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Shawnee Fire Chief Jimmy Gibson will be in his office at Fire Station No. 1 inside city hall for the last time Friday, where he’ll be packing up memories hanging on the walls and bidding a bittersweet farewell to the city, the fire department and his crew of firefighters to begin a new chapter in his life.
With 23 years in the Shawnee fire service, Gibson is retiring today at the age of 49.
“It’s a good time in life for me,” he said, adding he’s able to draw pension benefits after 20 years of service. “I’m ready to take a break and spend more time with the family.”
Gibson, who has called Shawnee home all his life, joined the Shawnee Fire Department in 1989.
He worked his way up the ranks of the department, including 12 years as a fire prevention officer and fire investigator. Among all the fires he’s fought and tragedies seen, he also spent years educating children about fire prevention while dressing up as “Buster” when department’s fire clowns present programs to area schoolchildren each October. Gibson was named chief of the department in 2007, becoming the 17th fire chief in the history of the Shawnee Fire Department.
Although he was ready to retire from fire service, Gibson admits he struggled somewhat with the decision.
“I love my job, I love the fire department and I’ve enjoyed working for the city all these years,” he said, adding many of fire crews were shocked when he announced his plans to each shift.
He said everyone dreams about the day when they can retire, but he said it’s been more difficult than he could have ever imagined to actually do it and say good-bye.
“I’m so fond of the guys here,” he said about the crews, adding he’s proud to leave the department on a positive note.
During his time as chief, the department has made great strides in budgeting, he said, while upgrading personal protective equipment worn by fire crews and funding more training.
“Our training division has really excelled,” he said.
Gibson also leaves a fairly young department. With many retirements in recent years, Gibson has hired 12 new firefighters — about 25 percent of the staff — in the past four years.
There is a fire department camaraderie and while being chief, Gibson said he has tried to bring back some of the traditions within the fire service, such as swearing in and promotional ceremonies. Rookie firefighters are on probation their first year, so the traditional swearing in ceremonies at the end of that first year are more meaningful, he said, with such events also building even more pride within the fire service.
Shawnee Fire Chief Jimmy Gibson will be in his office at Fire Station No. 1 inside city hall for the last time Friday, where he’ll be packing up memories hanging on the walls and bidding a bittersweet farewell to the city, the fire department and his crew of firefighters to begin a new chapter in his life.
With 23 years in the Shawnee fire service, Gibson is retiring today at the age of 49.
“It’s a good time in life for me,” he said, adding he’s able to draw pension benefits after 20 years of service. “I’m ready to take a break and spend more time with the family.”
Gibson, who has called Shawnee home all his life, joined the Shawnee Fire Department in 1989.
He worked his way up the ranks of the department, including 12 years as a fire prevention officer and fire investigator. Among all the fires he’s fought and tragedies seen, he also spent years educating children about fire prevention while dressing up as “Buster” when department’s fire clowns present programs to area schoolchildren each October. Gibson was named chief of the department in 2007, becoming the 17th fire chief in the history of the Shawnee Fire Department.
Although he was ready to retire from fire service, Gibson admits he struggled somewhat with the decision.
“I love my job, I love the fire department and I’ve enjoyed working for the city all these years,” he said, adding many of fire crews were shocked when he announced his plans to each shift.
He said everyone dreams about the day when they can retire, but he said it’s been more difficult than he could have ever imagined to actually do it and say good-bye.
“I’m so fond of the guys here,” he said about the crews, adding he’s proud to leave the department on a positive note.
During his time as chief, the department has made great strides in budgeting, he said, while upgrading personal protective equipment worn by fire crews and funding more training.
“Our training division has really excelled,” he said.
Gibson also leaves a fairly young department. With many retirements in recent years, Gibson has hired 12 new firefighters — about 25 percent of the staff — in the past four years.
There is a fire department camaraderie and while being chief, Gibson said he has tried to bring back some of the traditions within the fire service, such as swearing in and promotional ceremonies. Rookie firefighters are on probation their first year, so the traditional swearing in ceremonies at the end of that first year are more meaningful, he said, with such events also building even more pride within the fire service.
“I feel very confident in the future leadership of this department,” he said.
“It’s been my privilege to work, be a part of and lead this department,” Gibson said, adding he has the utmost respect for the department and its firefighters. Gibson said the city has an outstanding fire department.
And while he’s retiring earlier than most and will likely have many other career opportunities worth exploring in the coming years, the chief said he’s going to take it easy.
“For a while, I’m going to slow down and enjoy my family,” he said.
His oldest daughter, Cailey, will graduate from Shawnee High School in May, he said, while his youngest, daughter, Cierra, is in the eighth grade.
He said his wife, Kristi, operates a dance studio which keeps her busy, but together they also operate a business of raising Alpacas. With his retirement, Gibson said he’ll now have more time to show Alpacas as well.
He’ll also have more time to devote to a love of his — playing guitar and Bluegrass music.
Deputy Fire Chief Dru Tischer has been named by City Manager Brian McDougal to serve as the department’s interim fire chief until the city goes through the hiring process to fill the position.
A formal retirement ceremony for Gibson is being planned for February.
