Gale Blomenkamp retires from Boone County Fire Protection District

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

After 35 years, Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp has retired.

A retirement letter that was sent to ABC 17 News by Blomenkamp says his last day with BCFPD was Wednesday.

He began his 35-year career as a volunteer firefighter in Brush, Colorado, before serving in Castle Rock, Colorado. He spent the last 23 years of his career with Boone County and Missouri Task Force 1.

“Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Blomenkamp wrote in the statement. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated and professional firefighters, officers, staff members, and community partners imaginable. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated successes, and made a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Blomenkamp wrote that recent complications following a hip replacement played a role in his decision to retire.

“As I begin this new chapter, I leave with immense pride in the Boone County Fire Protection District and confidence in the dedicated men and women who will continue carrying the mission forward,” he wrote.