Lieutenant Matthew Clark, IAFF3138 President.
On October 15th, 2015, after 34 years of loyal service, our longest standing member
served his last shift with the Rockledge Fire Department. Chief Jeptha Sunday is now retired and free
to spend his days on his own accord, having more than earned the liberty to
indulge in every recreation and pleasure possible to him.
While in his service to the department, Chief Sunday
conducted matters in such a way that would inspire nothing less than the
highest esteem from all who crossed his path.
His demeanor boldly conveyed the purest honesty, with no trace of the
crude deceit which is such an unfortunate and common hindrance to interpersonal
dealings.
He led his people with compassion, humility and empathy, and
he never gave the impression that he thought he was any better than anyone
else. He had a policy of an open door, an open mind, and an open heart, and treated the members of his department as if they were his own family.
He was a true leader because these
traits inspired a desire within people to follow him, even when they thought he
was wrong. He is quoted as saying that the
people around him were the best part of his career, and it certainly shows by
the way that he treated all of them.
As chief Sunday moves on to the next chapter, so it will be
for the department. The calls will keep
coming and the wheels will keep turning.
But those of us who had the privilege of serving under Chief Sunday’s
leadership will always regard his time as some of the best times. His tenure as chief – short lived as it was - has
left an example for future leaders which will live on for many years to
come.
With all sincerity, the Rockledge Professional Firefighters
would like to wish Chief Sunday a happy, healthy, and lengthy retirement.
Posted by M. Clark
