Firefighter celebrates 75 years of service, vows to serve as long as he can

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - A volunteer firefighter in Virginia is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

At 98 years young, Burton “Spike” Pugh is celebrating 75 years of service with the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1949, he joined the fire department at the age of 24, and he’s never looked back since.

“Right now, we’ve got the best fire department we’ve ever had,” Pugh said.

The 98-year-old remains actively involved in fire operations, participating in trainings, meetings and special events.

And this month officially marks his 75th year with the department.

“The department is a better place because of him,” said Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Brad Basham.

Basham added, “Whether he’s sitting in a chair in the station talking to us, or he’s in the captain’s seat of a fire engine, it really doesn’t matter. Because if we’re willing to listen, he’s willing to help us.”

At a time when fewer people are willing to put on the boots and helmets, Pugh’s dedication is an inspiration to others.

“I hope and pray that the generation of Spike Pughs is not gone,” Basham said. “You know, he comes from a group of men and women that were as unselfish as you could ever ask any citizen to be.”

According to Pugh, he isn’t planning to retire anytime soon and vows to serve as long as he can.

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