FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

During the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting on Monday April 20, 2009; Fire Chief Darrell Cunningham submitted his resignation as Fire Chief effective immediately
after 33 years of service.

Fire Chief Cunningham has risen through the ranks of the Bourbon Fire Protection District, becoming Fire Chief in 1984.  Fire Chief Cunningham has been a loyal and dedicated member of the District, which this dependability is difficult to replace.  He has provided outstanding professional leadership to his fire officers and firefighters. Darrell has been instrumental throughout the years with the training of immeasurable numbers of firefighters.  The entire Fire District has seen improved fire protection with Darrell as Fire Chief; with the purchase of sophisticated equipment, improved day to day
operations and instilling good judgment among its members.

For Darrell's devoted service over the years, he has been named to Fire Chief Emeritus. This position is an advisory role within the Fire District; as Bourbon Fire Members should not have to go without Darrell's vast knowledge of firefighting and of our Fire District.

We are grateful to Fire Chief Emeritus Cunningham for his dedicated services to the Bourbon Fire Protection District and we will miss his passion for the job and loyalty to the firefighters.

Personally, Darrell has been influential throughout my career as firefighter.  The knowledge he has bestowed upon me and others will be greatly missed.  I applaud Darrell on his great career as Fire Chief and wish him well on his retirement from the Bourbon Fire Protection District.

A public farewell for Chief Cunningham will be scheduled for a later date.


Daniel R. Whatley
Fire Chief

Pictured is Chief Cunningham with two Lieutenants after graduating St Louis County Fire Academy. L-R, Lt Graddy, Chief Cunningham, Lt Nelson