A chief's influence: Gary Whaley retires with a record of service to be admired

We'd be hard pressed to find someone in the community with a longer track record of putting service before self than Goldsboro Fire Chief Gary Whaley.

It's hard not to envy a such person.

He knew at 18 years old what he wanted to do with his life and not only did he set out to do it, he excelled at it.

Not only did he take on one of the most dangerous jobs a person can earn a paycheck doing, he found ways to make it an even better gig for those he worked with.

And amid accomplishing his life's work, he touched countless lives, both in the fire service and through the work they do saving people's lives and hard-earned property, and outside of it. Whaley has always been an active member in the community and in his church.

He even found a way to tether his faith and his passion for motorcycle riding through Mission: M25. We met with him once as he prepared to ride alongside the Patriot Guard Riders, escorting a fallen U.S. Soldier's body home to be buried.

Whaley leaves the fire service the way every man and woman who joins it hopes to, with all his parts intact, armed with great stories to swap or to tell his grandkids, and while he is still young enough to enjoy the next chapter of his life.

We tip our cap to the man, to his family for the countless sacrifices they must have made throughout his career, and to the men and women with whom he has served over the years who will carry on the brave tradition of their chosen profession.

We hope to see someone rise from within the local department's ranks to take over the position, but whoever might be tapped with that daunting task, they have to know that is going to be some hefty turnout gear to step into.

Enjoy retirement, Chief. And happy riding.

Published in Editorials on November 25, 2017 9:43 PM