Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Sergeant Bryan Thomas, longtime firefighter with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES), retired Friday, August 4, 2023, after 29 years of service to the citizens of Cherokee County.
Sgt. Thomas was recognized at a retirement luncheon Thursday where friends and family gathered to honor him. Fire Chief Eddie Robinson presented Sgt. Thomas with a speaking trumpet. The speaking trumpet is a symbol of leadership and tradition in the fire service. In the 18th century, American volunteer firefighting companies would use speaking trumpets to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion on a fire scene while directing the firefighters battling the fire. CCFES commonly presents a speaking trumpet to retirees in honor of their service to the department and the citizens of our community.
Nearly three decades ago, Thomas began serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department (HFVFD) in unincorporated Cherokee County. Five years later, he would become a career firefighter with the agency, going on to become a paramedic and Fire Sergeant before being promoted to serve as the Logistics Manager in his final years.
On his final day of work, Sgt. Thomas was given a ride home in CCFES Engine 3, which serves the same area where he began his time with the HFVFD.
The members of CCFES are grateful for the years of service Sgt. Thomas gas given to the department and community. We wish him a long and happy retirement!
