By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
As the monotonous bell sounded throughout the halls of Austin Tracy Elementary, volunteer fire fighters, friends and family members gathered in the school’s gymnasium as they honored retired volunteer Fire Chief Larry Bragg.
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd gathered them to witness the proclamation signing officially designating Nov. 19, 2024 as “Chief Larry Bragg Day” for his over four decades of service to the Austin Tracy Volunteer Fire Department. Bragg announced his retirement on Oct. 31, which his neighbor and Assistant Fire Chief Desper Cochran said will leave “big shoes to fill.”
“Larry has been phenomenal for the community,” Cochran said. “Every time, every run he was there. He helps not just the fire department…he’ll help anyone, he’s just that kind of person. It’s big shoes for the new chief to fill. It’s going to take a while for it to sink in [that] he’s gone because it ain’t right being at the fire house and Chief Bragg not being there.”
Larry Bragg worked with the Austin Tracy Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years and had a large hand in making the VFD what it is today. He announced his retirement on Oct. 31. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Friends, family members and coworkers joined the kids for the proclamation signing. Earlier in the day Larry Bragg was invited to the Barren County Fiscal Court but was unable to attend due to a conflict. His daughter said he is not someone who likes recognitions, but someone who deserves it. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
Some of the students wrote letters about Larry Bragg and his impact in the Austin Tracy community. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1.
