VIDEO: Time has winded down for Petal Fire Chief Joe Hendry, who will now be hanging up his hat for retirement.
A Perry County native, Hendry spent 25 years working in Hattiesburg before moving over to Petal in 2010 to become chief of the Petal Fire Department.
Hendry said the new job was a saving grace.
“We had lost a son between the time when I interviewed in October and came to work in February,” said Hendry. “We lost a son in December, so it gave me something to focus on and turn my energies to.” Coworkers said Hendry has since grown into a leader everyone respects and looks up to.
“He has great policies. He’s a great leader,” said Assistant Fire Chief Marion Sims. “He’s moved this department forward since he’s been here.”
“For me, he’s probably been the best chief we’ve had here.”