MARION – Retired Marion Assistance Fire Chief William “Bill” Heyde has passed away.

According to the Marion Fire Department Facebook page, Heyde passed away on Wednesday.

Heyde following in the footsteps of his father, Fire Chief Charles Heyde.

He began his career as a firefighter with a temporary appointment in August 1989 and was permanently appointed with the City of Marion in November 1991. He advanced through the ranks as a Lieutenant, a Captain, and Assistant Fire Chief before his retirement on September 16, 2022. He was an original member of the MABAS 45 Technical Rescue Team and served on several rescue deployments throughout his distinguished career. His dedication to the department made it run more efficiently due to his knowledge of the City of Marion, where he was born and raised.

Chief Bill Heyde was an integral part of the Marion Fire Department and will be greatly missed.