Rolla Fire Department lost Capt. Michael Manley to retirement to golf, fishing and retirement on July 14. 
Manley joined the department in 1976, at the age of 18, and started out driving the truck.  In 1977, Manley attended a six-week fire school in Columbia, but said that, back then, you learned on the job.
“When I started, you got on the truck, took off and the older captains taught you what you needed to know,” Manley said.
Now, 32 years later, Manley said the equipment, training and even the calls have changed drastically.
“We fought a lot more structure fires, because they’re weren’t codes then,” Manley said.
Today the station receives 1,400 calls a year.  Firefighters are trained to handle hazardous materials and assist the ambulance on medical calls, in addition to putting out fires.
“Any given day is a different situation,” Manley said.
Firefighters work on a rotation schedule, 24 hours on, 48 hours off.  Working in such close quarters, Manley said the team becomes very close.
“All your firefighters are like a large family,” Manley said.
While looking forward to retirement, Manley said he will miss the job and the family he’s leaving behind.
Manley intends to spend his retirement golfing and fishing, but does not plan on buying that rocking chair just yet. 
“I’d like to find another job working part-time,” Manley said.
Among those he leaves behind is friend and colleague, Capt. Kevin Leonard.  Manley and Leonard attended school from kindergarten through 12th grade together before joining the Fire Department.  Leonard said Manley is a joy to work with, and after 32 years, he knows what he is doing. 
“We were family at the firehouse, and friends outside it,” Leonard said.  “ I wish him all the luck in the world.”
To the firefighters he leaves behind, Manley encouraged them to enjoy the job that most children grow up wanting.
“It’s one of the best jobs, and if you’re working it today, you’re living the dream,” Manley said.
Reflecting on his own dream job, Manly said he is satisfied.
“I truly loved my career,” Manley said.  “I was very lucky; I have no regrets.” 
The Rolla Fire Department celebrated Manley’s retirement with a Farewell Dinner held on Friday at the Rolla Lion’s Club.  Approximately 200 family, friends, and city officials attended.