Tracking tornadoes: Mendon fire chief to pursue storm chasing in retirement

MENDON — After 35 years of chasing fires, Mendon Fire Chief William Kessler will soon be chasing storms.

Kessler, who is also Blackstone's fire chief, announced he will be retiring Dec. 22 after five years as chief in Mendon. Deputy Chief Jason Bangma, who was made a full time deputy after serving as a call deputy, will replace him as Mendon chief.

"I've hit my maximum retirement percentage for my pension in October, and by some quick calculations, the longer you stay after you hit the maximum percentage, your pension goes down," said Kessler, 62. "Another part of it is I've seen some people my age getting sick and dying — and you know what? I want to enjoy some of my life while I still can."

While many fire chiefs talk about fishing, golfing or spending time with family when they retire, Kessler said he has other plans — storm chasing.

"I have a hobby of chasing storms," he said. "I went on my first trip in 2005 and now I'm a driver guide for a company that does storm chasing."

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In the past few years, Kessler has spent several vacations as a storm chasing guide in the Plains region, taking people all over to try to get a view of a tornado. Next year, he will be doing even more of that.

"I signed up to lead almost every tour," he said.

After retirement, he will hunt tornadoes

Tour locations change based on storm season. In May and June, tours will be based in Oklahoma City, but they could lead to places like Nebraska or South Dakota. Later in the year, tours will originate out of Denver.

During the middle of the tours, he's going to take a couple of weeks off and take a motorcycle ride on his three-wheeled bike with his wife and tour the Rockies.

Although some people may see retiring to chase storms as a big departure from firefighting, Kessler said it really isn't.

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"If I like storm chasing, you know I'm an adrenaline junkie," he said. "Firefighting is one of those things where, once I did it once, I said 'Wow, I really enjoy it.'"

Kessler did not grow up with the goal of becoming a firefighter. He worked in the corporate world as an accountant when a family member, who was a call firefighter in Uxbridge, asked if he wanted to do some firefighting with them. Kessler replied that he'd be interested in helping out with brush fires.

But once he started with the department, Kessler realized it was what he loved. He started as a call firefighter before becoming a full-time officer and eventually he became Uxbridge's chief.

"It's a much more rewarding job," he said.

Added Blackstone to his job

Kessler said when he was hired as Mendon's fire chief in 2018, he came to a department in turmoil. He promised the Select Board he would remain at least five years and that five years is up when he retires.

"Before I came here there was just turmoil in the department," said Kessler. "They were looking for someone with experience to help settle it. Day one of being in the office, the union president came in and said, 'I know we have to change and we're happy to have you here.' We were able to make some great strides here. It's been very rewarding."

For the past year, Kessler has also been Blackstone's fire chief. He is retiring from that position as well.

Although he has many fond memories as a firefighter, Kessler said he's looking forward to his next adventures.

"In the Midwest, watching storms, it's so much different than watching storms here," he said. "Here, we have hills and mountains and trees. Out there, it's flat and you can see so much. There is a lot of beautiful places in the Midwest and I'm going to enjoy it."

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Mendon and Blackstone Fire Chief William Kessler to retire in December