LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) -Â Lima Fire Department inspector Warren Pughsley was honored for his contributions to the community at Safety City's summer graduation.
The graduation was the final one for the summer academy, and celebrated the kids learning how to stay safe during different emergencies.Â
Inspector Pughsley was honored with a plaque for his dedication to teaching kids about fire safety for the past 26 years.Â
Safety City officers said Pughsley brought a special energy to working with the kids.
"He's so good with the kids and how he talks with them and gets them going, and then when you get him in that house with them, (you hear) the stories he tells them. You know, it's important he gets that point across, but the way he just connects is absolutely amazing. There's nobody better to learn from," said Safety City officer Eric Mericle.
Inspector Pughsley was honored with a plaque for his dedication to teaching kids about fire safety for the past 26 years.Â
Inspector Pughsley said the most rewarding part of the past 26 years with safety city has been seeing his former students grow up, and that becoming a grandparent changed how he saw them.
"When I first started, I was just about to turn 30 years old. I wasn't a grandparent, I just didn't see things the same. I used to train them like they were my kids. Now, I'm looking at them like they're my grandkids. It's rewarding for me, but I feel like they know that it's a genuine value that I have for them when I do something like that," Pughsley said.
Officers say Pughsley will be difficult to replace after his retirement.
