VIDEO: Several Shelby County firefighters and police officers gathered Tuesday at the Career Technical Education Center in Columbiana to honor their former teacher, Gary Griff (Griffith).
Griff is retiring and these first responders say he changed lives during his decades in the classroom.
Coach Griff has taught over 100 students that have either gone on to become firefighters, police officers or work in the military.
Columbiana Police Officer Zales says, “Congratulations coach, enjoy your retirement. We are going to miss you.” Griff has made a lasting impact on hundreds of students, many of them coming back this week to wish him a happy retirement.
Saginaw Fire Chief Jonathan Hensley says, “He will still keep up with us, and you know see all the improvements and things we’ve done in our lives but actually giving us the chance to come back and pass on the knowledge we’ve obtained to these future firefighters is a major thing.”