The Fire Department of Westfield recently held a celebration marking Ed Kneer’s 50 years of service to the Fire Department and the community of Westfield. Kneer joined the Westfield Fire Department on July 1, 1968. Kneer is a Past Fire Chief of the department (1995-1997), and has held a number of leadership positions including Captain and Lieutenant of the Hook & Ladder Company, First Assistant Chief, and Second Assistant Chief. Kneer is currently a member of the First Aid squad, and has served on every committee within the department. Kneer and his wife Ann, who have been married for 52 years, have three children and eight grandchildren. Two of those grandchildren currently serve on the department. Kneer received a number of gifts during the event, and pictured with Kneer are members of the department who made presentations (from left): Bill Bills, Hook & Ladder President and Past Chief; Christopher Chasse, Hook & Ladder Captain; Josh Belcher, Cascade Hose Company Captain; Ed Kneer, 50-year member of the Fire Department of Westfield and Past Chief; David Walker, Citizen Hose Company Captain; Herb Johnson, Citizen Hose Company President; and Lyle Holland, Hook & Ladder Company Vice President and Past Chief.