John Morton honored for 30 years of service
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 14, 2017 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/ROCHELLE MOORE
Retired Goldsboro Fire Marshal John Morton, center, receives a resolution of appreciation from Mayor Chuck Allen, with Fire Chief Gary Whaley, for his 30 years of service with the city.
John Morton, the city of Goldsboro's fire marshal since 2014, was recently recognized by city leaders for more than 30 years of service.
Mayor Chuck Allen presented Morton with a city resolution expressing appreciation for Morton's dedication and service to the city. Morton officially retired on Sept. 1.
"If there's ever been somebody that started at the low end and went to the high end, it was John," Allen said, during a recent Goldsboro City Council meeting.
Morton started as a laborer in the Goldsboro Public Works Department in 1987 and within three years, he became a water meter reader.
Morton became a firefighter and started working in the Goldsboro Fire Department in 1990. By 1997, he was promoted to fire engineer and by 1998, he became a fire captain.
In 2008, he was reclassified as a fire inspector and in 2014, became the city's fire marshal, a role that includes oversight of the city's fire inspection program.
"Losing John is a big hole we're going to have to fill," said Fire Chief Gary Whaley. "He has truly been dedicated to his job. He has made this city a safer city through his work.
"He has done an outstanding job for us, and we're going to miss him."
During the recognition, Morton thanked the council, commended city inspectors for working well with the fire department and expressed appreciation to his colleagues, including Whaley.
"I just wanted to thank the city of Goldsboro and all of y'all for the support and positive words and for giving us the equipment that we need to provide fire safety to this community," Morton said.
Fire Capt. Joe Johnson is serving as fire marshal during the interim, as Whaley considers candidates to the post, a process that could take at least two months, Whaley said.