A large crowd was on hand to honor and bid farewell to the chief of the Hopkinsville Fire Department Tuesday night. A man who dedicated one-quarter of a century of his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Hopkinsville.
Chief Freddie Montgomery announced in June he was retiring from the position, effective August 1. A reception was held in the Council Chamber at the Hopkinsville Municipal Building Tuesday night to recognize Montgomery for his 25-years of service.
Christian County Magistrate Darrell Gustafson and Councilman Wendell Lynch spoke at the reception. Lynch said Montgomery was a great leader and accomplished whatever he set out to do and the city has been blessed to have such a leader.
Mayor Carter Hendricks said Chief Montgomery is loved, which was evident by the those in the room. He added it’s not the long list of accomplishments that makes the chief a legacy, but his love for the community.
Montgomery said he loves the City of Hopkinsville and thanked God for the opportunities he has been given. He added the hardest part is leaving his team.
The fire department presented Montgomery with a large plaque and the department’s flag, and Mayor Hendricks presented him a key to the city.
Montgomery won’t be far from Hopkinsville and will continue his career in another leadership role. After he announced his retirement, the City of Clarksville announced they had hired Montgomery as the new Clarksville Fire and Rescue Chief.
