First Responder Spotlight

Vernon Boyce Set to Retire after 31 Years with MFD

When Moore Fire Department's Corporal Vernon Boyce thinks back to when he began thinking about becoming a firefighter, the memories take him back to his childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"Our family lived down the street from a fire station," said Boyce, "And every time I saw a fire truck coming down the street, I would run right after it. You know, I was thinking, that's what I want to be when I grow up."

Boyce says he wandered a little bit after graduating from high school. But the desire to be a firefighter never left him. He was 29 when he joined the Moore Fire Department in 1991. And he has never regretted that decision.

"I've never thought I would love a job that much as I do this one to where I would be here for 31 years," said Boyce. "When I decided I was going to retire, I was really emotional. Leaving this job, leaving the guys I enjoy working with and being around so much."

The friendships have been an essential part of Boyce's time in Moore.

"These are the greatest guys you'd ever want to work with," said Boyce. "Yeah, this is like a second home, and they're family. But it's a lot more than that. We all share this common passion for helping the citizens of Moore, and that's a deep bond."

Boyce says he has seen many changes over his 31year career in Moore. The town has changed from a primarily rural area with plenty of grass fires to a busy suburb that partners well with fire departments from Norman and Moore. He has some pretty clear memories about the change in equipment as well.

"When I started, our engines were open cab to where you ride in the back," said Boyce. That meant you caught all the rain, all the snow, and all the heat from the engine. Nowadays, the ride is a lot better."

As he prepares to step away from the job he has loved for more than three decades, Boyce says he feels privileged to have spent all of his firefighting career in Moore.

"I really appreciate the city and the citizens who let me help them out in their city," said Boyce. I have enjoyed it, and I loved it every day of my 31 years here."

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