HICKORY, NC (January 3, 2017)…After 31 and ½ dedicated years to the fire service, Captain John Crane has retired from the Hickory Fire Department. After his father, Larry Crane retired as a Captain with Hickory, Crane began his employment with the City of Hickory on November 2, 1987, when he was hired as a firefighter.
Prior to joining Hickory, Crane worked with Granite Falls Fire Department for over a year. He has volunteered with Grace Chapel Fire Department since 1985, where he has served as the Fire Chief for the past 5 years.
During his career at Hickory, he was promoted to Firefighter II, Senior Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Operator, and to Captain in 1995, a position which he has held for 21 years until his retirement. Captain Crane completed various certification and qualification programs, as well as leadership classes. He attended courses of study for Fire Protection Technology and completed the NC Fire College which is a four year program.
As well as required training, Crane has certifications as a Firefighter II, Fire Inspector I, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Fire Instructor II. Crane is also certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and Rescue Technician.
Throughout his career, he served on several city and department committees including the Chief’s Improvement Team as well as the Rules, Regulations and Policy committee.
Even though Captain Crane has retired from the fire service, he will not be retiring all together. He plans to continue volunteering with Grace Chapel Fire Department and serving the community as Fire Chief. He also plans to hunt, fish and work on the farm. John resides in the Grace Chapel area with his lovely wife Kimberly. Together, they have two children Phillip, who is a firefighter with Lenoir Fire Department and Megan who is currently a senior at Christian Family Academy.
Congratulations on your well deserved retirement John!!!
Not enough can be said for people that dedicate their lives to answering the calls to come to our aid. These calls come at all times that we really do not realize fully. In sweltering heat, heavy rain, snow, brutally cold temperatures, in the middle of supper, just after going to bed, an hour before the morning alarm goes off, Christmas morning and the list goes on. Also, the many hours of training and preparation. These men and women also place their own lives in danger every day…