October 22, 2008 - SFD Chief of Fire Maintenance Retires

Henry F. Simons, Chief of Fire Maintenance, retires

It is with great honor and bittersweet emotion that Fire Chief Brian Crawford announces the retirement of Chief of Fire Maintenance Henry F. Simons. Chief Simons served the department for over 32 years and has been the Chief of Fire Maintenance since September of 1999.

His major accomplishments during his career have been:

• Updated vehicle fleet and maintenance by adding new fire engines, ladder trucks, district chief vehicles, and a new fire rescue boat
• Implemented an ambulance remount program that saved the citizens of Shreveport thousands of dollars in tax money
• He was the Runner-up for the National Emergency Vehicle Technician of the year in 1998
• He became one of the first Master Emergency Vehicle Technicians in the nation
• Instrumental in the relocation of the new Central Fire Station and Stations 13, 22, and the new Fire Maintenance Facility

Chief Simons stated, “The new Fire Maintenance Facility was my dream. I initially presented the plans to Mayor Bo Williams in 1996 and I am glad to see its completion. I have mixed emotions about leaving. It was hard to make up my mind but my wife helped me to do that. I wish everyone on SFD well and it has been my privilege to work with so many good people.”

Fire Chief Brian Crawford stated, “Chief Simons has been a most valuable public servant to the citizens and the department always performing with a “can do” attitude. We will miss him greatly and wish him the very best in any endeavor that he pursues.”