Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
For over 40 years, retired Fire Chief and District 2 Commissioner Raymond Gunnin has served the public with integrity, honesty, and a desire to improve the lives of the citizens in Cherokee County. His legacy will forever be remembered as Fire Station 7 has been dedicated in his honor. Earlier today, a ceremony was held at Fire Station 7 recognizing Chief Gunnin.
Many attended the ceremony to include family, friends, and current and retired members of CCFES and the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.
“Without Raymond Gunnin, this fire department would have lost 10 to 20 years in its journey to excellence status as an accredited agency” Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston said, addressing those in attendance. “This county should never forget what Raymond Gunnin has done and with the naming of this fire station today, they never will.”
In December 2020 a resolution and proclamation were signed by Chairman Johnston recognizing Chief Gunnin’s dedication by naming and referencing Cherokee County Fire Station #7 in his honor. Today, a plaque memorializing this honor was unveiled at Station 7.
“Raymond is as fine a man as I know, and he is as fine a christian man as I know” said Cherokee County District 2 Commissioner Richard Weatherby.
Gunnin joined Cherokee County as a volunteer firefighter in 1977 and became a full-time firefighter in 1980. Working his way through the ranks, Gunnin became Fire Chief in 2005 and continued to serve in that role until his retirement in 2011. After his retirement, he successfully ran for the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat, serving two terms.
“Chief Gunnin has been an inspiration and mentor to me” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. Chief Robinson went on to say, “I wouldn’t be where I’m at today had it not been for his guidance.”
During the unveiling of the plaque, Chief Gunnin stated, “I don’t believe there’s a fire department anywhere in the United States that can beat what we have.” He went on to say “this department pulled together at a time we needed to. Without the help that I got from each and everyone of you, we wouldn’t have succeeded. You all wanted to see this department succeed and it did, it is, and it will be.”
A reception was held after the ceremony where those in attendance were welcomed to tour the station and fire apparatus at Station 7.