Engineer Steve Hill is hanging up his helmet.

The Olathe Fire Department announced Aug. 17, that Hill will retire the following day after a fire service career spanning more than 25 years. The department said on its verified X account that Hill served Olathe for more than two decades and wished him a long, safe and healthy retirement.

As an engineer, Hill was responsible for operating fire apparatus, a specialized rank within the department.

The department's post did not specify which station Hill worked from or detail particular incidents from his career. No public send-off event has been announced.

Second retirement in two weeks

Hill's departure is the second long-tenured retirement from the Olathe Fire Department this month. Deputy Fire Chief Dave Anderson retired Aug. 6 after 28 years of service to Olathe and a total fire career of 32 years, according to a separate department post that day. Together, Hill and Anderson represent more than half a century of institutional knowledge walking out the door in a span of 12 days.

The departures come during a period of growth. The department opened Fire Station 9 in north Olathe on July 14, staffed around the clock with at least three firefighters who double as EMTs or paramedics. The station was built to meet increasing service demands in that part of the city, the department said at the time.

Jeff DeGraffenreid is listed as fire chief on the city's website. The department did not respond to a request for additional comment about Hill's career by publication time.

Residents who want to recognize Hill's service can reach the Olathe Fire Department at 913-971-7900.