Glenn Gaines
I want us to recall his way with humor.
In this blur of grief we can forget that Glenn was very funny– mostly in person when his subtle and quick facial expressions were fully “deployed” in the best firefighting sense.
He was a master of the sidelong glance, often paired with a quick rolling of the eyes.
Glenn “spoke” through his eyes and they often twinkled.
He turned tension into humor; in fact, he was an expert at it.
You never wanted to miss his asides, but you better be listening closely because the best ones were lightening fast and delivered at a nearly inaudible volume.
Years ago as fire chief he was testifying at a budget hearing when an elected official asked him how many fires he had put out that year in a specific area of the county.
After a brief pause and with that perfect deadpan delivery came the answer: “All of them.”
We will remember, too, that pacing walk: head down, hands thrust into his pockets until disturbed from his inner reverie, usually by one of us.
His was a rare assemblage: the genuine and gentle leader.
In a job with lots of rough and tumble he cared and you knew it.
Wherever splendid human beings go when they leave this place is where he will be found.