After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the community of DeGraff, Capt. David King has officially hung up his helmet.
“I once asked an older firefighter how you know when it’s time to be done,” King said. “He told me, ‘You just know.’ Well, today I just know it is my time.”
King’s career with the DeGraff Fire Department spans just over three decades, a period marked by countless calls answered, lives touched, and a deep commitment to protecting his community. Over the years, he served with — and under — many respected firefighters and leaders, including Dan Goings, Josh Goings, Doug Comer, Gary Comer, Ronnie Pope, Buck Reames, Warren Carey, Josh Srayer, Greg Beatty, Bob Beatty, Clint Buchenroth, as well as the men and women currently serving on the department.
His fellow firefighters often joked Capt. King was with the department when its 1927 Pirsch engine was put into service.
“I thank all of you,” King said. “Keep up the good work.”
King was quick to acknowledge that a fire service career is never carried alone. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout the years — especially his wife, Amy, and daughter, Rebekah.
“I love both of you,” King shared. “Thank you for standing by me as I left during supper time or in the middle of the night.”
While his chapter with the DeGraff Fire Department has come to a close, King is not stepping away from emergency services altogether. He will continue serving the region through Indian Lake EMS, ensuring that familiar faces will still see him answering the call.
