BROOKSVILLE- The June 7, 2016 Brooksville City Council meeting started with a round of accolades for retiring District Fire Chief Gerald Ward. Mayor Natalie Kahler read the proclamation honoring Ward for his 29-plus years of service to the city.
After group photos were taken, Brooksville Fire Chief David Freda congratulated Ward, stating it would be hard to replace him. He then introduced retired District Fire Chief Tim Mossgrove. Mossgrove retired in September 2015 and is now the Fire Marshall in Haines City, Florida. Mossgrove concurred with Freda’s assessment that the Department will be losing valuable years of experience with Ward’s retirement.
Early in their working relationship, Ward performed routine maintenance of the trucks and other equipment because of his “background in small engine repair.” Mossgrove stated that during one truck repair, he was on the truck and slipped, falling into Ward. The injury brought to light a potentially life-threatening condition, allowing Ward to seek treatment, and Mossgrove jokingly stated he was glad that he saved Ward’s life.
Mossgrove shared some humorous stories from the time they served the City together, but also told how Ward helped citizens of Pascagoula, MS get their failed pump and lift station running immediately after Hurricane Katrina, earning the name of the “Mississippi Messiah.” As Ward retires, Mossgrove wished him well and advised that during a teleconference of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, he was asked to pass along the congratulations of the other fire chiefs in West Central Florida.
Ward, who began his career in March 1987 as a reserve firefighter, transitioned to full time by October of that year. In 2004, he earned a promotion to Lieutenant, and five years later was appointed as the District Fire Chief. According to the proclamation, Ward “received only positive comments from his superiors, fellow employees and the public” with a career marked by leadership, dedication, and inspiration.