MAYOR PRESENTS BOB CHASE WITH "KEY TO THE FORT"

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today presented legendary Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster Bob Chase with a "Key to the Fort" award at a ceremony in the Mayor's office.

Family, friends, and representatives from the Fort Wayne Komets and WOWO Radio attended today's event.

The Key to the Fort goes to individuals who've made an extraordinary commitment to the community through a lifetime of stewardship and involvement.

The Key is a hand forged replica of the iron key that was at the Fort in the days of Anthony Wayne, circa 1790. The original key is at the History Center. The key, with its highly unusual tumbler structure, came to the History Center from an early 20th Century donation from the family of Mayor Franklin Randall, who was Fort Wayne's mayor during the Civil War.

"It is my privilege to recognize Bob Chase for all that he has done for our great City," said Mayor Henry. "Bob's professionalism, character, humility, and his love for his family and the Komets are all attributes that make him a unique and special man in our community."

Bob Chase is just the third Fort Wayne resident to receive a Key to the Fort from Mayor Henry. The other recipients were the late Charles Redd, a former City Council member and community activist and Jane Avery of Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana.

About Bob Chase:
Bob moved to Fort Wayne to begin his radio career with WOWO AM 1190 in 1953 which included broadcasting Komet hockey games starting with the 1953-54 season. During the summer of 2009, he retired his position as WOWO Sports Director.

The Komets retired the number 40 in Bob's honor as he celebrated his 40th season behind the Fort Wayne microphone in 1993. Bob was inducted into the Komets Hall of Fame in 2003 in honor of his 50th season as Komet broadcaster.
During Bob's extended career with the Komets he has seen, and called, 12 regular season titles and nine league championships over the course of more than 4,500 Komet games.

In 2012, Bob was named a recipient of the prestigious Lester Patrick Award, which is presented by the NHL and USA Hockey to honor one's contribution to ice hockey in the United Sates.

Last year Bob completed his 60th season radio-rinkside and is looking forward to his 61st season with the Komets when the 2013-14 campaign begins in October.

 

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