Noblesville Fire Department (NFD) Engineer Rob Wonnell has hung up his gear for the last time. He is retiring after 26 years of service to the citizens of Noblesville.
Wonnell began as a volunteer firefighter with the Zionsville Fire Department in 1988, serving for a total of 18 years with ZFD. He also served as an industrial firefighter and HazMat specialist for three years with the Marathon Oil Company. He received his Fire Science degree in 1999 from Ivy Tech. He has been an EMT for 30 years, was one of the first Hazardous Materials Technicians with NFD, and served on the HazMat team and Dive team.
Wonnell was recognized as the Employee of the Month by the City of Noblesville in April 2002 and was NFD’s Firefighter of the Year in 1994. He received letters of commendation in 2011 and 2017 for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Wonnell has been an Engineer since 1996, spending most of his years at Station 71. Over his career, he has helped with the specification processes of 10 apparatus.
“Besides being one of our best Engineers, Rob has been one of our “go to” people for special projects,” said NFD Fire Chief Greg Wyant. “As a member of our truck committee, he used his skills to help develop accurate and detailed truck specifications. So much so that the truck builders admired and commented on his abilities. Rob has served this city well and we will miss him at NFD. Best of luck in retirement, Rob.”