Firefighters Say Goodbye to Their Brave 'Big Toe' [VIDEO]

It was an unassuming day in 1986 when off-duty firefighter Jim Correll, then a part-timer, heard an alarm go out while driving in his car near the area.

It didn't matter that Correll wasn't working, let alone the fact that he didn't have any of his equipment or anything to subdue the flames. Correll immediately drove to the bedroom fire at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, kicked down the front door and pulled an unconscious man to safety.

Correll wasn't wearing any protective gear, but he was the first on scene and didn't hesitate to put himself in harm's way to save another person's life. The act of selflessness and leadership was the first of many Correll would bring during his 29-year career, which colleague John Stevens said will have a lasting impact on the Hampton Fire Department.

"That's the kind of guy he is," said Stevens, a captain within the department who served as Correll's supervising officer during many of the latter's acts of bravery. "He never hesitates to make a decision."

Of all the decisions he's had to make, Correll likely faced one of his toughest Saturday. Saturday was Correll's last as a firefighter, as an injury has forced him to say farewell to a career and station he's loved deeply every day since joining as a part-time firefighter in 1983.

Family members and dozens of firefighters from throughout the area held a farewell luncheon and bagpipe salute Monday afternoon at for Correll, the Engine 1 senior officer. Correll, who is retiring due to a job-related knee replacement, said the humor-filled gesture was "completely unexpected" and "very humbling," and he often batted back tears while thanking his friends for the honor.

Correll said he tried to "lead by example," and he emotionally reflected on what the late Bernie Robertson — a man Correll saw as his "mentor" and "a father figure" — would say if Robertson could've heard the things said about Correll Monday.

"He would give me a huge hug and congratulate me, and I believe he would be very proud," Correll said, pausing to choke back tears, "of my accomplishments and the person I have become."

[Editor's note: Click on the video, which is the featured media attachment on this story, for more from and about Correll.]

Correll's been a full-time Hampton firefighter since 1987, and many said Monday the influence he's had on those around him is indescribable. That influence isn't lost on the younger generation of Hampton firefighters or newcomers like , who said Correll is "one of the most highly respected guys we've got."

"Around here we call him the 'Big Toe' because you can't walk right without your big toe," said Firefighter Jason Newman, who is one of the youngest members of the department.

Correll said he expects to stay involved with the department and union events, causes and charities, although he said he's not quite certain what he will do during his early retirement — something he admitted will be difficult.

Capt. Bill Kennedy, who joined on the same day as Correll in 1983, said it was "too personal" to describe his friends' departure. Kennedy said he knows his friend's influence and presence will always be felt in the station even if he's not around, and wished Correll well in his retirement.

"I'm going to miss him," said Kennedy. "It's not going to be the same without him."