Bonds built the Locke Department from a $10,000 program to a multi-million dollar operation that grew to three departments.

A number of people gathered to celebrate the 43 years of service Bonds gave to the Locke stations — 35 of those years as chief.

“I saw how strong the Locke Fire Department is, and he (Bonds) is the person behind all that,” said Rowan County Sheriff George Wilhelm.

Wayne Ashworth, emergency services director, recalled a business fire years ago that seemed hopeless, until Bonds arrived.

“Narvie came roaring, the siren was blazing and he drove right through the perimeter,” described Ashworth. The business was salvaged, and Ashworth said the owner gave Bonds a check for $1,000.

When the owner asked him what he was going to do with the money, Ashworth said Narvie replied “the first thing I’m going to do is fix the brakes on this truck.”

Most of the speakers got laughs from the audience as they told their most memorable moments with Bonds.

He and his wife, Helen, sat in front of the crowd, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying.

Glenda Shrewsbury, secretary of the Locke Board of Directors and firefighter, presented a dozen red roses to Helen, “the good woman behind the man.”

And the audience gave her a standing ovation.

When Bonds stood up to speak, he recognized several people who made his years at Locke memorable.

“Over the years, Rodney was my sidekick,” said Bonds of Rodney Calloway, past board president.

“I can’t take all the credit. When the chips are down,” Bonds said, “and we need that little extra, everyone chips in.”

And everyone has chipped in so much, Locke Volunteer Fire Department is the fourth largest in the nation.

“He’s one of the very ones who has helped build that,” said Bonds’ grandson, Eric.

Narvie received a number of mementoes to take home with him for his retirement.

Jason Brown, who will assume position of chief, gave Bonds a certificate of outstanding service to North Carolina from Governor Jim Hunt.

Sgt. V.F. Mellone, Sgt. S. F. Small, and Trooper G. M. Hester, of the N.C. Highway Patrol, presented Bonds with a plaque of appreciation.

The Locke Board of Directors gave Bonds a mounted fireman’s ax with a golden blade.

Congressman Mel Watt will be giving Bonds a United States flag that has flown over the Capitol.

The Salisbury Fire Departments also gave Bonds a certificate of appreciation.