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    It is times like this that we, the community serving volunteers, feel the loss of one of our own, and have a difficult time maintaining our composure. 

    Not a brother fireman or woman, whoever crossed paths with Tommie McDuffie in the fire service, can’t help but smile in awe of his many accomplishments.  Tommie exemplified what we are by the way he conducted himself, at all times.  A fireman, an officer, a chief, a commissioner, a chaplain, a gentleman, a friend.  The passing of Tommie McDuffie will be felt greatly by his wife Alice, son Art, Daughter’s Kathy & Barbara, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  His passing will be felt by his Mt. Lodge community, and also the Mt. Lodge Park Fire Co.  

    I myself had the honor of serving as a fire commissioner with Tommie.  I remember the evening we honored him at a retirement dinner in his honor.  We presented him with a jacket with his name, Tommie McDuffie, past commissioner, which he wore with honor.

    The Salisbury Mills Fire Department has lost a good man, and we will go on, but a void has been created, and his legacy lives on. 

Will the secretary read the roll call please. 

All present with the exception of Tommie McDuffie.

Tommie H. McDuffie,  86

December 20, 1921 – January 24, 2008