ACFA Regional Fire School

The Training Committee of the Addison County Firefighter’s Association, Inc. is honored to dedicate the 40th Annual Regional Fire School to Chief Ralph J. Jackman.

Ralph joined the City of Vergennes Fire Department in 1947 and was elected Chief in 1954 and has proudly served in that capacity until November 1st, 2009. One of his many challenges was the historic 1958 Vergennes block fire where he distinguished himself and his department.

Chief Jackman, a true visionary, was instrumental in renovating the outdated fire station to a more efficient facility, updating fire apparatus and putting Vergennes Fire Department in the forefront with the first hose reel truck in the State, the purchase of two new trucks in 1994 and three new trucks this past year.

Realizing that the youth would be the future in the fire service, Chief Jackman started a Cadet Program which three of his grandson’s participated in and are now successful career firefighters.

In addition to his leadership of his own department, he has served as Vice President and President of the ACFA and the VSFA, holds a life membership in the City of Vergennes Fire Department, the ACFA and the VSFA, has been awarded the ACFA Chief of the Year and the VSFA Chief of the Year. Chief Jackman has served on countless committee’s both for the ACFA and the VSFA and notably received a tribute from the 110th Congress of the United States of America.

In recognition of his long and dedicated service, as one of the charter members of the ACFA Regional Fire School and for his diligent work and sincere efforts to improve the role of the firefighters in Addison County, the ACFA Training Committee is privileged to dedicate the 40th Annual ACFA Regional Fire School to Chief Ralph J. Jackman.

Chief, on behalf of the grateful members of the ACFA, WE SALUTE YOU.

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