INSIDE Popular annual bazaar set for Saturday > page 3
Volume 63, Number 44 • November 8, 2018
LLocal ghouls and goblins show off their best Halloween looks. See page 10
For local fire department, hiring is still a challenge By Roslyn Ryan Editor
When it comes to the difficulty in finding qualified new firefighters for Goochland County, Chief Bill MacKay says the reasons aren’t difficult to pinpoint. “Obviously, we’re facing some significant competition from some of the larger localities,” MacKay explained in a recent interview with the Gazette, noting that Goochland typically can’t match the salaries paid by Henrico or Richmond, where the starting salaries for a firefighter are generally higher than in Goochland, which starts new hires to the department at $40K. In addition the salary competition, MacKay said Goochland is facing the same issues many departments across the nation are grappling with, namely the fact that “people are not as attracted to careers in public service.” Basically, he chuckled, “the economy is too good.”
Honoring their service
G
oochland’s Chief Cornerstone Baptist Church held its third annual Veterans Program last Sunday, joining with Midlothian’s Guildfield Baptist Church and Powhatan’s First Antioch Baptist Church to celebrate and honor those who have served our country in uniform. “For those who serve, gratitude is what they deserve,” said guest preacher Rev. Clifford Temple Jr. (right), who urged those gathered to “remember to lift our veterans up in prayer every single day.” The prayer service was followed by a delicious meal in the church hall, organized by the church’s Veterans Committee. Those honored included: front row, from the left, Sean Smith, Spike Williamson, Hank Ragland, and Herbert Delbridge. Back row, from the left, John Carter, Brenda DuBose, Larry Robinson, John Funn, Aja Lyles, Willis Funn, Eugene Brice, Claudette Holmes, Earl Trent, and William Watson.
see Hiring > 2
SAVE $600 On the Stressless Wing Chair! ®
843866-01
Any Size, Base Style & Paloma Leather Color. Final 3 Days — Ends Saturday!
10500 Patterson Avenue | 888-740-5715 | 804-740-3124 w w w.v a w ay s i d e. n e t