Today we lost a true friend and avid supporter of not only our Team, but for all of us in the Fire Service of our state. Frank Kirby Bond, who retired in recent months as the Chief of Staff for the Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center, passed away after an extended illness.
Nearly eight years ago, when the effort were started to provide behavioral health care for our firefighters following the Sofa Super Store fire that claimed the lives of nine Charleston firefighters, Kirby was instrumental in the development of the effort that would become the standard for a statewide program that provides behavioral health care for our 17,500 South Carolina firefighters and their families. Kirby came up through the ranks in the Department of Mental Health, earning his stripes and our respect in his 35 + years with the agency. He served in many capacities over those years and was a true mentor and friend to all of us. Even though our peer team members did not work directly for the Department of Mental Health, I always considered Kirby to be our “boss” as he was the go to guy any time we needed help. Sometimes we didn’t agree but I always knew he “had our backs” as we all worked together to craft a program that we all can be proud of. His love of helping people was evident during all his years in the business and carried over in his support of his wife Barbara, as they lived in the Ronald McDonald House for many years taking care of the families and children residing there. In addition, Kirby was a former Marine and was true to his military service all of his adult life.
Things won’t be the same without you my friend, but your influence will be felt forever. Thanks Kirby for making a difference in our lives. I’ll see you on the other side and I’ll bring the BBQ.
G