Gerry McGhee, who served nearly two decades as chief of Atmore Fire Department and several years as chief of Poarch Creek Indians Fire Department, was honored by the county’s volunteer firefighters with the John Martin Lifetime Achievement Award.

The designation, the highest bestowed upon a firefighter within the county, was announced during the Escambia County Volunteer Firefighter Association (ECVFA)’s annual dinner, hosted by Flomaton Fire Department and held in Century, Fla.

In attendance were State Sen. Greg Albritton, State Rep. Alan Baker and former Speaker of the Alabama House Seth Hammett. Also in attendance was State Forester Rick Oates, who presented each of the county’s volunteer units a check for $1,900-plus from the state treasury.

McGhee was himself a volunteer firefighter before joining the professional ranks with the Gulf Shores Fire Department. He soon migrated back to Atmore, where he served as fire chief for 17 years.

McGhee joined PCI’s firefighting team in 2009 as a training officer and fire inspector, then moved through the ranks quickly, assuming the job of assistant chief, then chief.

The honoree’s son, Chris, is currently the Poarch tribe’s fire chief.

Submitted photo