The Wayne Weekly seized the opportunity last Wednesday to capture a photo of Kelly Ragan receiving a $500 gift card for being selected Hometown Hero at our local Save A Lot.
For those of you who may not know Kelly – he’s no stranger to the Susie community. Kelly is their Fire Chief and has been with the fire station since before it started. He was one of several members meeting in the basement of a church and then trained about fifteen years ago with a neighboring county’s fire department – since Susie Fire Dept had no equipment or anything of their own at that time.
The training for the fire station (near American Woodmark) got underway in late 1999. Their building was finished on West KY 90 in 2001 and Susie Fire Dept went on their first run in 2002. Kelly became Assistant Chief in 2004 and then Chief in 2009.
When he started, he had one child and went on to have two more and then five grandchildren came along. One of his sons joined Susie Fire Dept and has been named ‘Rookie of the Year’ since.
The Ragan family truly cares about their friends and neighbors. Kelly’s own dad, Gary Ragan has been on the Board of Directors for the fire department since it started.
His daughter, Kayla Rose said, “My Dad is a role model and inspiration for not only me, but many people in the county. He selflessly gives his time and energy to keep our community safe.”
She further commented, “He’s missed countless birthdays, holidays, been on heartbreaking calls and has still hung in there for over twenty years.”
Whatever the need may be, whether it’s a fire or wreck, Kelly is always there, ready to lend his knowledge and to offer a comforting word.
Kayla truly believes her Dad is a pillar of the Susie Fire Dept. “I’m extremely proud to be his daughter.”
