After 31 years of service to the Alexandria Fire Department, Jane Malik, public information office, said goodbye to her colleagues and a host of friends during her farewell party. She formally retired at the end of 2007.
"It's been a long time being here. But it's also been a lot of fun. And no day has ever been dull," she told the crowd that filled the engine bay of Fire Station 204 on Dec. 19.
Malik started as a 911 operator in 1976 as one of the first two women to break through the gender barrier of a primarily male institution.
Describing her retirement party as a "work graduation," Malik was honored with an array of accolades, war stories covering her 31-year odyssey, and plaques recognizing her long service to firefighters and city government.
Steve Mason, city public affairs officer, representing the City Manager's office and the Communicators Group, presented Malik with a gold coin from the city. "These are reserved for the best of the best. And you are certainly one of those," he said.
Noting that Malik "can not be replaced," Alexandria Fire Chief Adam Thiel characterized Dec. 19 "a bittersweet day." He told the crowd, "Jane is going to be sorely missed. She one of the first persons I ever met from the Alexandria Fire Department when she was the instructor during a course I took at George Mason."
Jeannie Rexroad, communications supervisor, read a series of correspondence praising Malik from various colleagues who could not attend. She also related various stories covering the years of Malik's service. "She (Malik) has been a lighthouse to us all in troubled times," Rexroad said.
"Going into Jane's office was always like going into the principal's office. She helped you work out what ever problems you had," said Captain Thurston McClain.
"We all really appreciate your guidance and help. Thank you for all you have done for us," McClain said.
"Thank you for 30 years of friendship and welcome to the 'Friday Club,'" said Callie Terrell, retired administrative assistant to several former Alexandria Fire Chiefs. The "Friday Club" is composed of a group of former Alexandria City female employees who meet on the last Friday of each month for luncheon, according to Terrell.
Joining Malik for her three-hour sendoff were her husband Masood Malik, mother Margaret Davidson, sister Margaret King and niece Laura King. An array of retired fire department personnel returned for the event joining many active departmental personnel.