Gravette fire chief retires after 20 years of service

Photo by Susan Holland Assistant fire chief Chuck Skaggs, right, presented chief David Smith a fire helmet signed by his fellow firefighters at a retirement party held at the fire station last Tuesday night. Smith was being honored for his 20 years of service to the Gravette fire department, 11 of which were as chief. Smith is retiring at the end of the year.
Photo by Susan Holland Assistant fire chief Chuck Skaggs, right, presented chief David Smith a fire helmet signed by his fellow firefighters at a retirement party held at the fire station last Tuesday night. Smith was being honored for his 20 years of service to the Gravette fire department, 11 of which were as chief. Smith is retiring at the end of the year.

GRAVETTE -- David Smith, retiring chief of the Gravette Fire Department, has been called out to the fire station many times at all hours of the night to go on fire runs. When he was called to come to the station last Tuesday night it was not to go fight a blazing structure fire or vehicle fire. This trip would end with more pleasing circumstances.

When Smith arrived at the station last week he found the room filled with fellow firefighters, family members and friends who had come to wish him well. In the center of the room stood a table holding a cake topped with clever designs including a Gravette fire helmet, a fire hydrant with hose attached, an axe and even a toy fire truck. Also displayed were a chief's helmet signed by many of Smith's fellow firefighters and a certificate honoring him.

Assistant fire chief Chuck Skaggs started off the evening by sharing some of his experiences working on the fire crew with Smith. He told of some of his personal memories of fire runs they had made over the years. He thanked Smith for all he has done to help the fire department progress and presented him with the fire helmet covered with signatures.

Several other members of the Gravette fire department crew shared their memories of working with Smith. One commented to Smith, "It takes a big heart to do what you do." And he has been at it for several years. Smith has been a member of the Gravette Fire Department for 20 years, 11 of them as chief.

David Orr, one of the fire department's four full-time firefighter/paramedics, presented Smith with a certificate of appreciation honoring him for his 20 years of service and outstanding leadership to the department. He too spent some time reminiscing about making fire runs with Smith.

Smith spoke of his gratitude for the party and commented on the progress that had been made since he had been with the department. Vast improvements have been made in the equipment available for the firefighters and several additional personnel have been added. The Gravette fire department operated a Basic Life Support ambulance service when Smith joined the department, but now the ambulance provides Advanced Life Support. Fire department personnel include four full-time firefighter/paramedics, 2 emergency medical technician/firefighters and about 20 volunteers. Smith commented that the budget for the fire department has grown from around $68,000 in his early years with the department to a $470,000 budget today.

Smith was recruited to cut the cake, which was then served to about 30 department members and guests, and his buddies at the department presented him with a new fishing rod. He said he hopes to have more time to use it now that he is retired.

In Smith's letter of resignation, submitted to Mayor Byron Warren Dec. 19, he stated, "During my tenure with the city of Gravette that started in 1995, I have served as firefighter, lieutenant, captain and eleven years as fire chief of the Gravette Fire Department. I have also served as part-time police officer, full-time police officer, narcotics officer, sergeant, lieutenant and interim police chief with the City of Gravette Police Department. Throughout my many years as a public servant I was lucky enough to witness the growth of Gravette, as well as the noble leadership all past and present administrations have provided to keep this fine city safe and flourishing. I truly appreciate the opportunities provided to me from the city of Gravette and am proud to call Gravette my home. I look forward to starting this new chapter in my life and am honored to have been a part of the progress and accomplishments of the Gravette Fire Department."

Smith's resignation was effective Friday, Dec. 26.

General News on 12/31/2014