Our Fallen Hero

Leslie Keith Gillum

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In 1972, Leslie Keith Gillum began his service in rural Northeastern Kentucky, which had a population of approximately 5,000 people. While volunteering to assist in fighting brush fires for the Kentucky Division of Forestry, and losing several buildings to those fires, a need for a fire department evolved.

In 1974, Norton Branch Fire Department was put into operation and became incorporated. With very little knowledge and rustic equipment they began to take calls. Then they began to recruit men and have classes for training, and fund raisers, to aide in the mission of saving lives and property.

Keith had pride in this department, and spent many hours and served in many duties at the station from janitor, grounds keeper, firefighter, officer, Chief for the years of 1973-1986, and treasurer of the Board of Directors. He was always looking for ways of purchasing needed equipment or improvements to the station itself. His talents and interests were many, including helping his community, was always there to lend a helping hand.

Keith was a devoted family man, he was married to his wife Barbara for 47 years and having a son Gregory (Melissa), and daughter Malana(Tim) Johnson and four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews that he loved to tease on a daily basis. He was also a workaholic always there for his family and friends, never liked to waste time.

There will always be a great void in our lives and the live of the station, which can never been filled for the lose of this great man and hero. Our Hero. However, our memories still live on. Rest in Peace our friend and hero, Leslie Keith Gillum.