and the rest of the department good luck in the future. I'd like to thank the community of Elrose and the RM of Monet for the great support they've given our group over the years."

"I never really thought I'd be on it for 30 some years, but it was a good experience. It was a good way to serve the community and I worked with a lot of good guys on the department."

McKillop received many accolades over his thirty plus years. He's most proud of his Volunteer Service Medal award from the Lieutenant governor. He along with Rob Hopkins and Allen McDonald received this honour back in May. There was one structure fire that he can't forget, he elaborates. 

"The biggest one for fire was fighting the hotel fire back in the 90s. That was probably the biggest highlight for the career."

He's now going to spend more time with family, and mentioned that all firefighters gain the benefit of meeting new and interesting people, as well as working in a team atmosphere.