Butler firefighter Lt. Don McCoy sits in a fire truck with his son, Noah. McCoy, who retired in May, was honored for his 17 years of service at a recent retirement dinner.

Retired Butler firefighter Lt. Don McCoy wouldn't change anything about his career in public service, but he said he has seen enough tragedy and was ready to hang up his uniform.

The fire department honored McCoy, 43, who retired in May, for his 17 years of service at a recent retirement dinner.

His six years as a U.S. Marine, under the union contact, allowed him to end his career with the city with 20 years of service.

Although he still wears one uniform, working for Butler Ambulance Service, he said he has seen enough to know it was time to leave the fire department.

“I was ready to get out of uniform. My eyes have seen too much and sometimes I can't erase the memories. It definitely takes a toll,” McCoy said.

Fighting the fire that leveled the landmark Morgan Management building on Brugh Avenue in 2003 and another that severely damaged the Worsley's building on Main Street two years ago won't be forgotten.

He said those were among the biggest fires he battled, but his worst day on the job was March 21 when he responded to a parking lot in Butler to help a 4-year-old boy who later died of his injuries and first-degree homicide charges were filed in connection to his death.

A full story appears in Monday's Butler Eagle.