Carl Bruns is a familiar face in Sunman, having dedicated his life to the town he loves.

In 1949, he joined the Sunman Rural Fire Department. “I felt like it was a service to the community, which I wanted to do and just a challenge,” the 81-year-old admits. Throughout his 60 years with the department, he also served as chief for 25, and says, “We were just blessed because we didn’t have any great fires.”

He was active in the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association,“and that was real rewarding .... I got involved in the legislative process, and I still love that .... It was interesting.”

The friendly man reveals, “I had ambitions to become a professional baseball player .... but didn’t make it. I went to Cincinnati and played semiprofessional baseball there.

“I worked for Nedderman’s (Feed Mill) .... Mr. Nedderman’s son went to war” in 1954. “I wanted to take the state police exam .... but he (Nedderman) offered me the opportunity to go into business with him, so I gave up the state police idea.”

Bruns recalls what it was like for him growing up: “My parents were very poor .... so I came up as a very conservative individual .... (They) never had the opportunity to go out at night .... I didn’t know how to go to a restaurant and order food.”

He stresses, “My fire service changed everything .... I got to see how the other side of the world was .... I owe everything to the fire department and the town.”

Bill Craig, SRFD assistant chief, has worked with Bruns for 18 years. “When I first came on, Carl was chief. He was ever so committed to the department and making sure it ran properly.

“He still responds to the fire station and runs dispatches when it’s out on runs.

“He is an entire library of knowledge .... a good asset to have when you’re a small department .... He’s a good man.”

Bruns has served as Sunman’s utility superintendent since 1997, and he recently announced his retirement from the position.

On July 16, Sunman Town Council members recognized the retiree. Clerk-treasurer Kris Schneider notes, “He’s really been an asset to the town as far as working with the community and gathering information.”

She calls him the GPS (global positioning system) person because he knows where everyone lives.

Town attorney Amy Streator comments, “You could just tell he has a love for the town and the people.” Member Mike Wolff adds, “I hope the young guys pick up where he left off.”

Resident Carla Hacker reveals, “I’ve heard of him for 15 years, but actually got to know him personally in the last year or so. People have talked about what a wonderful public servant he is.

“His moral and ethical standards are very high. He always tries to do the right thing .... and is always concerned about the other person .... He’s such a kind and gentle person .... somebody you’d want your kids to know and model themselves after.”

Bruns and wife Viola recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They have two sons, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

When describing her husband, Viola Bruns mentions “his faith, his family, his friends. He has a multitude of all of them.” She recalls the lyrics of an old Tennessee Ernie Ford song: “‘If I can help somebody as I pass along then my living will not be in vain’ .... Carl believes in this town. It’s time for him to retire, but he’ll be here if anyone needs something.”

Carl Bruns doesn’t have any specific plans for retirement, but says, “I’m going to get involved in the fire department, not physically fighting fires, but office work.”

As far as hobbies, he remarks, “I don’t care to travel and don’t like vacations .... I like to go to sporting events every once in a while and enjoy being around my grandkids and children.”

He recited a verse to show his appreciation to all those he had worked with through the years: “I might wish you wealth. I might wish you health or that fortune would caress you. But wealth can bring sorrow. Health can fail tomorrow. So I’ll simply say God bless you.”