Cliff Hays, left, retired last week from the Kosciusko Fire Department after more than 21 years of service.
By including four years of Navy service to his time, he completed 25 years to qualify for full retirement.
Hays started with the department as a volunteer in 1993 and became a full-time firefighter four years later, in 1996.
Chief Burdine lauded Hays, saying the firefighter “has helped and saved so many lives in this community.”
For his part, Hays said he always loved his job.
“The city of Kosciusko is a great place to work. I love it here and I’m leaving while I still love it. I don’t want to be the guy who stays too long,” he said.
