Fort Sill fire captain retires after decades of service

FORT SILL, Okla. (Jan. 22, 2015) -- Kenny Gray, retired Fort Sill fire captain, said there were a couple fires that come to mind.

One wildland fire happened about 15 years ago at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation here.

"We fought the fire on the West Range for three days straight, it was about 25-miles long," Gray said.

And, there was the house fire here where Captain Gray was with a new firefighter.

"We just stepped in the door and the house blow'd up and blow'd both of us backwards," he said.

He suffered a knee injury requiring surgery. The neophyte firefighter, who the captain shielded, was OK.

Those were some of the stories Gray recalled Jan. 15, at his retirement ceremony after 25 years with Fort Sill Fire and Emergency Services.

Dozens of fellow and retired firefighters, family, friends and post leaders attended the ceremony at Fire Station No. 2 where Gray had been captain. Gray, age 56, began his career here as an entry-level firefighter Dec. 14, 1989.

Clint Langford, Fort Sill fire chief, hosted the ceremony. The chief, who worked with Gray for 20 years, described him as a dedicated firefighter who was fun to work with.

"As a firefighter, Kenny was one who never failed because he was not trying hard enough," Langford said. "He always cared about what was going on in the department, whether it was teaching medical classes to the other firefighters or his required tasks. He had pride in his work and a passion about his job."

Fort Sill currently has 57 firefighters under the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES). They are all DA civilians, the chief said. They work at four fire stations in an inspection branch and an operations branch -- which are the shift firefighters. Federal firefighters can only work up to age 57.

Captains are in charge of a fire station, and they are the initial fire officer responsible for responding to calls on post, Langford.

"He's the one who directs all initial fire fighting activities, and directs his crew for whatever call, like medical," Langford said. "He also mentors and leads the younger firefighters to build them up in their careers."

During the ceremony, DES Sgt. Maj. Kevin Daley presented Gray with the Commander's Award for Civilian Service. Langford presented Gray with a 25-year civil service pin and certificate. The ceremony also honored Gray's wife, Diana, with a certificate of appreciation and flowers.

"When we work out here for 48 hours, we have loved ones back home who are keeping everything running," Langford said. "Without you (Diana), truly Kenny would not have been able to do this job, and you are the backbone."

Bob Pirtle, DES director, thanked the Gray family and wished them God's blessings for a wonderful future.

"You never really retire, you just transition to another phase of life," Pirtle said. "Whatever that phase may be I hope that it's fruitful, it's successful.

"I can't thank you enough for the lives you've touched at Fort Sill, and the positive influence you've had on those around you being a mentor."

Former Fort Sill Fire Chief Rick Gilleland was one of several retired firefighters who attended the ceremony. He said he and Gray started the same day.

"We went through the entire (entry) process together," Gilleland said. "We took our physicals together, we swore in together."

Back then the first thing one had to learn was the switchboard answering phones and dispatching emergency runs, said Gilleland, who retired in April 2011. Every call had to be written in the log book which was verified everyday by the assistant chief. It was a probationary period, so if they couldn't do the switchboard they were pretty much gone.

After graduating from Cyril (Okla.) High School, Gray attended Southwest Okla-homa State University on a rodeo scholarship and majored in industrial arts.

He said he was attracted to firefighting because of his desire to help people, and because it was always different.

"You do a little bit if everything, you're never in the same spot," he said. "It's the type of job where the people you work with trust you and you have to trust them."

He had volunteered at the Cyril and Fletcher fire departments so he already had firefighting skills when he began his federal career at age 32.

During his career, Gray said he has been honored as firefighter of the year and received lifesaving medals for water rescues.

He even delivered a baby with his son-in-law Fort Sill firefighter Cory Garrard, "just down the road," said Gray gesturing toward the street.

Numerous members of the Gray family were at the ceremony, including their daughters: Kenna, who is married to Garrard; and Haley, who is married to Lawton firefighter Tre McPherson. The Gray's two grandchildren, and Diana's parent also attended the event.

Gray received many gifts during the festivities including a plated, mounted fire axe and firefighter's plaque with Fort Sill Fire Department patches. Langford then presented Gray with his red captain's helmet that he had worn for years.

Gray told the crowd he appreciated the ceremony.

"Your career is what you make of it," said Gray tearfully. "I liked this place."

Gray said he now will spend time with his family and work his ranch in Cyril.