It all began when a neighbor of his Aunt Isabell Lumsden asked him about his interests. At the time, John Lumsden and his wife of 43 years, Kay, were young, newly married, and building a home in Sautee. Chief Lumsden shared that he loved the outdoors and adventure, which led the neighbor to invite him to a meeting on a Thursday night, not telling him what the meeting was about. He went, signed the dotted line to become a volunteer firefighter, and as they say, the rest is history.
Life as a volunteer firefighter
For 32 years, Fire Battalion Chief John Lumsden has dedicated his time and efforts to serving the people of White County as a volunteer firefighter. His commitment to public service is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy of service. His grandfather worked as a postal carrier using a horse and buggy. Over his thirty-plus years delivering the mail, he only missed two days—one of which was due to snow. “He had spikes put on his horse’s shoes! I guess you could say it was the first snow tires!” Chief Lumsden laughs as he recalls.
His father, Dr. Tom Lumsden, was a respected physician in Northeast Georgia. “My father taught me that sometimes when people are struggling, there’s not much you can do for them except be there and care about what’s happening,” he reflected.
That lesson has guided Chief Lumsden throughout his career.
He fondly remembers the community events, like the “Pig-Out” fundraiser, where neighbors came together for bluegrass music and smoked meats. It was always held the Saturday before Memorial Day and raised crucial funds for the fire station.
Value in always learning
Chief Lumsden has always valued the importance of continuous learning. “When I’m around someone who thinks they know everything, that’s someone I want to stay clear of,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to growth.
His wife Kay has been his biggest supporter throughout his journey. “I couldn’t have done all this without her,” Chief Lumsden shared. The couple has two children, Jessie (29) and Avery (27). Jessie has followed in his father’s footsteps, working in wildland fire services.
Throughout his long career, Chief Lumsden has faced difficult calls without happy endings. “It’s always tough when tragedy strikes anyone, but I’ve made it my practice to do the best I can with what I have and let people know that I am there for them,” he said.
Celebration of honor
White County Fire Services will celebrate Battalion Chief John Lumsden’s retirement on January 23 at 6 p.m. at White County Fire Station 3, located at 33 Garland Bristol Rd., Sautee, Georgia. The community is invited to honor his 32 years of volunteer service to the county.
White County Fire Services welcomes friends, co-workers, and former colleagues to gather and celebrate Chief Lumsden’s contributions to both the fire service and the community.
Currently, Chief Lumsden has been working as the Director of Facilities at Rabun Gap Naccoochee Valley School for the past six years.
Final call
John Lumsden made his final call on January 1, 2025. After 32 years of dedicated service, his “10-7” out-of-service call was received by dispatch and colleagues who had worked alongside him for so long, helping those in need.
“Battalion Chief John Lumsden, out-of-service.”
There are people who dedicate their lives to making a difference in their community, and Battalion Chief John Lumsden is one of those people who has certainly made his mark.
RELATED: Retirement reception Jan. 23 for Battalion Chief John Lumsden
