Cherokee Firefighter Retires After 18 Years Of Service

From Cherokee County Fire Department: Cherokee County firefighter and Warehouse Specialist, Bryan Payne, was recognized yesterday at Cherokee County Fire Logistics for his retirement from the fire department.

Cherokee County Fire Chief, Tim Prather, thanked Payne for his 18 years of service to the citizens of Cherokee County and presented him with a “bugle” award. The bugle or speaking trumpet is a reference to a megaphone like device that was used in the early days of the fire service. Cherokee County Assistant Chief, Eddie Robinson several of his co-workers and his girlfriend, Laura, were also on-hand for the presentation.

Payne began his career with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services on January 31st, 1991. He later became a Fire Apparatus Operator and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He left the department in July of 1998 to work in another career, but came back to the department on January 15th, 2007 and would eventually take on the responsibilities as a Warehouse Specialist. According to Payne, “I worked for several years serving the citizens of this county and I came back and eventually served the firefighters so they could do their job for the citizens of Cherokee County.”

Payne was a joy to work with and had the ability to tell funny stories about his life and work with the fire department. He enjoyed sharing his memories of the department and kept the employees entertained with his style of humor.

Bryan and his girlfriend, Laura, reside in Dahlonega, Georgia. We wish Bryan many happy years of retirement!

Photos courtesy of Cherokee County Fire Dept