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Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department Dedicates A New Fire Engine

photo by Cookie Step With almost 85 years of service between them, Bob Jenkins and FFD Chief Bill Wager share a moment together during the dedication of new truck 616.

photo by Cookie Step Standing together in service and commitment to each other, members of Vergennes, Charlotte and Ferrisburgh Fire Departments gathered to honor the dedication of new fire truck 616 to Bob Jenkins.

photo by Cookie Step The newest vehicle in the department, FFD truck 616 was dedicated to Firefighter Bob Jenkins who is treasured by all of Addison County Firefighters for his leadership, teaching and dedication to the fire service.

Tuesday August 9, 2016

By Cookie Steponaitis

Generations of firefighters were present on Sunday July 31st 2016 when the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) dedicated and baptized the newest truck in the line. Members of the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department, Vergennes Fire Department, Monkton Fire Department and four of the five men to hold the position of FVFD Fire Chief gathered at the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department to celebrate. The department is entering its 75th year of service to the community and is still firmly rooted in traditions that came together as past, present and future was united in the ceremony involving the new truck.
    “I grew up in and around the old station in the Hollow in North Ferrisburgh,” shared FVFD member Michael Donnelly. “In fact I was there fifty-two years ago when the department got its first ‘new’ truck. It was a 1964 International and cost $13,355.00.” While the science of fire fighting has changed in the seventy-five years that Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department has been in existence, the brotherhood, camaraderie and dedication to better outcomes from emergencies has not. Under the leadership of chiefs Harris Yandow, Bob Jenkins, Pee Wee Marcotte, Dave Bowles and Bill Wager the department has grown and moved location remaining focused on the needs of firefighters and the community they serve.
    Nothing could showcase the interconnectedness of the fire service people more than the dedication of the new truck. “The process began about four years ago,” shared FVFD Chief Bill Wager. “At first people were skeptical that we could do it, but slowly the vision began to take shape. We want to thank the town, the members of the department and the Hoehl Family Foundation for making the truck a reality.” Designed by members of Vergennes and Ferrisburgh Fire Volunteer Department, the new $402,000 truck will carry six firefighters and allow them to put on gear prior to arriving at the scene. While it has to yet go out on any calls, the task of how to bless the new vehicle fell to FVFD Chaplin Hoffman. After consulting some members of the clergy for creative ideas it was decided to blend traditions of the Fire Service with a decades old tradition of a dedication and a water blessing.
    Dedicated to former FVFD Chief Bob Jenkins, the over one hundred firefighters present were visibly moved with the dedication choice and reading of the plaque on the truck. “Always leading, always teaching, we dedicate truck 616 to Chief Robert ‘Bob’ Jenkins who through his example, taught us that leaders are not measured by their own accomplishments but rather by the accomplishments of those they lead.” With a water blessing from the hoses of Vergennes and Charlotte engines, the assembled firefighters shook hands, chatted and then went in groups to examine the new truck. As the water arced over the new engine it was eerily quiet for a moment and then the sun broke through the clouds to shine on the assembled gathering.  For just a moment, in the quiet of that instance there was a tangible feeling of the presence of Ray Davison, Ralph Jackman, Harold Ball, Earl Fisher, Chuck Donnelly, David Truman and others who served with distinction for years and were called home. The new engine 616 will serve the community for the next twenty-five years and will be present on hundreds of calls. Witnessing its dedication was a lesson in commitment, community and a bond shared by all those who put service above self.

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