Main Sections

Firefighter’s Honor Casts A Light On Teamwork Above And Beyond

photo by Mark Bouvier Sitting in the new Fire Truck dedicated to him, FFD retired Chief Bob Jenkins is 52 years strong in his involvement with Fire Services.

photo by Mark Bouvier The thumbs up from Bob Jenkins is a sign looked for by firefighters in several states. Bob's leadership, mentor ship and dedication are appreciated by generations of firefighers.

photo by Cookie Step Photographed at the dedication of Ferrisburgh's new engine in Bob Jenkins name brought together his family who have served right along side him during his career.

photo by provided Mary Jane and Bob Jenkins have been married for 52 years this year and have supported not only the efforts of their own Fire Department, but generations of fire fighters in Addison County and around the state. The camaraderie and commitment of all fire fighters to each other and their families is above and beyond.

photo by Mark Bouvier Fires not only alter the landscape and change lives, but in the case of Vermont set off a revolution in how to understand, fight and train for the fire services.

Tuesday July 18, 2017

By Cookie Steponaitis

Bob Jenkins does not like the limelight and goes out of his way to avoid it. While known for having a gregarious personality and smile that can light up a room, Bob would rather blend in when it comes to accolades and awards. Yet over the past decade Bob has received many awards from fellow firefighters at the local and state level. And in the firefighter circle he is a mainstay and bound to generations of firefighters’ and multiple districts.
    Jenkins was recently presented with the Vermont State Firefighters Chief of the Year Award for his career in firefighting that has paralleled the evolution of the fire service in the state. Jenkins joined the fire service in Vergennes in 1961 following in the footsteps of his father George Jenkins. Ironically, Bob Jenkins and Mike Collette were present at a fire that changed the process of firefighting and the layout of Main Street in Vergennes. The famous Fire of 1958 saw George Jenkins first on the scene. He hooked up his pumper to the hydrant down the block and for the next thirty-two hours never left his post. “Mike and I were lugging items and helping in any way we could,” reminisced Jenkins. “We were both in the old high school which is where the VFD now stands. The explosion could be heard for blocks and everyone who could help fought it.” That same day a newly added member of the Vergennes Fire Department attended his first fire. That was a turning point for Ray Davison and for all firefighters in the state.
    The outcome of that fire was the transformation of training and the science of fighting fires. Fred Jackman, Ralph Jackman, Ray Davison and Don Keeler took classes from a New York instructor and brought back to Vermont a new way of looking at how to organize structure and maintain a fire department. “Before that we went to the fires and did the best we could,” shared Jenkins. “Sometimes we were successful and sometimes we lost the buildings. Today’s firefighter has to train year round. Firefighter #1 is the introductory course and is over 200 hours. Today we respond to car crashes, water rescue, rescue calls, Hazmat, lost hikers and more.”
    While Jenkins has served in almost every capacity available in the fire services at the local, county and state level as well as serving as the Chief of Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department from 1970-1985 and again for another four years, Jenkins keeps the focus not on the individual but the group. “None of us are in this alone,” shared Jenkins. “Being a firefighter is unlike anything else you do. There is risk and there is the passion to help others.” Jenkins paused and touched his heart. “You are a firefighter with this first,” he expressed. “The rest comes when you follow the heart’s lead.”
    With fifty-two years of service under his belt Jenkins speaks of the firefighter family as one of the strongest bonds on earth and the support of families including his own as the reason for the success of the local departments. “This past Christmas we got a call,” explained Jenkins. “At my house we were just ready to open presents. There was no question. The call came and we went. I am not sure if the readers realize the commitment is made not only by the firefighter but by their family as well. However, if you are in need or your family is in need the firefighter family responds to help out. The bond is that tight.”
    While the science of fighting fires continues to evolve, the method of bringing together men and women from all backgrounds and walks of life to work as a precision unit is not. Bob Jenkins is admired across states for his ability to lead, teach and share a passion that helps them help others. “One of the earliest programs Ralph Jackman and I put into place was the mutual aid agreement,” shared Jenkins. “When a fire was called out we would both respond and help each other. At first people laughed at us but we saved lives, saved property and saved lots of money.” Today the mutual aid policy extends to Addison County firefighting teams and beyond. In the past week two separate fires have been responded to by six departments.
    While the honor in question has Bob Jenkins name on it, for Jenkins it is all about the rest of the team. “You know Charlie Beckam is ninety- three years old and still responding to calls in Shaftesbury” smiled Bob. Being a firefighter is more than just the uniform. It is a tangible desire to lead, teach and help. In reality Bob Jenkins and his contemporaries do this on a daily basis. When Jenkins was presented with a new fire truck named in his honor this past summer, the words on the plaque hold true:
    “Who through his example taught us,
    Leaders are not measured by their own
    accomplishments, but
     Rather by the accomplishments of those they have
    lead.”
Congratulations Bob Jenkins on being that and more and for showing that the light shining on the leaders illuminates the work, dedication, determination and love of those who he or she works with. Addison County is blessed with more than great fire departments. They are blessed with an ethos to serve others and to put service above self.

Printer Friendly

Top

Advertisements

Search our Archives