MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) - The scream of fire engine sirens down West Howard Avenue Thursday did not signify an emergency. The honks and horns were an homage to Capt. Bill Paulin, who retires this week from the Milwaukee Fire Department after 30 years.

When a Milwaukee firefighter retires, the department traditionally hosts a ceremony with handshakes, hugs and a salute to the retiree as he or she leaves the station for the last time. But with large gatherings prohibited, the department organized a appropriately distanced march to Paulin’s house, followed by a parade of MFD vehicles that left him overwhelmed.

“It’s very humbling and it’s very nice. And it’s unique,” Paulin said after a brief ceremony on his driveway. “Hopefully we don’t have too many like this anymore.”

Paulin, who also served 36 years in the Army, finished his career in charge of the Cadet Command program, leaving his mark by mentoring the next generation of the city’s firefighters.