Royal, IA (KICD)– Member of the Royal community came together on Sunday to celebrate the career of the longest serving firefighter in the city’s history.

Harold “Bud” Yungbluth began his time on the Royal Fire Department fifty years ago after basically being intrigued by what was happening at a local scene.

Since that time Yungbluth tells KICD News he was seen a lot of changes for the industry, especially with how emergencies are communicated.

Fire Chief Matt Goyette also credits Bud with creating part of the original medical program for the community.

One could say there is a bit of a legacy for fighting fires in the Yungbluth family with his son Andy taking a role on the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire Department serving under brother Chris who is the Fire Chief.

A special message was also conveyed across Clay County as part of Sunday’s retirement reception.

Harold “Bud” Yungbluth began serving the Royal community as a firefighter in his late 20s and continues to have an active role in other groups around town.