Thirty years of service were celebrated Wednesday afternoon at the Â鶹´«Ã½ Community House as Jason Whisnant retired as the chief of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Public Safety Department.
Whisnant has served as chief of the department since 2022, taking the helm after the retirement of Chief Tony Lowdermilk.
Chief Jason Whisnant smiles as the crowd applauds his retirement at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
Chrissy Murphy, The News Herald
Police and firefighting runs in Whisnant’s blood — his great uncle, Edward “Red†Phifer Whisnant started at the department in 1940. Jason’s uncle, Larry Whisnant Jr., joined the department in 1965, and Jason’s dad, Randy, joined in 1970 as a firefighter.
Whisnant laughed with his family, friends and colleagues as he recalled the summer after he graduated high school in 1993. His dad had just finished up a 24-hour shift at work.
“He comes in and shakes my bed and he says, ‘You’re not going to lay in the bed all summer,’†Whisnant said. “And he said, ‘There’s ... an application for Hanes Printables.’ ... He said, ‘Your mom’s already filled it out for you and they’re expecting you to be at work tomorrow at 7 o’clock.’â€
He said he spent that summer working inside that plant racking yarns with some interesting characters — including a man who would go on to steal a sheriff’s patrol car with a cherry picker truck.
Whisnant hung up the yarn racking gig for a nearly 30-year career in public service, first working for the Burke County Jail and Burke County Sheriff’s Office before joining Â鶹´«Ã½ Public Safety full time in 1998. He worked alongside his dad for two years.
From left, Hannah, Kate, Nicholas, Jake, Jason and Katherine Whisnant all pose for a photo at the Community House in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Chrissy Murphy, The News Herald
He was emotional as he thanked his family for their patience throughout the late nights, missed holidays and birthday parties he’s worked during his law enforcement career.
Whisnant told his co-workers their safety and success would always be in his prayers.
“I won’t say goodbye today,†Whisnant said. “How about let’s just say I’ll see you around.â€
He has said he may run for a political office in the future.
Whisnant’s retirement was official April 1. Ryan Lander has been named interim chief of the department.
Jason Whisnant smiles while speaking to the crowd at his retirement ceremony Wednesday.
Chrissy Murphy, The News Herald
Chrissy Murphy is a staff writer and can be reached at cmurphy@morganton.com or at 828-432-8941.
