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Joe Perkins Retires from McKenzie Fire Department

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Joe Perkins was honored for his 31 years of service to the McKenzie Fire Department. He announced he is retiring for good. McKenzie Mayor and Council presented a plaque on Thursday, August 8 to commemorate his service.
Mayor Jill Holland read a proclamation honoring Perkins during the meeting. Family, friends, and fellow firefighters were in attendance.
Perkins was honored for dedicated service. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter and then as a full-time night firefighter on April 1, 1988.

Perkins began his service during Mayor H.B. “Swat” Scarbrough’s administration in the former firehouse behind McKenzie United Neighbors. He served under Scarbrough, Joe Morris, Bob Putman, Gene Anderson, Patty Edwards, Walter Winchester, and Jill Holland. His first fire chief was Bobby Ridley, followed by interim Bailey Moore Wrinkle, Billy Sexton, Larry Cook, and Brian Tucker.
Chief Tucker said Perkins recruited him to the department in and helped mentor him to be the next chief. Tucker said he was just a kid when Perkins first started as a firefighter.
Perkins is owner of Jerry’s (named for his late father) Repair Shop, where he works during the day.
Assistant Chief Roger Christian will now assume Perkins’ night shift. Jason Arnold replaces Christian on the day shift. Arnold will help write applications for funding grants and assist Tucker during the day shift.

McKenzie, Fire Department, Retirement