Musician Ralph Tourkow is fondly remembered as a talented musician who had a jovial sense of humor and a schedule of dinner dates.His family and friends agree that to meet Tourkow was to instantly meet a friend.The Fort Wayne Fire Department Merit Commission learned Tuesday of the retirements of two leaders who have served the department for more than two decades.
Capt. Joel E. Degitz most recently served at Station 8 on Rathburn Road. He has been a member of the department for 28 years and five months.
District Chief Gregory A. Jeffries most recently was a member of the arson investigation team. He has been with the Fort Wayne Fire Department for 26 years and eight months.
City Fire Chief Amy Biggs said that she expects to name Degitz’s replacement next month and plans to replace Jeffries within the next 60 days.
