Hyle Retiring as Williamsburg Fire Chief After 16 Years of Service

For the first time in 16 years, the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department will begin the new year with a new chief. Current Chief Ted Hyle has decided to step down, passing the torch to Travis Prough.

"It is time," Hyle said. "It's time to get a younger perspective and new ideas."

The early years

Fueled by a desire to serve his community and at the urging of friends who were already members, Hyle joined the fire department 48 years ago and began a journey that would see changes not only in equipment, but training requirements and higher standards for members.

"We didn't have all the classes a...