Battalion Chief Mark Lux completed his final shift on July 1 before retiring from the Noblesville Fire Department, serving Noblesville for 28 1/2 years, 18 1/2 of those as battalion chief of the A Crew.
“The retirement of Battalion Chief Mark Lux is, yet another, bittersweet moment for the members of the Noblesville Fire Department,” Noblesville Fire Chief Greg Wyant said. “Professionally we will feel the loss of his years of experience, wisdom and unique perspective. Personally, we are very happy for Mark and his family and wish them all the best in his retirement. He has certainly earned it.”
Lux said it was a family member that recommended he become a firefighter years ago.
“My brother is a firefighter in Carmel, and he had been on for a couple of years and suggested maybe I should consider it,” Lux said. “I hadn’t thought about it but applied here. They hired me, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
Lux said the growth of Noblesville has been the biggest change during his tenure.
“There were seven people on a shift when I was hired on, and now there are 40 of us. We had two stations, and now we have seven. We also provide more services than we did back then, like expanded EMS and paramedics and specialized teams like dive team, water rescue, tactical rescue teams,” Lux said. “Other than that, it’s the same. We show up at the same time, work 24 hours, go home the next day, and when the bell rings we go on runs. The bell rings more often now.”
Lux said the best part of his job is the camaraderie with the people he works with.
“You find yourself in unique circumstances that most people don’t ever find themselves in and you get the opportunity to help those people and you share that with these guys. They become family members,” he said. “It’s similar to being on a sports team. You feel like you’re a team and it takes a lot of work but it’s gratifying.”
For his immediate future, Lux and his wife, Kay, plan to take some time off and vacation.
“I’ve always worked in the insurance and financial business, even before I started here, and I am going to continue to do that,” Lux said. “So hopefully I’ll have more time to pursue hobbies and outdoor recreational pursuits.”
Wyant announced that Captain Adam Biddle will be promoted to battalion chief. Other merit-based promotions within the department are Lt. Murry Dixon to captain and senior firefighter Michael Latkowski to lieutenant. Promotions took effect July 6.
