After 29 and a half years of service to Lima, the fire chief gets ready for his next chapter. Andy Heffner signed off for the last time during a party filled with friends, family, and his fellow firefighters as he retires from the Lima Fire Department. It was a day of mixed emotions for Heffner, as he thanked many people in the room, especially the men and women that served with him.

A 25-year veteran at the Lima Fire Department now becomes the station's chief and is ready to take the helm. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith gave the oath of office to Deputy Chief Jack McDermitt, surrounded by his family, for the position of the City of Lima's fire chief. He started his career as a firefighter in 1999 and moved up the ranks. He says becoming chief wasn't a goal he set for himself, but learning from other leaders and Chief Andy Heffner, he was inspired to move toward leadership positions within the department, and he hopes to continue to take the department forward.

Lima City Council continues their discussions from April on potentially changing their hiring procedures for the city's Police and Fire Chief. The conversation of this possible change is occurring as both Chief Angel Cortes with the Lima Police Department and Chief Andy Heffner with the Lima Fire Department will be retiring later this year leaving both positions open. Currently, the Lima Police and Fire Departments only permit hiring of the next chief by conducting an internal search, but council is considering expanding that search to external candidates outside of each department. However, councilors present different stances on what should occur.

Should the City of Lima look outside the fire and police department when looking for their next chief? 

With the Ohio State Michigan game Saturday, people and local businesses are getting ready and stocking up on food.