Webb City Fire Department held a surprise retirement party Thursday for Battalion Chief Mark Metsker.

Metsker began his first-responder career as an emergency medical technician. In fact, he was working as an EMT for the Joplin Police Department prior to being hired by WCFD. That was when JPD was operating the ambulance service in Joplin and WCFD firefighters were also EMTs.

Metsker recalled being asked three times by then Fire Chief Joe Fort to come work at Webb City. The reason the third time was the charm, he said, is that “I didn’t think he’d ask again.”

So began Metsker’s 41-years of service with Webb City. He’s worked for several fire chiefs, including the current chief, Andrew Roughton.

He has been in a leadership role since 1984 when he was promoted to captain. The name of that position has since been changed to battalion chief.

“I’ve worked with a lot of good guys,” said Metsker. “It’s been a pretty good job and a good city to work for.”