Pictured are (from left): Luke Mooney, Jason Burch, David Hailey, Rodney Mathews, Josh Eddins, Kaden LaRock, Waylon Griffith, Zack Fausett, Joel Covington, Luke Fausett, Phillip Youngblood
March 17, 2025 - The Center Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) held a meeting and election of officers Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and saw the retirement of two in leadership.
Center VFD Fire Chief Rodney Mathews and Center VFD Assistant Fire Chief Waylon Griffith retired from their positions and each shared words of encouragement to all of the Center firefighters.
VFD Chief Mathews leaves the fire department following 22 years of service with the Center VFD, which was preceded by years of service at fire departments in Joaquin and Logansport.
“Y’all know how much, we both of us, thoroughly enjoy the fire department and I always have,” said Mathews. “We always stress, if you get hurt going to a car wreck or fire, it ain’t doing nobody any good.
Mathews expressed the importance of all the firefighters to be extremely careful out on the roadways, especially the main highways, when directing traffic. He said he looked forward to seeing the department grow as more join.
“Pick some that that’s what they want to do, you know, they want to be a fireman, they want to help people but that’s what it’s about,” said Mathews.
Assistant VFD Chief Griffith has retired with 25 years of service to the Center VFD and previous to that he had years of service with the West Shelby County VFD. They both were presented with plaques in honor of their service.
Griffith spoke to his fellow members about the dedication firefighters have to commit to do the job and the desire to want to do well for the community. He also said he’s always tried to set a good example for the other firefighters.
“I always have tried to, I hope I have,” said Griffith. “We got a lot of good guys in here. I want to see y’all hang in there, you know, with the fire department and advance and grow and get you some years under your belt.”
Griffith encouraged the importance to the firefighters of being safe on calls and when responding to them, and to just do the best they can. He also noted the importance of staying focused and not getting distracted during crash situations where they may be helping someone out of a terrible situation.
He just wanted everyone to watch out for each other and be safe, and he expressed how much he has enjoyed being on the fire department.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone that I’ve worked with and y’all,” said Griffith.
During the meeting, elections for officers were held and they include Del Birdwell, Volunteer Fire Chief; Luke Mooney, Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief; Jason Burch, 2nd Assistant Fire Chief; Brandi Cammack, Secretary; Joel Covington, Chaplain; and Kaden LaRock, Training Officer.
