Keating ends 25-year career with FSFD

John Keating, captain with the Fort Scott Fire Department, has retired from the department after 25 years of service. Keating’s last day on the job was Friday.

Jason E. Silvers

John Keating reported to the station for the final time Friday.

Keating has retired after a 25-year career with the Fort Scott Fire Department. He began his career in 1993 as a volunteer firefighter, eventually working his way through the ranks to captain, his most recent title.

“It’s bittersweet,” Keating said during a Thursday interview with the Tribune.

Keating started as a volunteer firefighter at the same time current Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bruner began his career with the department.

“We were in that original volunteer group,” Keating said. “The department just needed help.”

When asked why he wanted to become a firefighter, Keating said he had an initial reason, but it changed over the years as he grew into the job.

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