Rural Metro Fire leaders including several corporate executives were on hand July 11 for the retirement dinner for Deputy Chief Gene Blaylock. It was a private buffet at Calhoun’s on the River. Guests were encouraged to take blank cards to write memories of Blaylock.
Blaylock has worked with Rural Metro for 42 years. He began his career in South Knox County when the fire trucks had open cabs and were exposed to the elements of the weather, said Capt. Jeff Bagwell. “For the last three decades, he has managed the day-to-day operations for all of Rural Metro Fire in Knox County.”
Fire Chief Jerry Harnish said Blaylock brought extremely sound judgment to his job. “He was always calm.” Citing his years of experience, Harnish said it would be hard to replace Blaylock. “Hard, no not hard. Impossible.”