After more than 27 years serving at the Plant City Fire Rescue, Battalion Chief Henry Smith retired Sept. 30.
Family and friends gathered Oct. 3, to celebrate his success.
Smith started his career 32 years ago as a volunteer. He was working at the mines, when he got involved in civil service. At age 30, he decided to make a career change and was hired into the department as a firefighter. Smith rose in the ranks from firefighter to driver to captain. Seven years ago, he became battalion chief.
Smith’s favorite aspect about working in the industry is the constant challenge and variety.
“No day is never the same,” he says. “There’s that excitement.”
Smith plans to spend more time remodeling his home. He also has a lawn-care business that he plans to continue operating.