A long-serving South Bend Fire Captain is hanging up his helmet.

The Department says veteran firefighter Joe Wagner has retired after 31 years of service.

WNDU reports that Wagner was sworn into the department on January 9 of 1991 and was steadily promoted over the years, reaching Captain in 2012. The firefighters at Station 8 say he’s been an asset to the department and always shared his vast knowledge of fire service.

He also served as an instructor in the department’s Training Bureau.