Chief George L. Herrington

Chief George L. Herrington, (CMSgt, USAF, Ret.) (Chief HFD), 72, of Hattiesburg, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Forrest General Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November, 27, 2021 at Temple Baptist Church with interment in Highland Cemetery to follow. George began working with the Hattiesburg Fire Department in 1973 and was appointed to Fire Chief in 1991. He served the city in this role until 2001. He was a true servant leader. In addition to his service to the Hattiesburg Fire Department, he also served through the ranks with the United States Air Force – retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. Although retired, his commitment to our community and country never waned. He continued in service through the VFW Post 3036, American Legion Post 24 and the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association. He was selected as Veteran of the year 2016. During his Air Force career he was decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal (1), Meritorious Service Medal (1), National Defense Service Medal (2), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (1), Air Force Longevity Service Award (6), Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon (1), Air Force Training Ribbon (1), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (5), Air Force Reserve Medal (2), Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (8), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and served overseas in support of Enduring Freedom in Oman. He was a devoted husband and father, loyal friend and colleague, and affectionately known to all his family and grandkids as “Paw” and his friends as “Chief”. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Sue Herrington; and two brothers, Tom Herrington, Dan Clark. He is survived by his wife, Dianne D. Herrington of Hattiesburg; a son, Jon Marc (Kelly) Herrington of Brandon; two daughters, Cheri Smith of Purvis, Shannon (Chris) Gibson of Hattiesburg; five grandchildren, Zach Smith of Purvis, Cooper Herrington of Brandon, Cambell Herrington of Brandon, Caleb Gibson of Hattiesburg, Tanner Gibson of Hattiesburg. Visitation for Chief Herrington will be at 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Temple Baptist Church.