After spending 33 years with the Corbin Fire Department, Chief Gary Price told city leaders on Monday that he was retiring, and Thursday would be his last day.
Throughout his time as a firefighter and a volunteer with area rescue squads, Price said he has simply enjoyed “helping people.”
He’s been with CFD for more than three decades and served as assistant fire chief before taking the reins of the department in October 2006 after chief Gary Disney retired.
Fellow fire department employees said they had no idea Price was planning retirement.
“I’ve been here 20 years and it caught us by surprise,” said Assistant Fire Chief Barry McDonald. “We had no clue whatsoever.”
Scott Grove worked with Price about 25 years ago when they were both firefighters within the department. Grove returned to CFD about four years ago, and said he too was surprised by the announcement. Grove said Price had always been dedicated to his job, and the fire department “was his life.”
“It’s a surprise. I figured it must be time for a new chapter in his life,” Grove said.
Price is a widower and has three children and four grandchildren. He said he is “basically going out and enjoying life and my grandkids.”
Price is a Corbin native, and said he will probably remain in Corbin throughout his retirement.
“I’ve just enjoyed helping people and enjoy what we do,” Price said. “(There are) both good and bad memories, it’s just, like I say, I’ve tried to live my life helping people and doing what I felt was right.”
As of Tuesday, the city commission had made no announcements as to who would succeed Price as Corbin’s next fire chief.
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