He held the ranks of Lieutenant in 1968 and 1969; Captain from 1970-1974 and 1987 to 1990; Assistant Chief from 1975 to 1982; and Chief from 1983-1986. He also served as Weldon’s Safety officer and Vice President of the Weldon Fire Company Relief Association for many years. Ken grew up right behind the firehouse and owned the Keswick Cycle Shop next door for years. Between Pony and his employees, the fire company was always well staffed for daytime fire calls. There was a break in his fire company service to serve his country in Vietnam. His military service stretched from April 14, 1967, to November 21, 1968. While serving in the military, he served on a RECON team that used a precursor to thermal imaging technology that firefighters use today at every fire response. In this important role, Ken helped provide maps that troops would use later. Pony was always quick with a story and a laugh whenever he was in the firehouse, and his leadership will be sorely missed. |