Hollingsworth, 90, honored for VFD service

Mt. Salem Volunteer Fire De- part (MSVFD) recently had the opportunity to recognize one of their own for their distinctive service. Firefighter Clytee Hollingsworth recently com- pleted 20 years of service as member of the MSVFD. 

Deserving of note is that Clytee, is one of the founding members of MSVFD and he is a Korean War veteran. Clytee was over the age of 70 when he joined the newly formed depart- ment in 2001, and 2 years later at the age of 74, he completed a 40-hour course of instruction and the required performance tests at the State Fire Academy to become a State Certified Fire- fighter. 

The Fire Chief of the depart- ment, B. Joe Hulin was a mem- 

ber of the same class and had this to say about Clytee’s achievement: “The Certified Firefighter course was very de- manding physically and mentally and three students that were about half the age of Clytee did- n’t satisfactorily complete the course. Clytee’s study habits and ‘Old Soldier Can Do Attitude’ helped him stay on the road to success.” 

So now at the age of 90 after serving the community for 20 years as a firefighter, Clytee is no longer going to answer the emergency calls. 

However, he will still be around helping to keep Mt. Salem VFD ready to respond by assisting with Fire Apparatus and Building Maintenance. Clytee’s parting message to the community, “Come on out young folks — Your help is needed at the fire departments!”