first responders, friends and family and community leaders gathered at the Gibson Train Depot to celebrate the career and retirement of Thomas McKay, who has given 45 years of service to the Gibson Volunteer Fire Department.
GIBSON — The streets of Gibson were lined with fire trucks as retired Fire Chief Thomas McKay, Badge 400, was honored with a lunch at the Gibson Train Depot last week.
First responders, friends and family and community leaders lined the lawn to celebrate the career and retirement of McKay, who has given 45 years of service to the Gibson Volunteer Fire Department. Members of the Laurinburg Fire Department, Marlboro Fire Department and Hamlet Fire Department also attended to show appreciation to the recently retired Chief. SouthernWay Catering of Gibson provided catering.
McKay is a U.S. Army veteran who began working for the department on Aug. 11, 1978. He became chief in 2003 and held the title for 20 years. He was awarded a service appreciation award in 2018 for 40 years of service.
Gibson Mayor Gwen Arrigon stated,
“It’s a good time to be in Gibson, and to experience what’s happened here just this week,” Gibson Mayor Gwen Arrigon said. “We had the ribbon cutting on Tuesday and now this for this wonderful man that has given years of service. I am just happy to be able to witness it all.”