Addison County Firefighters Hold
By Mike Cameron
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Addison County firefighters held their annual dinner meeting and awards banquet at the Eagles Club in Ferrisburgh on Wednesday evening, January 21, 2009.
Fire Chief Robert Jenkins, who was the emcee for the evening, moved the event along at a smooth pace and did an excellent job with the awards ceremony.
After ACFA President Jim Brewer concluded with the regular business meeting, which included remarks from guests at the head table and invited guests. Chief Jenkins read a brief professional service biography for this year’s nominees and then handed out a plaque for outstanding service to each award recipient as voted by their peers.
Line Officer of the Year went to seventeen-year veteran Captain Jeff Vigne of the Ferrisburgh Fire Department. Captain Vigne was congratulated for his efforts as an “officer, grant writer, community youth advocate and mentor and a life-long fire safety advocate.”
Emergency Maintenance Technician recognition went to firefighter Mike Coyle of the Ferrisburgh Fire Department. “Mike has risen through the ranks to earn the rank of Assistant Chief. He started in the fire service as a youth cadet and now teaches youth about the fire service and the equipment involved.” “Operational Readiness,” is Mike’s job and he has been voted the best at what he does by his fellow firefighters.
Senior Firefighter honors went to Roy LaRose of the Bristol Fire Department. LaRose has been fighting fires since 1951 when he joined his department. “He has seen many changes in the fire service during his years on duty. But one thing has not changed and that is Roy LaRose’s desire to help others, save lives and protect property. He is still fighting fires at 82- years of age,” and is always ready with a piece of sage wisdom for the younger members of the department. His 57- years of experience make’s Roy a terrific asset to the Addison County Firefighters Association.
Life Members this year... two members will share this honor in the ACFA Greg Cota of the Monkton Fire Department and Willard “Skip ” Patterson of the Middlebury Fire Department.
“Greg is a charter member of his department and a 35-year veteran where he has served as Captain and has been a tireless worker in forming the Monkton VFD. Skip is a 30-year veteran and is currently a safety officer in the department. He has gained great respect by the members of his department and firefighters state-wide for his knowledge and expertise.”
ACFA Firefighter of the Year 2009 went to John Baker of the Addison Fire Department. “After graduating from Middlebury College in the early 70s, John decided to stay in Addison County. For almost 30-years he has served on many committees. Being a professional welder has been a tremendous asset to his department’s maintenance program. A constant student of public safety, John also became a First Responder. A quiet and unassuming man, Baker’s strong desire to protect and serve is evident in his work within his church community including work in Honduras where he has helped to build homes for less fortunate Hondurans. His fellow firefighters respect Baker’s ability to quietly get things done.”
ACFA Fire Chief of the Year 2009 went to 35-year veteran Jim Larrow of Vergennes Fire Department. Jim was recognized for his “leadership, his work with youth in the Cadet program, and as a former president of the ACFA. Jim has also been active at the state level throughout his career. He has been a tireless fire service educator and has been a judge at muster events for many years. A member of the Vermont Fire Chief’s Organization and a member of their By-laws committee.” Jim is constantly working to improve the knowledge and safety of his fellow firefighters as he continues his role as a leader in his community.