The City of Waldron recently paused to celebrate a man whose life’s work has been defined by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his community. David Millard—former police chief and current mayor—was honored on Thursday night, December 4, for an impressive 25 years of dedicated service to the Waldron Fire Department.
The recognition came in the form of a beautifully crafted plaque, presented as a token of gratitude from the Waldron City Fire Department. Its inscription reflected the depth of Millard’s contributions, commending his “selfless and sacrificial service” and calling his steadfast dedication “a testament to courage, duty and community.
For Millard, public service has never been a title—it has been a calling. Long before being elected mayor, he served the community through law enforcement, eventually becoming Waldron’s police chief. Yet even while wearing the badge, he continued to don the helmet of a firefighter, answering calls at all hours and placing the safety of others at the forefront of his life.
Colleagues describe him as calm under pressure and deeply devoted to the people he serves. That dedication carried him through countless emergencies, fires, rescues, and moments when the community needed steady hands and strong leadership. Whether responding to a blaze in the middle of the night or helping guide the city through its day-to-day challenges, Millard has been a steadfast figure in Waldron’s public safety landscape.
Now, as mayor, he continues that tradition—working to support first responders, strengthen city services, and ensure that the next generation inherits a community built on trust, integrity, and resilience.
The Waldron City Fire Department’s recognition serves as a reminder of the often-unseen sacrifices made by volunteer and career firefighters alike, and of the extraordinary individuals who stand ready when crisis calls. For 25 years, David Millard has been one of those individuals.
As the plaque states, the honor represents the department’s “grateful acknowledgement of [his] outstanding service.” For the citizens of Waldron, it represents even more—a heartfelt appreciation for a man who has consistently embodied the very best of public service.
Congratulations to Mayor David Millard on this milestone achievement and thank you for your continued dedication to the City of Waldron.
