Chief Reco Stephens retires after 25 years with Macon-Bibb County Fire Department

After a 25-year career at the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, including almost three as Assistant Fire Chief, Reco Stephens has retired.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — After a 25-year career at the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, including almost three as Assistant Fire Chief, Reco Stephens has retired.

“I’ve always been told by past firefighters that you’ll know when it’s time and they’re right,” Stephens said. “It’s hard to define, but you get that feeling when you know that it’s time to retire.”

The fire department joined other local leaders for a ceremony Friday to honor Stephens. A Macon native, Stephens won several awards throughout his career, including “Firefighter of the Year” honors from both the Bibb County Exchange Club in 2001 and the Georgia State Firefighters’ Association in 2008. He was also awarded the first annual “Lt. Randy Parker Heroes’ Award” in 2017 from the American Red Cross and the “Shield Club Hometown Hero Award” in 2021.