O.D. Johnson will be leading the parade Saturday as Grand Marshal.

Johnson has been with the Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department since 1976 and is excited about April 1, 2010 because it will mark 34 years with the department.

“When I first started, we were at the old building,” Johnson said, “I’ve raised a family here.”

He works as the pump operator and prepares the trucks for the when the department is called out on a run.

“I’m really honored to have been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the parade,” he said, “My family is really proud and honored that I was chosen.”

The TNT Fire Station was named after Johnson for his service and dedication.

Johnson grew up in Lone Mountain and worked in Knoxville for 17 years before working with the department that he now calls home, he is a member of Clouds Memorial Baptist Church.

Daughter Debbie Runions is very proud of her father.

“He meets no strangers,” she said, “He really is the best person that I know and I’m not just saying that because he’s my dad, he really, truly is.”

The New Tazewell Parade will begin at 1:00 on Saturday.