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Gates County is blessed to have many men and women who are the first to rush to the aid of those in need.

For that reason, Gates County Farm Bureau has launched its First Responder of the Month program. The program will recognize a first responder every month and Gates County Farm Bureau will give them a $25 gift card.

The First Responder of the Month for October is Jeff Taylor, Chief of the Gates Volunteer Fire Department (Station 30).

Taylor has served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 32 years, 12 of which have been as the Fire Chief.

His legacy as a firefighter already extends to both of his children as Amber Taylor and Parker Taylor serve with him in the Gates VFD.

Taylor also takes pride in co-owning and operating a local business in the Gates community as he and Ronnie Parker keep the tradition going at Red Barn Farms.

When asked what made him decide to join the volunteer fire department, Taylor recalled the days when his father worked at the paper mill.

“When he came home after his shift, no sooner than he stepped out of the car the fire pager went off,” Taylor said. “My mom asked dad why was he going. Dad said if I was in trouble I hope someone was coming to help me. That stuck with me ever since.”

Taylor is also a member of Gatesville Masonic Lodge 126, and a Gates Ruritan Club member.

He also performs equipment testing on fire alarms and CO2 alarms.

Gates County Farm Bureau salutes Jeff Taylor for all his hard work and all he does to make his community a safe place to live.