VFD names platform truck for retired Fire Chief Charles Atkins

Published 2:31 pm Tuesday, March 14, 2023

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The Vicksburg Fire Department Friday named its platform truck, Platform 1, for retired Fire Chief Charles Atkins, the city's first African American fire chief, during a brief ceremony at the Central Fire Station.In this photo, Atkins kneels by the panel bearing his name. John Surratt|The Vicksburg Post

In this photo, Atkins watches as his wife Linda removed the paper covering Atkins' name on the driver's side door of the truck.

The Vicksburg Fire Department Friday named its platform truck, Platform 1, for retired Fire Chief Charles Atkins, the city’s first African American fire chief, during a brief ceremony at the Central Fire Station.

Atkins worked at the department beginning in 1984 and was appointed fire chief in 2009, a position he served in until he retired in 2017 after 33 years of service.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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