Alabama’s longest serving firefighter is hanging up his hat. After 55 years as a firefighter Chief, Dewey King said his head and his heart are finally in agreement that it’s time to retire.
“I’ve always said when my body and my mind are in agreement that it’s time, that’s when I’ll go,” he said. “Well, they’re in agreement.”
According to our news partners at The Times Daily, King leaves the chief’s post after 22 years. He’s been a firefighter, driver, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and chief.
King’s last day is Sept. 24.
“I’ve about done it all and never wanted to be anywhere but Sheffield,” he said. “I don’t know if you’d call me dedicated, crazy or a little of both, but I can honestly say I have always, always loved my job.”
At 80 years old, he said he has no doubt he could continue on, but sometimes logic must prevail.
“About three months ago I started looking at the retirement I’d draw from the state,” he said. “Turns out, I’m losing money by working.”