We Thank You For The Privilege Of Serving People 72 Years Of The Addison County Firefighters Association

By Cookie Steponaitis

On Wednesday night, January 20th the members of the seventeen fire departments that comprise the Addison County Firefighters Association gathered for their annual meeting and dinner. With opening remarks that included thanking the communities that they represent ‘for the privilege of serving people and their families in time of need,’ the assembled firefighters began a meeting steeped in tradition and centered on amazing levels of service, commitment and heart. Ringing the bells three times, the group stood silently paying tribute to the firefighters who were called home to heaven this year. Lt. Governor Phil Scott spoke and lauded the firefighters as exemplifying the kind of public servants that all should be. Still others spoke and paid tribute to those who have paved the way in fire service and those who continue to lead.
    The seventeen departments present turned in a staggering 17,830 hours of training this year and earned Middlebury Fire Department a 1st place honor and the Paul Turpin Award for an average of 26.26 hours of training per member. Present by skype, North Carolina firefighter and ACFA trainer Doug Cline was also awarded “Honorary” life membership.  The banter was light and the friendships deep and the handshakes more than a show of solidarity. Being present at a gathering of this many firefighters, it is impossible not to note the interconnectedness of the lives of these men and women. Those who serve together in times of fire and emergencies are bonded in ways that many people never experience.  Generations support generations and the level of praise for the Youth Firefighter of the Year Morgan Huestis from Bridport was as loud and supportive as the honoring of Addison Firefighter Phil Grace’s Lifetime Membership in the ACFA for his 48 years of service. Before the night was done the awards were presented and the tone of a bell sent over 40 present to their feet and out the door on a call.
    The Valley Voice salutes and honors the men and women of the Fire Service and the heart and strength that sends them out the door call after call to serve, protect, and help people in need without thought of the harm that could come to themselves. They do it with precision, skill and run toward what sends most people running away. God bless and while the Fire Service techniques continue to change, the heart and devotion of those who are called to it does not. It is the heart of a volunteer.