A local legendary firefighter has been honored by the city of Leitchfield and county government.
Randy VanMeter, who began his 61-year career as a Leitchfield firefighter on September 1, 1961, has been recognized with a proclamation signed by Leitchfield Mayor Harold Miller and Grayson County Judge Executive Kevin Henderson.
The proclamation states in part that VanMeter, who served as assistant fire chief during his decades of service to Grayson County residents, is being honored for generously giving his time and talents to improve his community and keep citizens safe.
Additionally, the proclamation praises VanMeter for his “devotion and service to the citizens of Grayson County … and there should be a permanent record of gratitude for his community service.”
VanMeter not only steadfastly served his community for over six decades, he also impacted the lives of many of his fellow firefighters through his leadership, commitment and vast knowledge.
“He’s a legend,” Leitchfield Fire Chief Tim Duvall said about VanMeter. “When I joined the Leitchfield Fire Department on November 16, 1992, Randy and I got to be real good friends. He took me under his wing and taught me so many things. And he was able to teach me so much because he’d been a firefighter for so long. He was like a guardian angel for me.”
Duvall also credits VanMeter with planting the seed that blossomed into the chief’s 30-plus year firefighting career.
“He absolutely had everything to do with me wanting to make firefighting my career,” Duvall emphatically stated. “Between Randy and Ronald Hudson and a few others, they helped me in so many ways and made me want to have a career as a fireman.”
Proclamation
WHEREAS, volunteer community service is an integral part of the operation and spirit of Grayson County and the City of Leitchfield; and
WHEREAS, we honor those who generously give their time and talents to improve their communities, and keep the citizens safe; and
WHEREAS, Randy VanMeter is a life-long resident of Grayson County; and
WHEREAS, during his time with the Leitchfield Fire Department, Randy has served as a member since September 1, 1961; and
WHEREAS, the Grayson County Fiscal Court and the City of Leitchfield, hereby recognize Randy VanMeter for his many years of dedicated service;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kevin Henderson, Grayson County Judge Executive, in appreciation of Mr. VanMeter’s devotion and service to the citizens of Grayson County, desire that there should be a permanent record of gratitude for his community service.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
