BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
The Starke City Commission celebrated the retirement of firefighter Andy Tison, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year career with Starke Fire Rescue.
During a heartfelt ceremony, Mayor Andy Redding and Fire Chief Jason Clemons led the tributes, reflecting on Tison’s unwavering commitment and the lasting impact he has made on the community.
Redding praised Tison’s decades of service, saying he has always taken care of his family responsibilities and served the city with dedication. Tison’s a career, lifetime public servant, and you won’t find a better person than him, the mayor said. Starke’s fire department is small but mighty, and Tison’s commitment has kept it strong.
Fire Chief Jason Clemons, who worked alongside Tison for nearly 30 years, echoed the mayor’s sentiments. Tison is a character — always a jokester and a great shift partner — but above all, he’s been dedicated to the fire department and the city. “It’s an honor of mine to be his friend and his co-worker, and I’m as excited and for him as can be,” Clemons said.
Retired Fire Chief Dwayne Hardy, who worked with Tison’s father and hired both Tison and Clemons, called him one of the finest firefighters he’s ever worked with.
“The city of Starke is going to lose an asset when Andy leaves this department. He’s been huge for us,” Hardy said.
