Spencer, IA (KICD)– Members of the Spencer community gathered Monday evening for a send-off reception as the community’s fire chief enters into retirement.

John Conyn took the podium to give some parting words to a number of individuals and groups around Clay County and became a bit emotional when speaking to his fellow firefighters.

Mayor Steve Bomgaars also took some time during Monday’s regular City Council meeting to thank and praise Conyn for his contributions to the City of Spencer.

Conyn has been serving as Fire Chief in Spencer since 2016 which is just a small part of a career that spans more than four decades. His successor is expected to be announcement early next month.