It’s a combined 141 years of service for the Four Js

April 15 marked 42 years in the career of Lafollette Firefighter Joey Gilbert

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Meet the Four Js at the Lafollette Fire Department, Jimmy, Johnny, Jeff and Joey. Their combined years of service adds up to 141 years of fire fighting experience.                                        

Chief Jimmy Pack started his fire fighting career in 1987 at the White Oak Volunteer Fire Department, where he still serves as chief today.  Jimmy went to work at the Lafollette Fire Department in 1991, worked his way through the ranks and was promoted to chief in 2020.

Captain Johnny Seal was an explorer with the Lafollette Rescue Squad at the age of 16 in 1977, and that’s where his career began. Back then the squad responded to fires. He started his career with the Lafollette Fire Department in 1986, and he was promoted to Captain in 2020.

Lieutenant Jeff Fugate started his fire fighting career in 2009 with the Caryville Volunteer Fire Department and also worked with the Jacksboro Fire Department before coming to the Lafollette Fire Department in 2013. This J was promoted to Lieutenant 2020.

LFD Training Officer Joey Gilbert’s career began in North Carolina, 42 years ago on April 15, 1982. He served with several North Carolina Fire Departments before coming to Lafollette Fire Department four years ago. Joey serves as training officer with Lafollette Fire Department and is also the Assistant Fire Chief at Caryville’s Volunteer Fire Department. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/17/2024-6AM)