HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.31.2024 Boron Ride Along
Retired Firefighter Lieutenant Phillip Borron
Honored with Ride Along
Lieutenant Bryan Merrick and Equipment Operator Carlos Martinez
arrived at Lieutenant Phillip Borron’s home on Wednesday, May 15th,
2024, for a ride along. Dressed in his Class A uniform (blue
ceremonial uniform), the 30-year retired firefighter was ready to
report for his ride along with the department.
Borron attended the City of Plainview’s Fire Department Apparatus
Push In Ceremony on May 10th. During the event, the ride-along
program was discussed, presenting a unique opportunity for retired
members to reconnect with the department. This was an opportunity
that Borron, with his unwavering dedication, immediately seized upon.
Throughout the day, he visited all three fire stations and responded to three EMS backup
calls. He eagerly learned about modern equipment and updated protocols; at each
station, he shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with engaging stories about fire
calls and the transition of the City of Plainview Fire to Fire and EMS.
Borron's dedication to the City of Plainview Fire Department has been unwavering over the
years. Ever since his retirement, he has provided a Christmas Dinner not only for personnel
on duty, but also any off-duty members and their families - that’s an impressive 30
Christmas dinners!
Phillip has also attended events with the Honor Guard, including a funeral for one of the
Department’s close friend and a longtime nurse in the area.
Lt. Borron began his career with the City of Plainview Fire Department in 1969 after he
served in the Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant before his retirement in 1992.
Organized by Captain Kevin Goss, Lt. Bryan Merrick, and the Shift “A” Fire Personnel, they
were instrumental in the success of this wonderful experience for Mr. Borron and current
Fire Department members. Below is a note from some of the firefighters:
Captain Kevin Goss --Thirty-one years later, he is once again riding for the citizens of
Plainview. Passion is defined as a strong and barely controllable emotion. That is the best
way to describe the reaction I received when I talked to Lt. Borron about riding with us
again.
Chief Bobby Gipson -- Personally, I had the privilege of working alongside Lt. Borron as his
Firefighter for a period. Together, we responded to several structure fires in the county,
often just the two of us, as well as multiple other emergencies. I deeply respected his
leadership role as an officer and am grateful for his professional and personal mentorship,
then and now.
Borron’s love and passion for the profession, the community, and the personnel are
evident in his words and actions. When asked about his connection to the Fire
Department, he simply stated, “Me and the fire service. Well, it was just a good fit.”