Max Rude and Leanne Ellis Camden-Jackson Township Fire Department honored Max Rude for 50 years of service during their annual Christmas party.

Rude joined the department in January 1958 and was chief for 17 years. He plans to retire next month.

"It's time to give it up," he told the department at the party. "I'll think of you guys when you get called out and it's 10 degrees below zero. That's something I won't miss."

Chief Chuck Foreman said Rude was always very active in the department.

"After all those years of dedicated service, he will be missed," Foreman said.

Members of the department presented Rude with a clock for his dedicated service. He was also given a symbolic gold card by the Indiana Volunteer Firemen's Association District 9A Chairperson Leanne Ellis. The card entitles Rude to lifetime membership in the IVFA.