Five Owensboro Fire Department firefighters were honored Tuesday at a retirement party at Fire Station 1 on 9th Street. According to the Messenger-Inquirer, Fire Inspector Joe Taylor, Battalion Chief Robert Carter, Battalion Chief Byron McDonald, Capt. Rex Ferguson and Capt. Chris Belcher are all leaving the squad. Two firefighters — Matt Purcell and Chris Luttrell — have been promoted to battalion chiefs to replace Carter and McDonald. OFD Chief Steve Mitchell says the rest of the positions will be filled within 30 days. OFD currently employs 94 firefighters.