John McPherson remembers the first time he met Bill Newgent and how caring he was.

"He was caring to everyone. From his employees to the citizens of Greencastle and to all responders in Putnam County, he was always there for anyone that needed a helping hand or a listening ear," McPherson told The Putnam County Post of Newgent. 

Newgent, the former fire chief of the Greencastle Fire Department, passed away earlier this month. 

He retired in 2016 after 23 years with the department, where he spent 16 years as the chief. 

McPherson said Newgent hired him as the department's first fire inspector/safety officer.

"He created that position because he saw a need for it. I worked for Bill and the Greencastle Fire Department and the city for 10 years," McPherson said. 

Rob Frank, assistant fire chief for the Greencastle Fire Department, admitted he has fond memories of his former leader. 

"He was a leader and set the example for others to follow. He ensured the department had the training and equipment they needed to get the job done. By being heavily involved around the state with the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, I feel like he put our small department on the map," Frank told The Putnam County Post. 

Much like McPherson, Frank got to know Newgent both personally and professionally. 

"There is a quote that is credited to Sir Isaac Newton, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." That is how I would describe Bill when it came to what he did for the Greencastle Fire Department, the firefighters that worked here and everyone that came into contact with him. He had a huge impact on the fire service and was respected everywhere he went," Frank said. 

Frank said Newgent was the chief when he came to the department as a reserve firefighter in 2008. 

"He later hired me as a full time firefighter in 2012 and promoted me to Lieutenant before he retired," Frank said.