Chief Michael Marlo, walking through a line of salutes, entered the Lincoln County Firehouse for the last time as chief Friday morning.

More than 60 of his firehouse community, family and friends gathered to celebrate his next chapter: retirement.

It was 1975 when it all started. At a fire station in University City, Chief Marlo decided his career would be serving citizens. He began his 50-year tenure as a young volunteer firefighter.

“Capt. Blair, that is who my mentor was at University City,” said Chief Marlo. “He took me under his wings, taught me something every day when he didn’t have to, he is special to me.”

As a result, in 1977, Chief Marlo began his impressive tenure for the West Overland EMS and Fire Protection District, where he served a dual role as a firefighter/paramedic.

Chief Marlo went on to serve five years working for the Wentzville Fire Protection District.

Marlo impressively advanced in his five decades of service, including the rank of volunteer firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant/paramedic and captain/paramedic.

In addition, he has been the recipient of several awards and honors through his years of service.

He received the 2004 Silver Medalion of Valor for the dramatic rescue of an 11-year- old child from a fire and responded to hurricane Katrina in 2005.

A more publicized recognition took place in 2015. Marlo, working out of Wentzville, was the first chief officer on the scene that led to the rescue of a victim submerged in the icy water of Lake St. Louis. The movie “Breakthrough” is based on those events.

Shortly after, Chief Marlo was called upon for his experience to lead the Lincoln County Fire Protection District as Chief in 2020.

He dedicated those five years to enhancing fire services to accommodate Lincoln County’s growth. Marlo assisted with the passage of two tax proposals and assisted in the construction of two fire stations and doubling the number of paid staff.

“I appreciate the support of the citizens in voting for the needed expansions,” said Chief Marlo. “They are the reason that was possible.”

“Emergency response requires an all-team effort, everyone coming together as one, time is crucial,” said Chief Marlo. “From the first call made to dispatchers, then relaying that critical information to firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers, every step is important.”

During the ceremony, Missouri Representative Doyle Justus (R), presented Chief Marlo with an official house-approved resolution. Doyle expressed his upmost appreciation for Marlo’s five decades of service.

Chief Marlo takes pride in receiving various honors, but his proudest ranked accomplishment is his son, Capt. David Marlo, firefighter/paramedic for the Wentzville Fire Protection District.

“I am proud of David, he knew he wanted to be in this field as a teen,” said Chief Marlo. “He has done well, I helped guide him as his father, but he did that on his own, he is impressive.”

Capt. David Marlo gave a tearful speech honoring his father during the ceremony.

Chief Marlo spoke words of appreciation to his firehouse community. He then paused and turned his attention to his wife and partner of 52 years, Kathy.

“I could not have done this without your love and support, I love you,” said Marlo.

Concluding the celebration Friday, the station in utter silence, Chief Marlo stood next to his son, awaiting his last firehouse sign-off acknowledging his decades of service.

The next chapter for Chief Marlo is his two grandchildren. He is wasting no time. He and one of his grandsons entered a fishing tournament at the Lake of the Ozarks this past weekend.

“They will keep me very busy,” said Marlo.

Lincoln County Fire Protection District announced the new Fire Chief, Curtis Vangaasbeek in August. He was sworn in Sept. 24.

“I trust him,” said Chief Marlo. “The Lincoln County Fire Protection District has a strong mission statement and foundation. The key elements are there; he will be able to build on that and take it to a new level.”