Two local heroes honored after over 40 years of service

SOUTH BEND, Ind.- The city of South Bend recognized and honored two veteran firefighters on Wednesday for their years of service to the community.

Assistant Chief John Corthier and Fire Marshall Frederico "Chico" Rodriguez both retired from the South Bend Fire Department (SBFD) on Wednesday after a combined nearly 90 years of service with the department.

Rodriguez was the first Latino hired by the department as well as the first Latino lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief and fire marshal in the SBFD.

In all his roles, Rodriguez served a total of 47 years with the South Bend department.

Corthier is a 42 year veteran in the department, who served as captain and battalion chief before a promotion to assistant chief.

He is also the assistant chief who donated old SBFD gear to the Guatemalan Volunteer Fire Department over the summer.

The South Bend Board of Public Safety officially expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the two men during their monthly meeting.

Both Rodriguez and Corthier received commemorative coins at the end of the meeting honoring their service with the department.