The Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department members honored Lt. John Hoffman on August 4 with an all-fire truck parade, escorting him to new life adventures as he leaves the High Country after 37 years of dedicated service. John was awarded a plaque and presented his Officer’s Helmet and Gold Badge. He was given a Fire Department Maltese Cross signed by all BMVFD members. The Board of Directors also approved a BMVFD Lifetime Membership for John.

As a young man, John Hoffman joined the Broward County (Fla.) Fire Service. Hoffman’s motivation was to continue his father’s legacy of saving lives. His dad was a highly decorated firefighter who died in the line of duty. Upon retiring as a Battalion Chief, John moved to Beech Mountain in 1983 and joined the fledgling Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. As a state-certified fire instructor and Emergency Medical Technician, he has been personally responsible for saving hundreds of lives. Hoffman’s skills and expertise have been passed on to numerous new first responders who will continue his legacy of saving lives.

“We will miss John Hoffman’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. But most of all, we will miss his sense of humor,” Beech Mountain Fire Chief Robert Pudney said in wishing John and his wife Paige well in their future endeavors.