It is with great sadness that the Midland Fire Department announces the untimely passing of a beloved member.
District Chief James Gardner passed away Thursday morning at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. Gardner began his career with MFD on Feb. 2, 1989. He was promoted to district chief on Oct. 16, 2005 and began his duties within the training division.
While in the training division, Chief Gardner was very instrumental in training fire personnel in areas including EMS, fire suppression, aircraft fire rescue, apparatus operations, and new hire orientation. His attention to detail, safe practices, and technological expertise were vital to the fire department’s promotional processes and improvements to its facilities.
While instructing, he could always find a way to include a pertinent event deserving of a good story.
Chief Gardner displayed his dedication to the brotherhood by serving on the MFD Honor Guard, coordinating fishing tournaments to benefit others and always being there for a brother in need. He loved visiting the IAFF Fallen Firefighter memorial in Colorado to show tribute to his firefighting brethren.
From everyone at MFD, we bid farewell to Chief Gardner by saying “be safe, brother.”