MH community: Thanks Chief Ken Williams for your 35 years of service

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Photo: Mountain Home Assistant Fire Chief Kris Quick (right) presented Chief Ken Williams (left) with a plaque at his retirement reception Friday. Photo: Courtesy Mountain Home Fire Department.

Last Friday had the appearance of the end of any other work week for Mountain Home Fire Chief Ken Williams. He arrived at the same building he has reported to for the past 35 years. Everything looked the same as he pulled up at the station, with shiny red fire engines resting in the bay, and walking to his office, he passed the Bunn coffee maker where he has filled his cup countless times over those years.

But Friday wasn’t just another other day. Before wrapping up and heading out, Chief Williams would be greeted by well-wishers from across the community congratulating him on his retirement.



Photo: Courtesy Mountain Home Fire Department

In 1985, Williams arrived on the scene as a volunteer firefighter. Two years later, he became a full-time shift firefighter. The next milestone was a promotion to lieutenant in 1994, followed by being selected as chief in 2003.

In a visit with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot news, Williams reminisced about the early years he says were some of the most fun times with the fire and police departments sharing the area at the rear of the Municipal Building.


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Fire and police personnel were often joined in the small breakroom by Arkansas State Police troopers and Game and Fish officers.


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In his final thoughts, Williams says he wanted to say warmly how much he has appreciated all the mayors and council members he has worked under and that he is thankful for the support of the business community.


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Williams says retiring is bittersweet, but he’s ready for the next step.


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A successor as Mountain Home fire chief has not been announced.

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