NEWBERRY — Captain Blake Davis was honored last Thursday at the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center as he hung up his helmet after 26 years of service and dedication to the City of Newberry and the City of Newberry Fire Department.

Davis began working for the City of Newberry in 1991.

“It is certainly a bittersweet day to see him retire, but I know he looks forward to drinking margaritas on the back porch,” City of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick said.

During the ceremony, City Manager Matt DeWitt presented Davis with a plaque on behalf of the city commemorating his many years of dedication to the fire department.

“Blake’s brought a lot to our fire department and means a lot to the guys here. He’s going to be sorely missed, but I have a feeling he will be plenty busy in retirement,” said DeWitt. “We hope you come back and visit a lot. We hope that you come back to the station and visit, and know that we appreciate all that you have done for the City.”

Davis’ parents also worked for the City of Newberry. Combined, Davis and his parents have a total of 60 years of service to the City of Newberry.

The Newberry Fire Department also presented Davis with a gift and with the flag that flew over the firehouse on his final day. Davis’ helmet and window decal were also presented by the honor guard and his final radio broadcast was made.

“It’s always a tradition that you carry on the helmet that you wore,” said Minick.

Lewis Lee offered a few words on Davis and what he means to the fire department.

“I knew Blake when his hair was black and mine was really, really red. This man has what a firefighter should have and that’s courage and honor,” said Lee.

At the ceremony, an axe was displayed at the front of the room. This axe was purchased by Davis for the honor guard to use. It was purchased in memory of his father. Davis chose to leave the axe with the fire department for the honor guard to continue to use.

“It is very emotional for me due to the fact that we started together in this same building. If you don’t know Blake, something funny about Blake is that he’s always curious,” said Minick.

Minick recalled a time when he went to the station on Wilson Road where Davis was working on what Minick thought was the dishwasher even though there was nothing wrong with it. Davis simply wanted to know how it worked.

“I never had a bad feeling when you were on shift. You are calm, professional and you make others calm down. You did everything with the citizens in mind, making sure we gave the best service we can to the level they deserve,” said Minick.

Davis, who will stay with the fire department as a volunteer firefighter, expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped celebrate his retirement.

“It’s a great honor. I’ve been in this career for 26 years. A lot of folks have passed on that have influenced me throughout my career, but it is a honor and pleasure to have these folks here,” said Davis.

Davis’ father was a volunteer firefighter with the City Fire Department in the late 1960’s and Davis joined a Junior Firefighter group in Newberry when he was in high school. From there, the rest was history.

Now that he is officially retired, Davis plans on spending time at home relaxing with his family.

“I’m going to enjoy spending time with my family and spending time with them on weekends and holidays, because the shift work is 24/7 365 days a year,” said Davis.

City Manager Matt DeWitt presents Captain Blake Davis with a plaque for his 26 years of service to the Newberry Fire Department.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Retirement2.jpgCity Manager Matt DeWitt presents Captain Blake Davis with a plaque for his 26 years of service to the Newberry Fire Department. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

City of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick presents Blake Davis with a gift on behalf of the Fire Department.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Retirement3.jpgCity of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick presents Blake Davis with a gift on behalf of the Fire Department. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

City of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick presents Blake Davis with his fire helmet and a window decal.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Retirement4.jpgCity of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick presents Blake Davis with his fire helmet and a window decal. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

City of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick addresses the crowd.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Retirement5.jpgCity of Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick addresses the crowd. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Capt. Blake Davis and family.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Retirement1.jpgCapt. Blake Davis and family. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer
Firefighter retires after 26 years

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.