Firefighter retires following 35 years of service

Fire Inspector and Chaplain Otis Terrell, Fire & Emergency Services, NAS Corpus Christi, retired July 16 from Federal service with 35 years of service.

Terrell honorably served in the U.S. Navy for seven years. He entered Federal fire service in February 1991 as a firefighter in training and progressed to a fully certified firefighter. In 1996, Terrell moved from operations to fire inspector.

“Outside the fire service, Terrell was the back-up chaplain for the naval station for 20 years,” said Fire Captain Myron Coleman, who served as the master of ceremonies for the retirement. “He is a national singing artist for the group ‘Deliverance Once Again’ and the founder of Foundation Outreach Ministries Worldwide.

“What may be his favorite title,” Coleman continued,” is ‘husband to his wife of 34 years and proud father of five children.”

Fire Chief Ruben Perez said that this retirement is special to him because 29 years ago, he ran into Terrell at the E-Street Gym and convinced him into joining the Department of Defense fire service.

“That is not the only thing that makes this one special,” Perez said. “This fine man has made a tremendous impact to an enormous amount of people both civilian and military on this installation in a number of ways.”

Perez added that Terrell has had an extremely important job advocating fire safety throughout the installation. Keeping everyone safe for years.

He quoted Terrell saying, “If you violate code, you affect people’s lives. Knowing this has made me work harder to ensure I know my job and know it well.”

Perez concluded with thanking Terrell for his service and dedication.

“You will be missed but not forgotten. You have done so much for all of us in our efforts of protecting those who defend America. Thank you for helping us protect America’s finest Sailors and Marines and its community.”