BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Kiwanis Club has tapped Lee Gauze, a stalwart of the Martin County community, as grand marshal for the 2024 Harvest Fest Parade. Club members approved the selection in a Thursday meeting at the Masterpiece Kitchen & Café in Inez.
“We try to name someone influential in our community, as far as working with children, serving the community, being dedicated to the kids, just bettering the community,” Kiwanis president Melissa Phelps said. “Lee is always just giving to the community.”
For the past 36 years, Gauze has been on call and ready to serve the Martin County community at a moment’s notice. He has led the Inez Volunteer Fire Department as its chief for the last 20 years, with his association with the department beginning in 1989.
Gauze’s entry into the fire service was inspired by a high school friend, Johnny Crum, who encouraged him to join the department upon turning 18. That early involvement sparked a lifelong commitment to the fire department, where he has since played a major role in mentoring and shaping the next generation of firefighters.
During Gauze’s tenure, the department has seen remarkable growth in terms of equipment and personnel.
“Making sure we have the best possible equipment and the most well-trained people to serve our county has always been my driving force,” Gauze said.
The department has evolved from a modest 2-bay station to a modern firehouse with multiple sub-stations, expanding its fleet from three fire trucks to nine and its volunteer base from 10 to 30 members.
Beyond his role as fire chief, Gauze’s dedication to the community has extended into numerous other areas. He has worked closely with local youth through various programs, including football and church youth initiatives.
Gauze has held multiple positions in public service, including stints as an Inez City police officer, a deputy with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, an EMT, the director of Martin County 911, and the director of Martin County Emergency Management. These roles allowed him to be a leader and front-line responder.
Reflecting on his career, Gauze said, “Every part of my service has been meaningful to me. We see the darkest days of people’s lives and try to make it better for them as much as we can.”
Gauze, ever modest, never expected any recognition for his service to the community.
“I’ve always just tried to do what I’ve been doing all of my life,” he admitted. “It’s an honor that anybody would recognize me.”
As he looks to the future, Gauze lends advice for young firefighters: “Get involved.”
Junior firefighters can enter the program at age 15.
“Usually by the time they turn 18, they’re certified firefighters,” said Gauze. “It’s a journey that I’m glad I took. People think a fire department is just a place where you show up when there’s a fire, but it’s not. A fire department becomes a family. We take time for each other. When anyone needs help with something, they can call and usually two or three people will show up.”
Though challenging, he remains committed to recruiting youth.
“If we could just get the youth involved they would like it,” said Gauze, adding that the junior firefighter program builds a solid foundation for youth interested in pursuing careers in the emergency responder field.
“I hope that the department continues to serve and protect the people of Martin County long after I’m gone,” he said. “It’s been an honor to serve. Martin County is my home, and it’s been an honor to serve in every capacity.”
Gauze resides in Inez with his wife Wendy Gauze.
The parade lineup will begin at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the Martin County Swimming Pool. The parade itself will start at 2 p.m. and proceed west on Main Street.