State Fire Marshal’s Office mourns the loss of Chief Garland King

NASHVILLE, TN – It is with deep sadness that the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office announces the passing of Chief Garland King, 76, a beloved member of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) family.  King is remembered by the many firefighters across the state that had the privilege of learning from and leaning on the retired fire chief.  As one of the most passionate advocates of TFACA, King was known for attending every recruit graduation in the Academy’s history. 

 

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Chief Garland King’s passing,” said Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak.  “Chief King’s legacy of advocacy, education and inspiration lives on through his incredible contributions to both the Academy and to the fire service in Tennessee.”

 

King’s contributions to TFACA began far before the first brick was laid.  To educate the public about the need for the Academy, he traveled more than 5,300 miles across the state with his “Ole Mack Fire Truck”.  Each and every stop on the tour afforded people from all walks of life, including local government officials, legislators, and even the Governor, the opportunity to sign the truck as a demonstration of their support for the much needed facility.  

 

“Chief King was one of the major forces behind the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy being built in Bedford County,” said the TFACA Executive Director Roger Hawks.  “We have lost a dear friend and our goodwill ambassador.  His passing is a loss to everyone who knew him.”

 

A forty-year fire service veteran and thirty-year fire chief with the Shelbyville Fire Department, King held the highest offices in fire services in the state as President of the Tennessee Fireman’s Association and the Tennessee Fire’s Chief Association, an organization he helped to found. 

 

King is survived by his son, Gary King, his daughter, Glenda McGill, and his five grand-children and two great-grandchildren. 

 

The visitation will be held Wednesday July 24, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Doak-Howell Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Bro. Wallace Rowland officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Mount Cemetery.  

 

Memorials may be made to the Tennessee Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial or the Shelbyville Boys & Girls Club.

 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office  is a division of the Department of Commerce and Insurance, which works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. 

 

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