TOP PHOTO: Charles Hutson retired from a 32 year career with the La Follette Fire Department on Friday morning.

Dusty Davis, interim Captain of the C shift, presents retiring C Shift Captain Charles Hutson with a going away gift, a new shotgun. “This is from everyone at C Shift. We really appreciate you and wish you the best,” said Davis. Assistant Chief Eddie Hatmaker and Hutson’s wife Kathy look on.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – La Follette Fire Captain Charles “Charlie” Hutson retired on Friday after more than 30 years on the job. Those attending his going away gathering agreed that he’ll be missed as a firefighter, first responder, friend and outstanding cook.

The highlight of the party was Kathy’s gift, “The Charlie Tamer.” (Left to right) Eddie Hatmaker, Charles and Kathy Hutson and Jeff Fugate.

“He was good at what he did. He was cool, level headed and was right there with you whether it be a burning building or a wreck, ” said retired firefighter Johnny Thompson. Thompson recalled that he and Hutson began together at the La Follette Rescue Squad in the 1970s and then came up through the ranks training and working together at the La Follette Fire Department.

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery with us HERE.

It was one last time with members of the C Shift on Friday morning for retiring LFD Captain Charles Hutson (tie).

“They (LFD) had an opening, and I applied in 1989,” said Hutson, who will stay on as Chief of the La Follette Rescue Squad. For the past seven years, he led LFD’s C Shift as its captain. There will not be any down time for the new retiree who plans to spend more time with the squad, and he’ll be working with his former fire chief, Charles Eldridge, as an electrician and plumber.

Hutson and his wife Kathy have a son and a daughter along with two grandchildren.

In addition to being a great friend to LFD Fire Chief Jimmy Pack, Hutson was also an original member of LFD’s First Responder program. “He was an excellent person to work with. We went through the fire academy together and also worked together at Station 3,” said Pack.

From all of us here at WLAF, we wish you the best, Captain. Thank you for a career well done.

Before Hutson could go, Mayor Mike Stanfield asked him if he’d still fix chili beans for him. Hutson gave him a thumbs up. “He’s the best cook,” said Stanfield. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/03/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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