Henrico Fire Chief Edwin Smith retires Friday after 38 years of service, but not before his Fire Division could honor his service in a surprise send-off.
The county fire department gave Smith a farewell send off as he arrived for his last day of work at the Henrico Public Safety building Friday morning.
His department set up several fire trucks, with the American flag flying from a ladder truck. His troops then gave him a final salute.
Henrico Fire department released the following biography of Chief Smith's career:
"Chief Smith began his career with Henrico Fire in May of 1974 as a firefighter, and served in every suppression position as a firefighter and officer.
"Chief Smith obtained a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond, as well as an Associate's degree in Fire Science. Chief Smith was assigned to Fire Prevention as an inspector, investigator and later as the commander of the Fire Prevention section.
"He was promoted to Battalion Chief where he was a district battalion and later the Chief of Training. On August 18th, 2007, Henrico County Manager Virgil Hazelett appointed Edwin W. Smith as the Chief of Henrico County Division of Fire. Chief Smith oversees the second largest career fire-rescue department in the state of Virginia for the past five years.
"Chief Smith is an active member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and Central Virginia Fire and Arson Association.
"In 2010, Chief Smith was appointed by Governor McDonnell to the Virginia Fire Services Board. He also serves as a Commissioner on the Board of the Commission of Fire Accreditation international.
"The Henrico County Division of Fire would like to wish Chief Edwin Smith a happy and fulfilling life as he enters the next chapter"
Copyright 2012 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond
