A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JOEY DUGGAN, CHIEF OF THE CITY OF SUMTER FIRE DIVISION, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER THIRTY-FOUR YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that Joey Duggan, chief of the City of Sumter Fire Division, retired on January 2, 2024, after completing thirty-four years of distinguished fire service; and

Whereas, over the course of his career, Joey Duggan donned many hats -- and badges -- for the City of Sumter. For several past Christmases, he has been the holly jolly holiday host, better known as Santa Claus, and he has worn the gold badge of a police uniform for the Sumter Police Department for twenty years. However, it was in March 1990 that he embarked on a journey that would become a defining chapter in his life: working as a firefighter at the fire department. As the first dual public safety officer (twenty of his thirty-four years with the fire department were split with the police department), he worked his way through the ranks, gaining experience, friends, and family along the way; and

Whereas, Chief Duggan saw fire engines transformed from their mellow yellow hue to the cherry red coat of today. He experienced the growth of the industry from quaint firehouses to the extraordinary headquarters in which firefighters presently reside. He saw firefighting technology evolve from basic gear of jacket and boots to state-of-the-art uniforms and thermal-imaging cameras. He learned the ins and outs of fighting fires and how ruthless they can be and became a well-respected expert in fire prevention, one of his favorite parts of the job; and

Whereas, further, Chief Duggan served as a training officer for nearly eleven years and was looked up to as an encourager, a mentor, and an example for all the young men to follow. He carried the training department to the next level and kept the department as a whole on the upper edge of training in need-to-know information about evolving technology; and

Whereas, Sumter Mayor David Merchant salutes Chief Duggan with these words of  praise: "It's been a pleasure. He's just been a great ambassador for our city, as well as a public safety professional for us"; and

Whereas, grateful for the legacy of commitment and excellence Chief Duggan leaves to the citizens of this great State, most particularly those of Sumter, the House is pleased to extend best wishes to the chief as he transitions to a richly deserved retirement and the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution,  recognize and honor Joey Duggan, chief of the City of Sumter Fire Division, upon the occasion of his retirement after thirty-four years of outstanding service and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Fire Chief Joey Duggan.

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