Balliet retires from VW Fire Department

Van Wert Fire Dept. information

Van Wert Fire Chief James M. Steele recently announced the retirement of Firefighter/Paramedic Gerald C. “Junior” Balliet Jr. from the Van Wert Fire Department.

Firefighter Balliet was hired on September 5, 1989, and was at the time, and remains today a volunteer firefighter for the Convoy Fire Department.

Balliet is a certified Firefighter 2, paramedic, and a fire safety inspector. He was also the water rescue/boat operator instructor for the department and maintained additional certifications as a hazardous materials technician and confined space rescuer.

Firefighter Balliet officially retired on January 2 with 25.3 years of service. A gathering was held at the Fire Department, where Balliet was presented with a gold watch from the department and a helmet award from the IAFF Local 681 honoring his time in service to the residents of Van Wert.

In attendance were family, friends, and current and retired firefighters from the department.