Northern Pendleton Fire Department honors retiring assistant fire chief

  • Larry Record, center, is pictured with his family. Record is a third-generation firefighter, having his grandfather and father go before him; in fact, much of his family has been involved in firefighting in some fashion.
    Larry Record, center, is pictured with his family. Record is a third-generation firefighter, having his grandfather and father go before him; in fact, much of his family has been involved in firefighting in some fashion.
  • Northern Pendleton Fire Department honors retiring assistant fire chief
    Northern Pendleton Fire Department honors retiring assistant fire chief

    By Nila Harris

    Northern Pendleton Fire Department (NPFD) held a surprise retirement dinner to honor retiring assistant fire chief Larry Record. Members of the fire department, Record’s family, and friends were in attendance, as well as Pendleton County EMA Director Mike Moore, State Representative Mark Hart, Judge Executive David Fields, and local magistrate Joshua Plummer.

    Record’s 37-year career as a firefighter started because of family. His father Marvin Record and uncle Lee were firefighters, and their father Bill Record, before them. And don’t forget the ladies! Larry’s grandmother Martha Record, mom Ann, and Aunt Michelle were all involved in Northern Pendleton’s Ladies Auxiliary. Larry described becoming a firefighter as “catching the bug.”

    Not only has Record served with NPFD, but he has also worked for several years at Alexandria Fire Department, even reaching the rank of Lieutenant there in 2019. Record has had the “service mentality” in other avenues of his life, too. He left for the Air Force following his 19th birthday and spent nine years active duty and 12 years Reserve. While serving as a Reservist, Record joined the NPFD and joined Alexandria following his retirement from the Air Force.

    Representative Hart presented Record with a Citation of Appreciation for his many years of service. Judge Fields gave him a certificate of Outstanding Recognition by the Pendleton County Fiscal Court. Chief John Seitz awarded Record with a plaque illustrating Record’s years of service to NPFD. EMA Director Moore described how helpful, organized, and compassionate Record was during the tornado of 2012 that devastated the Peach Grove community, even as Record’s own house was in the danger zone.

    Record began as a Junior Firefighter and has served in numerous roles at the firehouse since them, including volunteer firefighter, lieutenant, and assistant fire chief. He has served 20 years in a management position at NPFD and loves its community, drive, and passion. We are thankful to Larry Record’s service to our community and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.