QUINCY, Fla. -- Quincy leaders and the community gathered Wednesday morning to honor the service of Quincy Fire Chief Howard "Bubba" Smith.
Chief Smith is retiring after 32 years on the job. He is the first African-American in Quincy to hold the title of Fire Chief.
An ABC 27/WTXL reporter attended the event. For more from the ceremony , watch ABC 27 News at 5, 6, and 11 p.m.
FEBRUARY 25, 2013 8:56 a.m.
QUINCY, Fla.-- Quincy Fire Chief Howard "Bubba" Smith is retiring from the job after 32 years.
Chief Smith is currently one of the longest serving City of Quincy employees. He began his career during an era when the City of Quincy had a joint Fire and Police Department; it was known as The Quincy Public Safety Department. During this time, firefighters were also sworn police officers and performed both duties.
Chief Smith is a Quincy native, and a former high school football player and trainer. Chief Smith made history in Quincy by becoming the first African-American to hold the title of fire chief.
Chief Smith is also the City’s unofficial locksmith, due to being well-known for his lock-picking skills.
In a Quincy Police Department release, officials write,"We will not be able to replace him and his years of expertise. He will be truly missed."
