After more than four decades of service, Deputy Fire Chief Wiley Harp of the Canyon Fire Department has announced his retirement. Harp, who has served the community for 42 years, made the decision following a year on medical leave due to health challenges.
Reflecting on his transition to medical leave, Harp admitted it was an adjustment to step back from the calls and responsibilities that had defined much of his life. “Not answering the calls during my leave was an adjustment,” Harp shared.
A Journey Through Firefighting History
Harp’s journey into firefighting began in an era where joining the fire department was as simple as showing up at the station. “When I first got on the department, you showed up Wednesday night, and they gave you your turnout gear and the pager,” Harp said. “They said if this just goes off, just come down to the station, we’ll put you to work.”
In those days, the department operated with just two paid firefighters and around 40 volunteers. Harp reminisced about his first fire, responding during a snowstorm and riding to the fire station in the back of a fire truck.
Over the years, the department evolved, growing to include more paid personnel and fewer volunteers. “Now we have paid firemen and maybe about 20 volunteers,” Harp noted.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Harp’s career was marked by his dedication to mentorship and leadership within the department. Canyon Fire Chief Dennis Gwyn praised Harp’s hands-on approach and commitment to the job.
“You looked up, and Chief Harp was there, and whatever that assignment was, whether it was the incident commander running the scene or another job, he jumped right in and did the work,” Gwyn said.
Over the last decade alone, Harp contributed an impressive 2,000 hours as a volunteer firefighter, in addition to fulfilling training responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
As Harp steps away, Chief Gwyn acknowledged the significant impact he has had on the department and the void his departure will leave.
“He’s going to be very missed,” Gwyn said. “I congratulate him on his retirement, and Chief Harp, we’re going to miss you.”
Continued Community Safety
While Harp’s retirement marks the end of an era, the Canyon Fire Department remains focused on advancing safety and reliability in the community. In parallel, Xcel Energy has proposed investments aimed at improving system reliability and safety in the Panhandle and South Plains, underscoring a commitment to public safety and resilience.
