A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JAMES DENNIS GARDNER, FORMER CHIEF OF THE MACEDONIA FIRE DEPARTMENT, UPON THE RECENT OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS CHIEF AFTER DECADES OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly has learned that James Dennis Gardner, former chief of the Macedonia Fire Department, retired from his post as chief on January 1, 2024. He had served the department faithfully for a total of forty-nine years, twenty-eight of those years as chief; and

 

Whereas, it was in 1975 that James Dennis Gardner embarked on a journey that would become a defining chapter in his life: serving as a firefighter at the Macedonia Fire Department. Working his way through the ranks and gaining experience and friends all along the way, he was first promoted to lieutenant, then to captain, next to assistant chief, and, in 1995, to chief; and

 

Whereas, over the course of his career, former Chief Gardner has led the Macedonia Fire Department through numerous changes within the department and within the department's fire district. During his years of service, James Dennis Gardner has witnessed the Macedonia Fire District grow from a primarily farming community filled with peach orchards and small farms to a district experiencing tremendous growth in industry along the I-85 corridor in Cherokee County. He also has watched the

I-85 corridor grow from four lanes to six lanes and has seen increased growth in the district in residential properties; and

 

Whereas, this growth has required additional fire protection. For example, in 2022 former Chief Gardner facilitated the construction of a new Butler Substation that replaced a fire substation dating from 1970. The new three-bay facility will assist firefighters in enhancing fire protection in the northwest corner of their fire district; and

 

Whereas, grateful for the legacy of commitment and excellence former Chief Gardner already has bestowed upon the citizens of this great State, most particularly those of Cherokee County, the General Assembly is pleased to extend best wishes to him as he transitions to a new position in the Macedonia Fire Department that encompasses the duties of a consultant and the title of chief emeritus. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor James Dennis Gardner, former chief of the Macedonia Fire Department, upon the recent occasion of his retirement as chief after decades of distinguished service.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to former Fire Chief James Dennis Gardner.

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