Four decades. That is the length of time Ronnie Mayfield has committed to the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department. Joining in 1979, Mayfield celebrated his 40 years of service with friends and family Wednesday evening as they honored his dedication and extraordinary service to the Whitesville community and recognized its rarity.
“He dedicated his life to that fire department and he still is,” said Whitesville Fire Department Chief, Derek Mills. “I don’t think anyone will ever pull off what he’s pulled off.”
Mills said Mayfield is probably the most loyal person anyone could ever meet, and that it’s rare for one to put that many years into fire service, especially a volunteer.
“Many don’t realize the dedication he has had. Even his vacation time was spent doing fire department stuff,” Mills said in respect of Mayfield who spent 36 of those 40 years as fire chief himself before stepping down in January. “He wants to hang out as long as he can do it. It’s great because we’ll have his experience and anytime we need him, we call him and he helps us out.”
Mayfield has no plans of quitting any time soon, as long as his health continues to allow him to continue serving.
“It’s just part of my life,” Mayfield said. “It’s been my life for 40 years, and it’s just what I do.”
