Reception to honor retiring firefighters

Two members of the Columbia Fire Department retire tomorrow after more than 20 years of service.

Capt. Mark Brunstrom and Lt. Rusty Bradley began their service in the early 1980s. Six new recruits will begin their careers with the fire department as the veterans exit.

Brunstrom began with the fire department on March 4, 1985, and worked as a firefighter, engineer, lieutenant and captain.

Bradley’s career began on Sept. 17, 1984, and included stops as a firefighter and engineer before becoming a lieutenant. He also put in more than 15 years as an instructor at the Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute.

A retirement party featuring City Manager Bill Watkins and other distinguished guests is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Fire Station No. 1.