Past and present members of the Columbus Fire Department honored a former Columbus fire chief who was selected as an Indy Honor Flight recipient.
The group, which included former and current fire department leaders, welcomed retired chief Larry McCord back from his trip on Saturday to Washington D.C. where he visited the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial as part of Indy Honor Flight.Indy Honor Flight is a not-for-profit organization that honors veterans by providing a free trip to our nation’s capital to allow military veteran an opportunity to see their respective memorial.
McCord joined the Columbus Fire Department in 1964 after serving in the United States Navy. He was named Columbus Fire Department chief in 1987 and served in that role until his retirement in 1992.
At a reception following the Saturday evening return flight, members of the Columbus Fire Department gathered at the Plainfield High School to welcome McCord home.
In addition to current Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay, four retired firefighters attended the reception. Those in attendance included Captain (Ret.) Doug Hollenbeck, who also served as deputy chief during his career, Battalion Chief (Ret.) Russ Hollinger, Battalion Chief (Ret.) Larry Whitlock, and firefighter (Ret.) John Goddard.
The Indy Honor Flight is a one-day trip to Washington D.C. where veterans will see their respective memorial. Veterans also travel to Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and experience a driving tour of historical buildings and sites in downtown Washington D.C. Veterans are selected for the Indy Honor Flight through the Indy Honor Flight application process.
