Chief Jason Gabbard, Pond Creek Fire & Rescue Department is a Hometown Hero

Jason Gabbard, 38, of Letterbox, KY, has some big shoes to fill, and everyone we spoke with believes he can do the job. Since the passing of Pond Creek Fire & Rescue Chief Larry Bowling last fall, Jason has stepped in to assume the position of Chief. Jason served for 12 years as Assistant Chief under the supervision of Mr. Bowling so he was well prepared. Jason's father and mother are Isaac Burnis Gabbard and Sally Gabbard. Both are natives of Jackson County. Isaac passed away when Jason was only 16 years old. At this time, two friends, Dennis and Scotty Clark, introduced Jason to the Pond Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department. Serving for the past 20 years, Jason has been with the department ever since 2003. Jason graduated from the JCHS with the Class of 2004. He married Larry Bowling's daughter, Lyn, and they have one daughter, Peytan, who is 16. Jason worked at Gray Hawk Building Supply for 10 years before taking a job with Enersys in Richmond, KY. He has worked there for the past 11 years. Jason exhibits the same selfless, community-oriented philosophy demonstrated by his predecessor. "What motivates me to be a firefighter is that I want to help our community as much as possible. We volunteer our time and service. No one gets paid for this job."

If you wish to support the Pond Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department or all Jackson County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments you can send your donation/check to the Jackson County Fire Alliance. Donations/checks can be mailed to ATTN: Jackson County Fire Alliance PO Box 861, McKee, KY 40447. The donation will be split evenly among the four departments. However, it can be donated to a single fire department if specifically noted on the check.