Latest news with #DavidMcKinley
Global News
21-06-2025
- General
- Global News
Fredericton's assistant deputy fire chief reflects on 35-year career
David McKinley was 25 years old when he first joined the Fredericton Fire Department in 1990. Now, as he gets set to enter retirement, the assistant deputy chief is reflecting on his 35-year career with the department. Over the decades, he's responded to fires, ice rescues and medical calls. In 2013, he became the assistant deputy chief. It's not a job he took lightly. 'There's a lot of responsibility,' said McKinley. 'The weight of the department is on our shoulders, so it's important that we keep moving forward.' This year, McKinley received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his service. And he leaves his legacy with dozens of members who weren't even born when he began. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'I have this little saying, work hard, keep your nose clean, stay out of trouble,' he said. Story continues below advertisement It's a legacy fire Chief Dwayne Killingbeck noted at McKinley's retirement reception. 'He leaves [the department] improved down to its very foundation, and he's now entrusting us to carry it on his behalf, and we cannot let him down,' Killingbeck said. Meanwhile, McKinley isn't finished with the Fredericton Fire Department yet — he's turning his gaze to a book chronicling the department's history. He said it will include everything from early equipment to the volunteers and firefighters who kept Fredericton safe over the years. 'It's important to me where we came from and some of the struggles that our firefighters ahead of us had to go through because they worked hard,' he said. And, he has a much more immediate plan, too. 'The first thing I'm going to do is sleep in,' he said. For more on this story, watch the video above.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Serving others is a ‘family tradition' for retired Marine
The Brief A retired Marine continues to serve by helping veterans transition to civilian life. Sgt. Major David McKinley comes from a long line of service members. May is National Military Appreciation Month. TAMPA, Fla. - Retired Sgt. Major David McKinley carries on a tradition of serving others by helping veterans transition into civilian life. Military Career McKinley served nearly 27 years in the military. "Absolutely, hard work pays off," said McKinley. "The more you get involved, the more things you can do." That drive to serve and improve was the foundation of McKinley's military journey. READ: Decorated Army veteran inspiring next generation after over 2 decades of service "I chose versatility over mastery," McKinley explained. "I wanted to fill in gaps wherever needed. And that really helped accelerate my career." McKinley defied the odds, going from an E1 private to an E-9 Sergeant Major. "They tell you not to volunteer for everything, but if you don't, you miss out. I found ways to get involved, new units, new MOSs different countries, and experiences," McKinley said. Family Tradition That commitment came from a deep family tradition. "My grandfather served in World War II," McKinley shared. "Another was in Korea. My father was with the Army Corps of Engineers. I've got aunts and uncles who also served." READ:Navy veteran blesses Tarpon Springs with handcrafted chocolates and baked goods McKinley calls it "the family business" not just serving but serving others. "I found more value in the big picture helping others no matter where they were. It wasn't just about me, it was about what we could accomplish together," McKinley said. READ:Female veterans battling hair loss are reclaiming their natural beauty at a Bay Area restoration center One of his proudest moments was serving under diplomatic security at the Department of State helping to secure U.S. embassies abroad. "We evacuated 400 Americans out of Tbilisi, Georgia, down to Yerevan, Armenia," McKinley stated. "We weren't just doing security we were helping people get home." READ:Bay Area veteran helps fellow vets get what they need while highlighting their stories Moments like that define why Sgt. Major McKinley is proud of his time in uniform. "If I got the call, I'd go back today," said McKinley. "There's nothing like being part of an organization built on honor, courage, and commitment. I was proud to have served." Tradition Continues A proud legacy, built on service, sacrifice, and strength. McKinley now continues that mission in his community, helping other veterans transition to civilian life. He is the director of events for the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and is Post Commander for VFW post12186. The Source This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Bryan Gray. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
