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Bogalusa Fire Chief Richard Moody is retiring after a 35.5-year career.
His official retirement date is up in the air, as Moody said that he and the department are making sure the transition is smooth, but added that he will only be a phone call away if needed.
“I’ve had 35.5 years,” Moody said. “I’ve had a good career. I have really enjoyed it. I’m at that age, I’m 65 years old and it’s time to move on and let the younger generation take over. I’m still going to be active. I’m going to be a phone call away. I’m the chairman of the board for the Volunteer Fire District 6, so I’ll help them out.”
Moody, who has been the Bogalusa Fire Chief since 2008, talked about why he wanted to be a firefighter.
“Where I grew up was a block away from a fire station,” Moody said. “I just wanted to be a public servant and help the citizens.”
Moody said the best part of his career has been working with the men he works with and the men that came before him.
“The men before me trained me,” Moody said. “The men that come before you make you the firefighter you are. They are a fine group of men. They have a lot of integrity. They’re like a family. It’s been a really good life.”
Moody said it has been rewarding to serve the Bogalusa community.
“They call the fire department for all kinds of stuff and we’re always willing to help,” Moody said.
Moody was born and raised in Bogalusa. He graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1975. He and his wife Virginia Kahl Moody for 23 years and they have four children in John Moody, Brandy Martinez, Tina Vargas and Carlos Vargas.