The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Wednesday, September 1, 1999
PTC firefighters' shaved heads are tribute to their embattled Chief Reed

By SALLIE SATTERTHWAITE
Staff Writer

For some guys, the way they wear their hair makes a “statement” about how they view themselves. Picture the flowing locks of a country singer or the trim coif of a fast-track executive.

For some athletes, a shaved pate is an emblem of virility, prowess on the court, a mark of machismo.

But for seven Peachtree City firefighters, bald is beautiful, a token of teamwork.

Their “statement” means a lot to Peachtree City Fire Chief Gerald Reed, currently undergoing treatment for cancer. When chemotherapy started taking its toll on his already stressed hairline, he decided to shave it all off and be done with it.

And as a sign of solidarity, Lt. Gary North's shift decided to join him.

Kerry Crawford was the first to shave his head and persuaded North to do the same, a tough sell said an anonymous source, because North was, well, attached to his hair. But once their supervisor took the plunge, Cery Fannin, John Shires, Tom Yoders, Rob Eidson and Scott Waller went bald too.

Reed was dumbstruck.

“Those guys are crazy,” he said from his room at Piedmont Hospital a few days later, then added, “It made me feel real good.”

Was it a fashion statement? Reed laughed: “I'm not a real trend-setter,” he said, “but I've noticed I don't have to shave much anymore.”

“We did it to help keep his spirits up,” said North. “He was here working when we did it, and he thought it was great. It's a symbol of teamwork.”

North noted that the chief is in and out of the hospital as required by his chemo schedule, but comes into the office whenever he can. Through it all, he's been an inspiration to members of the department, both career and volunteer.

Volunteer J.R. Rutledge said Reed's positive attitude toward his illness has helped ease the reaction of those around him. Members have offered blood and bone marrow, and many speak of including the chief in their prayers.

“I have seen an outpouring of support for Gerald,” Rutledge said. “He has raised the bar and given new meaning to the word courage in facing this struggle.” The firefighter added that he hopes all Peachtree City citizens would pray for Reed.

Someone sent a picture of the eight shining scalps to city hall, where it wound up on posters now pinned to bulletin boards throughout city departments, a statement of teamwork.

Reed called the gesture “overwhelming,” and said he is also grateful for the cards and notes he has been receiving from friends and citizens.

“In these situations people don't really realize their card or phone call means so much,” he said.

Send Chief Reed get-well wishes in care of Peachtree City Fire Department, 105 Peachtree Pkwy. North, Peachtree City 30269. 


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