End of an Era
Please join me in wishing Lt. John "Huck" Flinn the best on his recent retirement after 26 outstanding years with Westside/ West Manatee Fire Department. Johnny began his career with Westside F.D. back in 1985, after being hired from the volunteer ranks by Chief Lucas. Anyone who spent time on the job with Johnny will tell you that he was the quintessential fire fighter. He is a jack of all trades and master of most!
I had the good fortune to work with Johnny in the early 90's and learned volumes about fighting fire from him. He is truly one of the few that I would consider a natural born firefighter. The ability to enter a smoke filled house and instinctively make the correct choice with regard to the shortest route to the seat of the fire is a skill not taught in the Fire Academy.
Lt. Flinn has served the residents our community most of his adult life. He is a family man as well as a patient mentor. While it is hard for me to imagine West Manatee without Johnny Flinn around the fire house, I am also very happy for him. He has certainly earned it.
While it will be impossible to fill Lt. Flinn's shoes. I mean that in the most literal sense. (sz.10 foot with 4" toes)Newly promoted Lt. Paul Hopkins will do an excellent job.
So if you see "Huck's Raft" on the water or an Armed Hiker in the woods between Myakka and Tennessee, stop and congratulate him on an outstanding career.
