Reported by Mike Hobson
Long time Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mickey Barton announced his retirement this week after more than 16 years of service to the City as Chief.
Mickey first started his service as Fire Chief in 2006 and served until 2022. He followed former Fire Chief Tommy Bamberg into the job when Tommy retired and later became Mayor. There was a short gap in there when Brandon Sonnier was in office and then Mickey returned to the job.
Not only has Mickey stepped down as Fire Chief he said that he retired from his full time “day job” with the U.S. Department of Agriculture this past October. Now he is free to pursue his full time hobbies along with his wife Pat and plans to make the best of his retirement years.
Centreville Mayor Mike Oakley said this about his service to the community: “ Mickey has served his community for over 30 years. A good number of those was as fire chief. I believe everybody would agree with me in saying that we appreciate everything Mickey has done and will continue to do to make his community a better place to live, worship and raise families.”
In announcing his retirement Mickey said “it has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community and its visitors”. When you see Mickey around town throw him a thumbs up and thank him for serving this community as a volunteer first responder. It takes a selfless person to turn out of bed on a cold night and respond to a fire call.
We all appreciate your service Mickey. Only a few are called to do what you have willingly and faithfully done for years.
