Central Fire Department Honors Original Board Members

Article by Central Fire Department
Photo by Michael Spangler
    A dedication ceremony was held at Central Fire Department Station 31 on Tuesday to honor the original Board of Directors of the Central Volunteer Fire Department.  A bronze plaque bearing the original fire department logo and  names of the eight original board members was unveiled by former Fire Chief and board member, Grover Stephens, and the original Secretary to the Board of Directors, Jim Fergerson.  In attendance was the current CFD Board of Commissioners and family members of the original Board of Directors (all pictured at left), Mayor Junior Shelton, and current firefighters and administrative staff of the fire department.  Speakers for the ceremony were present Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Cliff Richardson, former Fire Chief Grover Stephens, current Fire Chief Bill Porche and Deputy Chief Charles Mondrick.  Lunch was served following the unveiling.
    The original board of directors was appointed at the first organizational meeting to create the fire department on February 8, 1972. The original board members recognized during the ceremony were Tommy Lee, Chairman; L. J. Bergeron, Vice-chairman; Jim Fergerson, Secretary; and Charles O'Neal, Treasurer.  Board members at large were C. J. Watson, E. G. Rogillio, Grover Stephens and John Parker.