The public is invited to help celebrate the retirement of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Chief Ken Burdette.

The celebration will be May 24 from noon to 3:45 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue headquarters, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale.

There will be a number of presentations given by community members and officials, Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer among them, said Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue spokeswoman Theresa MacLennan.

“It’s our opportunity to give him thanks, to thank him for many years of dedication and also to wish him well on the next step,” MacLennan said.

Burdette has been in the fire service for more than 40 years, nine of them with Central Kitsap.

MacLennan said that anyone wishing to make a presentation at the event should contact her at (360) 447-3550.

Anyone wishing to send a card to Burdette can mail them to 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale, WA 98383.