2008 Woodie Awards
Oxford fire chief to retire in May
City will say goodbye to Len Endress after 38 years of service
Margaret Watters
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Community
"With the rubber, it would start to burn the back of your neck when you were in for too long," Endress said. "Now, they go too long in a fire because they don't know when they should leave ... they end up being too tired."
Endress explained that the number of fires has decreased over the years because of smoke detectors but the number of fire calls has skyrocketed. His first year at the station had 40 fire calls. Last year, Endress said, they had 330. The numbers are a result of smaller incidents but leave Endress with a lot more paperwork.
Despite the paperwork, Endress is still able to go on fire calls, a rarity for a fire chief. Endress enjoys the hands on work and is thankful for his staff that has helped him through his long and successful career.
"You're only as successful as your people." Endress said.
Endress said the station's relocation in 1983 is one of his greatest accomplishments as fire chief. Before the move, the department was sharing a building with the police. Endress approached city council and oversaw the building of the new fire station on East Spring Street.
Despite the changes in location and equipment, according to friend and fellow firefighter Harry Davis, Endress hasn't changed at all.
"He seems just to keep his calm, keep things under control," Davis said. "He doesn't get too excited. He just handles situations and whatever comes up."
Endress juggles work and family life and loves spending time with his daughter, wife and four grandchildren.
"He really loves his grandkids and does a lot with them," Davis said. "I know the one grandson we would take to the Miami ball games while we worked them."
In his spare time, Endress helps to transport dogs across the Midwest to shelters to avoid having them euthanized. According to Endress, there is a major demand for adoptable dogs on the East coast and many Midwestern dogs need to be transported.
"I've transported everything from a chihuahua to a great pyrenees," Endress said.
Endress hopes to continue transporting dogs through his retirement.
He said he will leave his long career with mixed emotions.
"You know, I will miss it," Endress said. "But I've had my time and it's time to get someone in her with new, fresh ideas."
The stations search for Endress's replacement has attracted six applicants thus far, although the applications are still being accepted until the end of the month.
Endress explained that the number of fires has decreased over the years because of smoke detectors but the number of fire calls has skyrocketed. His first year at the station had 40 fire calls. Last year, Endress said, they had 330. The numbers are a result of smaller incidents but leave Endress with a lot more paperwork.
Despite the paperwork, Endress is still able to go on fire calls, a rarity for a fire chief. Endress enjoys the hands on work and is thankful for his staff that has helped him through his long and successful career.
"You're only as successful as your people." Endress said.
Endress said the station's relocation in 1983 is one of his greatest accomplishments as fire chief. Before the move, the department was sharing a building with the police. Endress approached city council and oversaw the building of the new fire station on East Spring Street.
Despite the changes in location and equipment, according to friend and fellow firefighter Harry Davis, Endress hasn't changed at all.
"He seems just to keep his calm, keep things under control," Davis said. "He doesn't get too excited. He just handles situations and whatever comes up."
Endress juggles work and family life and loves spending time with his daughter, wife and four grandchildren.
"He really loves his grandkids and does a lot with them," Davis said. "I know the one grandson we would take to the Miami ball games while we worked them."
In his spare time, Endress helps to transport dogs across the Midwest to shelters to avoid having them euthanized. According to Endress, there is a major demand for adoptable dogs on the East coast and many Midwestern dogs need to be transported.
"I've transported everything from a chihuahua to a great pyrenees," Endress said.
Endress hopes to continue transporting dogs through his retirement.
He said he will leave his long career with mixed emotions.
"You know, I will miss it," Endress said. "But I've had my time and it's time to get someone in her with new, fresh ideas."
The stations search for Endress's replacement has attracted six applicants thus far, although the applications are still being accepted until the end of the month.
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