By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
After 36 years on the job, Gary Young’s career with the Copperas Cove Fire Department came to an end on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Prior to that on Friday, Sept. 19, a reception was held at the Central Fire Station to honor Young, reminisce and even laugh at times.
Young began his career with the City of Copperas Cove on September 23, 1989, and served in multiple roles, and as Fire Chief since Feb. 6, 2023.
On Friday, Copperas Cove City Manager Ryan Haverlah spoke a few words during the reception.
“We are here for one person that has had influence over countless people, and will continue to have influence over numerous people,” Haverlah said, calling the reception on Friday a bittersweet moment.
“He’s been the first face some babies have seen, and also the last face some people have seen. And that is a tremendous calling. It is not a job at that moment, but a calling.”
“Whether he’s been responding to fires or emergency medical situations, providing that emergency medical service, leading through natural disasters and some that are not natural disasters, some manmade disasters that happened, and guiding our department through some very tough times, I just want to say thank you, Gary, because you placed everybody else before yourself. And so that’s why everybody’s here, to finally place you first and celebrate you.”
Mayor Pro Tem Vonya Hart said a few wards, thanking Young for his service, and Councilmember Dale Treadway presented him with a councilman coin and said if Young was looking for a fishing buddy, he would be up to the job.
Hart said the first thing she noticed about Young was his smile – other than him being so tall.
“I just want to point out that three-and-a-half decades, or a third of a century, Chief Young has worn many hats, like fire chief, emergency management coordinator, mentor, leader and friend, and in each role, he has given this community his very best through the years,” she said. “When our city faced emergencies and disasters, Chief Young was the calm in the storm, whether inside the EOC or boots on the ground. His steady leadership, clear judgment and reassurance, and presence, guided both our city team leaders and our community through difficult times. He built confidence when fear could have taken over, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
They were all followed by Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Clendenen, who presented Young with his helmet.
Veteran Copperas Cove firefighter and paramedic Carol Ballesteros showed an 18-minute video that she created. It served to document Young’s more than three decades of service.
In addition to hundreds of photos, the video contained well wishers from former colleagues, such as Mike Mayfield, who is retired yet still serves with the Electra Volunteer Fire Department in North Texas.
“You know, I remember you when you came to work. I think it was either 89, 90, or 91. You told me that I taught you how to drive the engine and pump it. Well, I probably did, but my friend, you taught me a lot of things too,” Mayfield said. “And I was really surprised when you finally became a lieutenant captain and moved on up to Deputy Chief, and then you became the chief, and now here you are fixing to call it done. Well, I’ve gotta say I’m proud to call you my friend and my brother, and I wish you the best of luck. Now go grow your hair back.”
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.