On June 20th, Lieutenant John Wadley will be retiring from the Baytown Fire Department after 29 years of service. Prior to starting at Baytown Fire Department in 1993, Lieutenant Wadley served in the Navy as a rescue swimmer for 8 years.

Early on in his career, he became known for his hard work, dedication, quick wit, and love for B.E.A.T. Alley, Baytown Fire Department's elementary school fire safety education program.

His iconic character, Shnozzle, became the face of the program and helped to educate thousands of Baytown's children over the years he was involved.

From fire safety education to training with his crew, Lieutenant Wadley was always willing to mentor those that he came in contact with. With 11 years spent as a firefighter, 4 years as a driver, and 14 years as a Lieutenant, Wadley was a wealth of knowledge. John was also the first Firefighter/Paramedic in Baytown Fire Department's history, proving his dedication to the fire service, the community he served in, and the brothers and sisters he worked alongside.

His 29 years as a member of the Baytown Professional Firefighters Association were equally as decorated. Throughout his membership, he served on the BPFA Executive Board as a Vice President, he helped fight for 4-man staffing on fire engines, the absorption of the Baytown Health Department into Baytown Fire Department in 2013, and a fitness program which paved the way for mental and physical health programs now in place for BPFA members.

His last day on the job was June 15th, 2022 and it was marked by visits from every on duty member of the department and several retirees, reminiscing around the dinner table with his crew, and messages broadcast to him over the radio for everyone to hear. While all of the messages were great, no one summarized Lieutenant Wadley's meaningful career better than Lieutenant Tracey Lindsey of Station 2; "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you in your 29+ years in this department. Your leadership and unique positivity will be missed. May this next chapter of your life be everything you've hoped for. Job well done, sir. Farewell and enjoy this new adventure. From your brothers and sisters..."

Good luck, be safe, and enjoy this new adventure.

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