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Fire Department News

Flames Still Burn Inside State's Oldest Firefighter

By Kristen Mangum
The Northeast Georgian
kmangum@thenortheastgeorgian.com

As Georgia's oldest active firefighter, one might think Nick LeoGrande of Mt. Airy is ready to hang up his fire boots.

But, despite LeoGrande's retirement ceremony given by the Habersham County Fire Department Saturday, the 82-year-old volunteer firefighter says he is not ready to quit just yet.

“There's no sense in giving it up now,” LeoGrande says. “I'll stay until I can't do it anymore.”

LeoGrande's daughter, Sandra Hoose, says her father began his career with Bridgewater Fire Company in Bridgewater, N.Y., in upstate New York, as a volunteer sometime around 1950 when she was just a little girl. He moved to Habersham County in 1991 and dutifully has volunteered at Habersham County Station 14 (Glade Creek) ever since it opened its doors in 1994.

“He really loves the fire department and everyone he works with,” Hoose says. “He likes giving out teddy bears to children at car wrecks.”

Yet LeoGrande realizes with age often come limitations.

“I'm getting to the age now where I don't do any heavy-duty work,” LeoGrande says. “I go to the firehouse and open the doors, crank up the trucks Š whatever they need me to do.”

“I really enjoy the fire company though,” he continues. “I have a lot of good friends.”

One of those good friends is Fire Chief Tim Berry, who has known LeoGrande since 1998.

“Nick's always been a fixed theme that we can count on and a valuable asset to not only his fire station but also the entire organization,” Berry says. “He's a person I've been very blessed to know.”

LeoGrande suffered a heart attack and underwent a five-way bypass in 1995, but continued firefighting when his physical health returned.

“I enjoy being a fireman,” he says. “It gives you a good attitude. I wouldn't quit the fire department for nothing.”

In addition to Hoose, LeoGrande's other daughter, Rosemarie Cope, also lives in Habersham County. LeoGrande has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The Habersham County Fire Department dedicated Engine 14 to LeoGrande during the ceremony Saturday.

Reprinted from The Northeast Georgian.

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