It is with a tremendous amount of respect that we share the announcement that Assistant Chief Raymond Lloyd will retire on December 29th after 44 years of service with the Charleston Fire Department.   Chief Lloyd joined the fire department in 1973 and has worked his way through the ranks to become an Assistant Chief.  He represents the fourth of five generations of his family who have served the Charleston Fire Department beginning with his great-great-grandfather, Mike Hogan, from  1882 until 1916,  his great-grandfather, Edward A. Lloyd, from 1890 until 1924, his father, James H. Lloyd, Jr., from 1949 until 1957, and now followed by his son, Edward D. (Teddy) Lloyd, who began his CFD career in 2008.   What a legacy Teddy is inheriting!

Although I have known Chief Raymond for most of our careers, we began working together after the tragic loss of the Charleston 9 in the Sofa Super Store fire in June of 2007.  As members of the original Charleston Firefighter Support Team, we were blessed to have his dedication and support as we developed a counseling unit for our firefighters and their families.  In 2013, when we transitioned into the regional Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, his support has continued to be paramount to our success in continuing our mission.

Personally, I must say that my respect comes from the fact that he has always stood strong for his firefighters and his dedication to their success and to the Charleston Fire Department has, not once, ever waivered.  There have been many changes, both in leadership and in operations since 2007, and he has worked with them all to protect and preserve the history and future of the Charleston Fire Department.

Thank you, Chief, for your service and dedication to your CFD men and women, our community, and to our Team.  Special thanks to your beautiful wife, Beth, and to your children for their support of all of us as they have supported you.   I know there have been many missed family dinners, school events, birthdays, and other family functions over the years and hopefully you can now have time to catch up.

And to you Sir, I thank you personally.  I am proud to call you my friend and my brother.  See you at the golf course!

Gerald