Chief Prather thanked both chiefs for their contributions to the county and for paving the way for the fire service of today.
The official Grand Opening and Hose Uncoupling Ceremony for the new Cherokee County Fire Station #1, located at 100 Old Bascomb Court off Bells Ferry, was held today.
Cherokee County Fire Chief, Tim Prather, was the emcee and welcomed those who attended the event. Cherokee County Fire Chaplain, Dana McPherson, came forward to give the invocation.
Chief Prather returned to the podium to recognized several guests including members of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, the County Manager, representatives from the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and former volunteer firefighters who worked at the old Station # 1. Prather also announced that the new fire station was being dedicated to Chief Joe Carmichael and Chief Bob Nealey.
Fire Station 1 began as the Oak Grove Community Volunteer Fire Department in 1973 and it would become the first combination career/volunteer fire department in Cherokee County. Carmichael and Nealey each contributed to over 20 years of service to the county fire service. Chief Carmichael was the first County Fire Chief and Chief Nealey would succeed him years later. Chief Prather thanked both chiefs for their contributions to the county and for paving the way for the fire service of today.