SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Fire Department announced that firefighter Eddie Palicki Jr. is retiring after 32 years of service. 

Palicki Jr. was hired in 1993 and spent most of his career assigned in Rescue 1 and was later promoted to Driver. 

After a short assignment at Engine 7, he returned to Rescue 1, where he finished his career. 

Firefighting runs in the Palicki family, as Eddie's father also served as a firefighter, and today Eddie's son, Blake, serves as a South Bend Firefighter as well. 

Eddie says the best day of his career was watching his son be sworn in. On Friday, Blake, assigned to Station 7, had the chance to work alongside his dad one final time on Rescue 1.

Eddie states that he's looking forward to spending more time with his family and grandkids while nearing retirement.