Thirty years and counting: Troup Fire Chief originally signed up as volunteer in 1985

Published 7:49 pm Wednesday, March 28, 2018

After more than three decades of experience at the  Troup County Fire Department, Fire Chief Dennis Knight said he has enjoyed every single year working there. He was recently recognized for 30 years of service at the department at the county’s employee service award ceremony last week.

“I am very fortunate to have a job that I don’t dread getting up and going into work,” Knight said. “I really enjoy what I do.”

Knight signed up as a volunteer on his 18th birthday in 1985 and was hired into the department in 1988. He said his interest in firefighting was sparked after being shown around a fire station with the LaGrange Fire Department.

Knight graduated from Troup High School in 1986.

Knight said he has liked the excitement of the job and the ability to help and serve the community. He said he chose to work for the TCFD since they accepted his application first.

Knight was appointed as the fire chief three years ago. As chief, Knight manages the day-to-day operations of the department, handles budgeting, oversees personnel and plans for its future.

“I would say the challenges are trying to provide the best possible service to the public while being fiscally responsible,” Knight said. “It would be great to have a fire station on every corner to serve the public, but that would also come at a great expense to the public. So, you have to balance the two.”

Knight said his favorite thing about LaGrange is the amenities of a large city, but the small-town feel.

“I was born and raised here, so it’s home,” he said.

As a chief, he said the best part of his job is helping people on their worst days and working with people within the fire department.

“It’s a very honorable profession,” Knight said.

The TCFD has 57 career firefighters and 30 volunteers, according to Knight. The department was started as a volunteer fire department in 1967.

Knight said he enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Tina, and son, Gunnar, 26.