City Council, Fiscal Court Honor County’s Oldest Active Firefighter

MANCHESTER — A lifetime of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication was formally recognized Monday as the City of Manchester and Clay Fiscal Court honored Jesse C. Gilbert, Clay County’s oldest living active firefighter.

Gilbert, 84, was recognized during a special presentation proclaiming March 2, 2026, as “Jesse C. Gilbert Day” in the City of Manchester. Clay County Judge/Executive Tommy Harmon also presented Gilbert with a Clay County Service Recognition for his nearly three decades of volunteer service.

Gilbert, a lifelong Clay County resident born November 2, 1941, joined the Burning Springs Fire Department on April 1, 1996. Since that time, he has faithfully served for 29 years, logging more than 3,100 hours of training — an extraordinary commitment for any firefighter, volunteer or career.

City officials noted that Gilbert holds the distinguished honor of being Clay County’s oldest living active firefighter to have served continuously.

“Jesse represents the very best of our community,” said Manchester Mayor Steve Collins in the official proclamation. “His dedication, hard work, and service over the years have helped make Clay County and Manchester a better place.”

Judge/Executive Harmon echoed those sentiments while presenting the county’s service recognition certificate.

“At 84 years old, Mr. Gilbert continues to embody sacrifice, courage, and devotion,” Harmon said. “His years of service have made a lasting impact on Clay County and all those he has served and protected.”

Gilbert’s recognition highlights the critical role volunteer firefighters play across rural Kentucky. Departments like Burning Springs rely heavily on individuals willing to sacrifice time with family, respond at all hours of the day and night, and continually train to meet the demands of emergency service.

Over nearly three decades, Gilbert has answered countless calls — structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and community needs — quietly serving without expectation of praise.

In communities such as Clay County, volunteer firefighters are often neighbors, friends, and relatives. They leave dinner tables, family gatherings, and warm beds when the siren sounds. For Gilbert, that call has come for 29 years — and counting.