HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.com News
Ralph Vance is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in
the 53-year history of the Elk Creek Fire Department.
"It's really hard working on one of your guys. I don't ever want to
do that again," said Lt. Ron McInnes.
Vance, 68, was injured while responding to a reported chimney fire
Friday afternoon. He was approaching a curve when his tanker truck
slid down a 100-foot embankment next to the highway, and landed on
its side. Vance was the only firefighter aboard the truck, and no one
else was injured in the accident.
The firefighter was airlifted to St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver
where he died. It was not immediately known whether Vance suffered a
heart attack or died of injuries from the accident.
Vance, a 32-year member of the department, joined in 1969, retired in
1989 and has served as an active retiree ever since, McInnes said.
The firefighter also served for 29 years as a pilot for United
Airlines, and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by
his wife, two grown children and a grandchild.
McInnes recalled that Vance was the first Elk Creek firefighter to
respond to the Hi Meadow wildfire in the summer of 2000, which broke
out just as the historic Los Alamos fire in New Mexico was winding
down. The Hi Meadow fire
burned more than 10,000 acres in Colorado's Jefferson and Park counties.
"In the firefighting business there are three things we really really
like: someone who is stable, someone who is steady, and someone who
is wise," McInnes said. "You always felt safe with him. His expertise
and wisdom are really going to be missed."
Services will be held at Conifer High School in Conifer, Colo. on
Saturday, December 22, 2001 at 11:00 AM.
A memorial fund has been established in Vance's name for the Elk
Creek Fire Department and the Evergreen Symphony. Contributions can
be sent to the Community First Bank at 25657 Conifer Rd. in Conifer,
Colo., 80433.
Related:
