SHARP HONORED FOR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

Tuesday, July 13, 2010, Amite County firefighting pioneer Bill Sharp was given a surprise when he greeted a roomful of people at the Ethel Stratton Vance Park in Lliberty. The event was given to honor Mr. Sharp in his retirement after thirty-four years as assistant fire chief at East Central Volunteer Fire Department and a volunteer rescue worker. Many would remember Mr. Sharp as longtime principal at Liberty Elementary School as well. He retired from this position in 2000 after 411/2 years in education.
Mr. Sharp moved to Amite County in 1964 and was married to Peggy Campbell in 1965. In addition to his above mentioned civic activities, he served on teh Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center board and currently serves on the Southwest Mississippi Community College board. He and his wife are members of East Fork Baptist Church.
Of the 16, 000 firefighters in the state, 13,300 are volunteers. Many firefighters know that they are to be ready to go and ready for what is to come when it comes to going out there and fighting fires. Sharp urged firefighters to be observant at fire scenes noting that many arsonists won’t be at a fire scene when firemen arrive, but will usually show up before the fire is out.
Also in attendance were state fire coordinator Larry Barnes and his assistant, Brad Smith, James Allen Causey who was one of the founders of the East Central Volunteer Fire Department, Mayor Rick Stratton, Supervisors Will Powell and Travis Taylor, Judge Roger Arnold, Aldermen Johnnie Morgan III and Charlie Brister and Gloster Chief of Police Tommie Lee.
Those that know Sharp the best feel that he won’t retire until he dies. It’s in his blood to help out when he is needed and to serve his community, town and county. This is exactly what we need in America - strong people that make time to help out in as many aspects as they possibly can. We salute you Mr. Sharp, and all those out there like you.