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A Final Farewell: Funeral Service Held For Former Molino Fire Chief Gary Diamond (With Photo Gallery)
January 7, 2021
One of Gary Diamond’s last requests was a final ride atop a Molino fire engine.
Wednesday afternoon, he took his last ride atop the Molino Station’s new Engine 18 to his final resting place in the Highland Baptist Church cemetery.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Diamond was a longtime firefighter, serving during his career as the volunteer chief in Molino, a captain at Navarre Beach and fire service instructor at Pensacola State College.
“He was more than just a man. He dedicated his life to serving and protecting others,” Diamond’s son Joseph Diamond said.
Diamond was murdered at his home during the early morning hours of December 26.
Firefighters, family and friends from across the area gathered for Diamond’s funeral Wednesday at Olive Baptist Church and a graveside service at Highland Baptist. In the cemetery, a fireman’s bell tolled in his honor, “Amazing Grace” was played on a bagpipe, and an Escambia County Fire dispatcher conducted a “last call” over the county’s fire radio system.
“Escambia to Chief Gary Diamond,” the dispatcher called with no response.
“Escambia to Chief Gary Diamond,” the dispatcher said, her voice resounding across the handheld radios at the graveside service.
The radio silence was broken again, this time by tones used to alert firefighters to important information, followed by:
“There is no response from Chief Gary Diamond. Chief Diamond has answered his last call. The members of Escambia County Fire Rescue wish to thank Chief Gary Diamond and his family for his years of service to the citizens of Escambia County. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. Escambia clear.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Diamond joined the Ensley Volunteer Fire Department in 1982 before transferring to Molino. He worked his way through the ranks to assistant chief of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department in 1987 and went on to serve as Molino chief from November 1992 to September 1993. He was currently volunteering as a fleet transport driver for Escambia Fire Rescue, moving fire apparatus around the county as needed.
“I was saddened and heartbroken to hear the news about Gary this morning,” Interim Escambia Fire Rescue Chief Paul Williams said. “He was not only a longtime part of Escambia Fire Rescue, but a longtime friend as well.”
“He was very nice with a very laid back kind of attitude. He was obviously willing to give and volunteer his time, and willing to serve the community,” Williams added.
Diamond was a captain at Navarre Beach Fire Rescue for a decade, retiring to take care of a family member. He recently returned to Navarre Beach Fire, pulling extra shifts as a fill-in captain.
“He worked his way up through the ranks until he retired as captain of C Shift,” Navarre Beach Fire Rescue Chief Danny Fureigh said. “He was an extremely well educated, well seasoned firefighter known throughout the area.”
Fureigh said that Diamond was always there for the department – always around cooking and volunteering at department events.
“He was always there. He and his family were a big part of us,” the Navarre Beach fire chief said. “He never met a stranger, would give you the shirt off his back. He was legitimately a good guy…this is a horrific event.”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
15 Responses to “A Final Farewell: Funeral Service Held For Former Molino Fire Chief Gary Diamond (With Photo Gallery)”
I met Gary, when I was a 16 year old junior fireman in Cantonment 30 years ago! He was asst. Chief of Molino! Absolute great guy! Well respected and liked by everyone who ever met him! Rest In Peace Buddy! Prayers to his entire family!
Gary was a man of love, generosity, compassion, and servitude. He was larger than life in so many ways but was always so humble. He displayed all the qualities of a man who took care of his family and did not expect anything in return. He lived his life to serve others and knew what it meant to them. Gary never asked for much but he was so loved because of his generous nature. He is riding the fire truck on heavens streets now, even though it is not needed. That is God’s final gift to him and for that we are thankful. We all, family and friends should live a life like Gary did and not take advantage of those around us. Live as he lived and when you do, you will please the Lord. That is what He wants from all of us, to live the life He destined for us. Rest In Heavenly Peace, Gary!! You were and are loved well.
Finally, an unbiased coverage and awesome pictures for a man so deserving!
Gary Diamond was truly a wonderful man who loved unconditionally with a larger than life personality!
So sorry to hear this. Growing up in Molino in the 50’s & 60’s my best friends were the Diamond family, including his dad, Tommy. I know the family would be so happy about the achievements you accomplished. God Bless this family. R.I.P Chief.
Rest in Peace Gary. Prayers for the Diamond family.
Prayers for the Diamond family and appreciation for all that he did for our community.
And I want to say thank you to Northescambia.com for this coverage. Stop and just look at these pictures. Look at the photo gallery. The photos brought me to tears. They tell the story of a man and how much he was loved. Just amazing storytelling through the photos.
God please pray for this family .Help them find peace and comfort .I’m sorry for your loss
It was an absolute honor to be a part of this memorial service. Prayers for the family of this man who was truly a servant in all aspects of the word!
Rest in peace Mr. Gary Diamond….Cindy stay strong
Prayers for the family. Gary was a true friend and fine man. I enjoyed working with him at FedEx Home Delivery in Olive Branch, Ms. It was great to share Florida Gators game pics. Also I loved seeing all the pics on Facebook of his family at the creek by the bridge, looked like so much fun. He did like to talk about his time with the Fire Department. A great family man , Bless you!!!!!!
thank you for your service and saving peoples life you be missed very much the firehouse is not gonna be same with out u r.i.h
My heart breaks for this incredible family to have lost this wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God to be with you during this most difficult time.
Today we laid you to rest Uncle… It saddens my heart to know what a great man these babies will now miss out on. My boy still yells pawpaw when your truck pulls up and misses his dance parties with you. You’ll never be forgotten RIP Uncle Gary
Condolences to the family, and to ECFR. From what I have read, he was a great firefighter, leader and a man who will be surely missed, and always admired.
I saw the funeral procession this afternoon, impressive and very sad. Rest In Peace Chief.