Clayton Fire Chief and Former Chief Honored

Clayton Fire Chief Lee Barbee and former Chief Larry Castleberry were among five firefighters honored recently by the Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association.

Both men were singled out for their dedication and longtime professionalism.

"This is quite an honor," Chief Barbee said. "I'm especially proud to have served with and learned from Chief Castleberry."

Barbee, who joined the Fire Department as a volunteer in 1975, has served, over the years, as president of the NC Association of Fire Chiefs, president of the NC Fallen Firefighters Foundation, president of the Johnston County Firemen's Association, president of the Local Emergency Planning Committee for Johnston County and taught firemen at Johnston County Community College in addition to many other professional activities. He became Volunteer Fire Chief in 1991 and then Fire Chief in 1999.

Castleberry, a longtime member of the association, retired nearly 15 years ago after a long career in firefighting that began in 1958 as a member of the Archer Lodge Fire Department. He joined the Clayton Department in 1967, moved up to Assistant Chief in 1971 and then Chief in 1978. He's a former president of the Eastern Firemen's Association.

Others honored at the recent meeting include Chief James Peele and former Chiefs Roy Spell and Rufus Brinson.