Corley Retires After 43 Years of Public Service
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
Lyons Fire Chief Darel Corley officially hung up his helmet and turnout gear last month, as he retired after 43 years of service as a firefighter. The Lyons City Council recognized the former chief and thanked him for his service to the community during the Council’s meeting on Tuesday, April 7. Corley first began helping to put out fires in the area in 1983, when he became a volunteer firefighter for the Vidalia Fire Department. Just one year later, in 1984, Corley’s volunteerism became a career, as he joined the Department full-time. Corley rose to the rank of Captain continued from page
in 1986 and continued to serve the citizens of Vidalia with commitment, leadership, and unwavering dedication before being selected as the Lyons Fire Chief in 1993.
Since 1993, Corley has faithfully served the citizens of Lyons, leading with integrity, professionalism, and a deep and abiding love for his community. Throughout his tenure, he has not only protected lives and property, but has also mentored firefighters, personally operated fire apparatus, and worked tirelessly to strengthen the department.
In addition to his work in emergencies and with other firefighters, Corley has continued to give back to his community. He has been a dedicated advocate for fire safety education, working closely with Toombs County Schools and Robert Toombs Christian Academy to promote awareness and preparedness among our youth. His passion for working with youth led him to spend years generously giving his time to community efforts, such as Christmas toy drives, helping bring joy to families and especially children throughout Lyons.
“His distinguished career marked by dedication, humility, and compassion has left an enduring legacy within the city of Lyons and has earned him the respect, admiration, and gratitude of colleagues, citizens, and all those privileged to know him,” Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. emphasized. “Fire Chief Corley has demonstrated not only professional excellence, but also profound and genuine love for the serving of his community. A quality that has been evident in every aspect of his work and in every life he has touched.”
The Mayor and Council thanked Corley, as they presented him with an official proclamation celebrating his retirement from public service. Though he will not be responding to fire calls or wrecks anymore, Corley will continue to serve Lyons, as he has been named the city’s Public Works Director.
Currently, Lyons Firefighter Larry Monroe is serving as the interim fire chief, as the city will officially name a new chief in the coming months.
Association, Paula Jones and YaVonne Quigley presented the memorial service on April 2. Retired Educators who passed away during the past year were Sarah Chapman, Charla Culpepper, Carrie Rumph, Johnie Sikes, David Stewart, and Steve Weeks.
TCREA APRIL MEETING — At the April meeting of the Toombs County Retired Educators
