Retired Texarkana, Texas, firefighter Kenny Copeland was almost speechless Thursday when his daughter and his former co-workers surprised him by planting a red leaf maple tree in his honor.
The tree was planted at the Texarkana, Texas, Fire Department Training Center off Texas Boulevard.
Copeland's friends in the TTFD say it is rare for him to be at a loss for words. And they want to call the tree "the story tree." Meaning, they want him to visit the tree often and continue telling the humorous stories he is known for.
Copeland retired July 1 after 35 and a half years of service.
Planting the tree was his daughter Natalie's idea.
"He planted a tree for me when I was born, and over the years he has planted trees for family members and friends. That's kind of his thing," Natalie Copeland said.
TTFD Chief Eric Schlotter said Copeland was instrumental in the development of the training field and it seemed right to plant the tree there.
Copeland started at the department on Jan. 5, 1981.
"I remember that day well," he said.
He said the older firefighters in the department gave him a hard time and didn't think he would last.
"They were pulling out their wallets saying, "I give him 30 days," or, "I give him 60 days," Copeland said.
But he did last and has held every position in each division of the department. Training firefighters was one of his favorite jobs.
"I loved my job and I love this training field. I feel like I spent three years of my life out here getting it ready," he said.
The training center was built in 2006 with money from a bond election.
Copeland said he will miss his friends in the department.
"We have got some gray hairs together and lost some hair together. If I could still run up and down those stairs like I used to, I would probably stay longer," Copeland said.
He plans to travel a lot during his retirement.