Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Captain John Bennett, longtime firefighter with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES), worked his last shift after 25 years of career firefighting service to the citizens of Cherokee County.
Captain Bennett was recognized at a retirement breakfast at Station 12 this morning where friends and family gathered to honor him. Fire Chief Eddie Robinson presented Captain Bennett 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.
On Wednesday, Captain John Bennett and Captain Ron Williams were recognized at a luncheon sponsored by Southeast Restoration at Old Country Place in Hickory Flat. At this luncheon, both retirees were presented with a fire axe and plaque in recognition of their service.
Captain Bennett joined CCFES in as a career firefighter 1999 after nearly a decade of volunteer service. He’s served the citizens throughout Cherokee County faithfully since then with his last assignment being at Station 18 in the Salacoa Valley community. This morning Captain Bennett was given a ride home in Engine 18, his last ride in a CCFES apparatus as a career firefighter.
The members of CCFES are grateful for the years of service Captain Bennett has given to the department and community. We wish him a long and happy retirement!