Some knew him as Howard, others as H.C., but most all knew him as “Old Man.”
“When you hear about the old fires, you hear about the old man,” said Halifax Volunteer Fire Chief Jeremy King of the late H. C. Phillips who passed away Sunday.
He died at the age of 79. A memorial will be held at a later date.
With over 60 years with the fire department, many remember his dedication and mentorship along the way.
He also taught auto mechanics at Halifax County High School for 24 years and a firefighter course. Phillips also served a stint on Halifax Town Council.
Phillips was the Halifax fire chief from 1977 to 1987 and was “Firefighter of the Year” in 1979 and 1981. He also was Senior Safety Officer Emeritus.
The safety office position was created for Phillips, according to long-time firefighter Douglas Powell, who is now the oldest member of the fire department after the loss of Phillips.