After 35 years of Fire Service, Fire Chief Gil Harryman will retire June 29, 2012 to spend more time with his family, continue practicing his passion of community commitment through ministry service, as well as becoming a financial investment advisor for those seeking help with financial success.
Chief Harryman began his career with the Edmond Fire Department in 1977 and held several positions prior to being named Chief. His greatest privilege has been to serve the Edmond community alongside some of the finest fire service professionals he has known. “I care deeply about our firefighters and their families. The experience I will miss most is simply being there for them when tragedy strikes their own families,” said Chief Harryman.
During Chief Harryman’s tenure, he oversaw many projects that made positive impacts throughout our community such as the Fire Station #5 and the Administrative Fire Prevention and Training offices, the regional training center, driving range, multi-story drill tower and the Children’s Safety Village. The emergency medical service paramedic program was recently introduced along with the greatly enhanced special operations teams including hazardous materials, technical rescue and underwater rescue/recovery response.
“On behalf of our organization I congratulate Gil on his 35-year career in public service and public safety with the Edmond Fire Department. Gil’s passion behind his work created many positive projects and outcomes for Edmond,” said City Manager Larry Stevens.
Gil was not quiet about his desire to move on to this time in his life. “Gil’s announcement is not entirely unexpected as he mentioned retirement thoughts in one of our discussions over a year ago. I very much appreciate him making his announcement several months in advance,” said Stevens.
Although Chief Harryman does not plan to retire in the traditional sense, he does plan to begin his new journey by checking off of few things on his list starting with taking a long nap, spending quality time with his wife Rhonda and their 19-year-old daughter April, getting started on his out-of-control garage and of course, the long honey-do list.
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