Stockdale fire chief honored for 44 years of service
By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
For more than 40 years, Stockdale Fire Chief Tom Wilkinson has devoted his time and efforts to the communities he’s served as a volunteer fire fighter.
On Monday, the department’s fire board gave back to Wilkinson when they awarded him a coveted custom gold leaf shield for his helmet.
The gold shield came as a surprise to Wilkinson, who said he was called to a meeting with the board.
“They called a special fire board meeting and I thought it was going to be about the new truck,” Wilkinson said with a laugh. “They surprised me with it. I was actually looking at getting one for myself, but they decided to get it for me. I’m really happy to receive it.”
Wilkinson said the gold shield reflects his length of service. After 44 years of being involved with firefighting, Wilkinson has no plans to call it quits anytime soon.
“I feel the same way now as I did when I was 18,” he said. “That’s what keeps me young.”
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