
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, September 19, 1995                   TAG: 9509190065
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

HARRY P. MCKINNEY DIES AT AGE 68; HE WAS FORMER ROANOKE FIRE CHIEF

Harry P. McKinney, former Roanoke fire chief and a 36-year veteran of the department, died Monday at his home at age 68.

McKinney worked his way up through the ranks to fulfill his lifelong dream of being chief. He earned the title in December 1987, but illness forced him to retire in December 1988.

He was a charter member of the Roanoke Firefighters Association and an honorary member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

McKinney began his career with the Roanoke City Fire Department in 1952.

By 1985, he was deputy chief for training and safety. He was acting chief for several months before officially earning the title after competing with 85 other applicants - seven from inside the department.

McKinney's ties to the department began with his father, who was a firefighter for 25 years and retired as a captain.

Assistant City Manager Jim Ritchie said McKinney was an extremely dedicated and well-respected member of the fire department.

``He had an outstanding career with the city and did a wonderful job for us,'' Ritchie said.

by CNB