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A Community Said Good-bye

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Tuesday January 12, 2010

By Cookie Steponaitis

Communities are defined by geography, professions, religions and even volunteerism. On January 5th, the communities of three states and fifteen fire and rescue departments came together to say farewell to one of their own. Chief Ralph Jackman was laid to rest amongst four generations of firefighters and symbolism that was not lost on the crowd of hundreds that watched in awe, reverence and remembrance. The Chief’s body was carried aboard one of VFD’s newest trucks on a journey from the Fire House to the church and finally the cemetery in Bristol. At every corner and leading the way down every street was Chief Jackman’s family and not only the VFD, but fourteen other departments from around New England. The pictures capture some of the events, and create a permanent record of the gathering of a community that were all bound in some way to the passion for people, firefighting and family of one man. While the day marked the end of Chief Jackman’s duties, it bore witness to the traditions in place around New England to serve, protect and cherish life. Joined in sorrow, bonded in commitment to people and serving because they all can. A community said good-bye, but showed the depth of service that continues on.

    The fire service of today is ever changing, but is steeped in traditions 200 years old. One such tradition is the sounding of the bell.    Thru the day and night, each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow man. And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of the call.    We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect to those who have given so much and who have served so well.
    To symbolize the devotion, in the Vergennes Fire Department a special signal of 3 rings, 3 times each, represents the end of our comrade’s duties and that the company will be returning to quarters.
    We will now ring out that alarm to welcome back to quarters Chief Ralph Jackman, for he has completed his tasks, his duties well done, he has gone home.
    Read at the graveside by VFD Deputy-Chief Jim Larrow

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