To be able to earn a living doing something you love to do is a rare experience. The past few days I’ve had the honor of being introduced to a totally different aspect of serving the public. Recently retiring after serving 26 years with the Natchez Fire Department I have been fortunate enough to have worked with Mr. George Souderes in a multitude of different capacities.

Mr. George, as I have called him for years, has been my boss, instructor, peer, incident commander, liaison, student, advisor, coordinator, devil’s advocate and adversary, but in the end, always my friend with a common goal to serve the public. Mr. Souderes’ efforts to ease my transition from Firefighter to emergency management director have ensured that the continuation of emergency services continues without interruption. Mr. Souderes’ personal sacrifice to protect the citizens he swore to protect is not lost on this retired firefighter.

Mr. George, I salute your 31 years of service to the Citizens of Adams County. May you enjoy the retirement you so rightly deserve.

P.S. I’m keeping your home number handy just in case. Thanks Mr. G.

Stan Owens Jr.

retired, battalion chief, Natchez Fire Department