December 23, 2007
The life of a firefighter is never routine. Just ask Tony Cox who has responded to emergency calls of all types during his nineteen years with the Arab Fire Department. But on December 31, Cox will hang up his fireman's hat and turnout gear for a more sedate life. Cox, who has risen to the rank of assistant chief, is retiring. He joined the department January 1, 1989.
Fellow firefighters, family and friends honored Cox with a retirement dinner Sunday afternoon. His wife Judy, children, grandchildren and other relatives were on hand for the celebration. Long time fiends and former co-workers Tommy Prestridge (Retired AFD Chief), Robert Reynolds (Retired AFD Captain) and Arab City Councilwoman Diane Prestridge also attended in honor of the occasion.
Cox who served several years as a captain, was appointed interim chief after the retirement of former chief Terry Clemons. He served in that capacity until the new chief, Ricky Phillips was hired in October. Since that time he has served as assistant chief.
Chief Phillips praised Cox for his service to the department, " He has been a tremendous help to me while I got me feet on the ground as Chief. Mostly, I am going to miss him as my driver!! There is kind of a running joke around the station and City Hall that he is my driver because everywhere we go, he usually drives. We all wish Tony well with his retirement and will truly miss him being around the station."
Cox was honored by the Arab Chamber of Commerce as the 2004 Outstanding Citizen of Achievement. Prior to joining the Arab Fire Department Cox operated Tri-County Autoparts for many years.
