It has taken some time to put my thoughts together as we knew our friend would soon finish his journey on this earth. This morning, our brother and friend, Greg Gambrell, Chief of the North Fire Department in Orangeburg County, left us to join others in the everlasting life. Sadness will overtake us if we dwell on his pain and suffering so I choose to remember what he told me recently. “I’m ready and I know where I’m going.” Greg was a remarkable man and was loved by all who knew him. Regardless of when and where he came into your life, I’m sure he left you with memories to cherish.
Greg and I became friends in the 1980’s when he joined us in the North Charleston District Fire Department. There are many of you who will read this who were there as we took opportunities to build a powerhouse that became a leader in the Fire Service in our state. In those days, we faced criticism for 5” hose as being unnecessary, “blitz lines” that were “overkill”, and first responder skills and a hazardous materials team that were ahead of the times by some people’s standards. Regardless, Greg believed in what we were doing as he was a huge part of advancing our mission. Now, I concede that much time has passed since those days and it would be easy for us to lay claim to most anything but, the record speaks for itself. The most important fact is that we were all brothers and sisters and our lives together at the District was something special. Those days, those experiences, and those relationships have endured and provide me the opportunity to call Greg Gambrell my friend and my brother today.
However, my most cherished memory of him was his love for his family. He always set an example of being a dedicated husband and father. We would often see one another over the years, including nearly every year at the Fire Rescue Conference, where his big smile was always uplifting to others. I think that we can all honor him best by continuing his legacy of service.
To his wife, Karen, his daughter, Haley, his son, Berry and his daughter-in-law, Katie, thank you for sharing him with us. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in the coming days. I love you all.
Gerald
