Effective July 10, 2013, Driver William “Bubba” Daniel will retire from Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department with 36 years of service.

Daniel began his career with MFRD in May 1977 as a Firefighter. In September 1999, he was promoted to Driver and holds that position today.

Daniel credits former Vice Mayor Robert Scales for giving him the opportunity to work with MFRD. Mr. Scales approached him after church one Sunday and asked if he would be interested in being a Firefighter. Daniel also credits the late Bobby Swann, former Chief of MFRD, for hiring him.

In 2012, Daniel received recognition at the Annual Years of Service Presentation for his 35 years of service. He was given a special plaque with highlights of his years with the department.

On the plaque, Daniel noted some of his most memorable fire calls, including: Ray Batts Furniture Store, Fishers Department Store, and the Firestone Fire on College Street. He also recalled his funniest memory at the fire department, “Terry Sneed jumped off the pumper and grabbed a big turtle. He cleaned it and put it in a pot to cook for supper,” and unusual call “We had to open a car with a boa constrictor in it because the owner had lost his keys.”

Daniel stated that his biggest regret was not getting to retire with his brother, Robert “Petie” Daniel, who passed away in June 2004 after a car accident. Robert was also employed with MFRD. “I remember the Chief [Baxter] and several co-workers coming to visit him in the hospital in Atlanta. The support for our family was tremendous, and I will never forget that.”

Daniel plans to spend more time with family during his retirement. He and wife Audrey have three children (Terrence, Nikita, and Willy) and nine grandchildren. “I am looking forward to watching the grandkids play sports. They are very involved in basketball, soccer, and softball. I will finally get to make it to some of their games.” Daniel also plans to spend more time fishing and traveling and will continue to work part-time at Ingram Books.

“It has been a great ride. I have had fun with my co-workers, old and new. I’ve seen our department advance with new computers, GPS, medical calls, and much more. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years will bring for the department that I love so well,” said Daniel. “The last 36 years have been a journey and even when I leave, I will not be a stranger,” he added.

“Driver Daniel has been a pleasure to work with during my career at the fire department. I truly appreciate his dedication to this department and will miss him. He has been a great employee,” said Chief Gaines.

Daniel’s family and co-workers will celebrate his retirement at a reception on June 28.

Source: 

Ashley McDonald, Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue, PIO