Firefighter Ken Gibler will be honored for more than 34 years of service to the citizens of Snohomish County Fire District 1 at a retirement ceremony Sept. 26.

The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at Martha Lake Fire Station 21, 16819 13th Ave. W., Lynnwood. Parking will be available in the north and east parking lots of the neighboring Christ the Rock Church.

A native of Edmonds, Gibler grew up going to the fire station with his father, Frank, a volunteer with Fire District 1. Ken’s younger brother, Steve, was a battalion chief with Fire District 1 when Ken signed on in 1977.

Gibler said he will miss the camaraderie of the fire service. “I am very proud to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated, compassionate and highly trained professionals,” he said.

Throughout most of his career at Fire District 1, Gibler also served his country as a Navy Reserve officer. He retired as a commander in 2007 after 42 years of service. His deployments supported operations in Bosnia, Greece, Micronesia, South Africa and the Middle East. Shortly after the 9-11 attacks, Gibler was deployed for two years with the Crisis ActionTeam of the Pacific Command.

Gibler said he plans to begin his retirement with a move to Arizona, but expects to return to Snohomish County frequently to visit family and friends.