Chief Phil Vinson To Retire January 31, 2007

Chief Vinson Beside Ladder 3

After 42 years of service with the City of Bristol Tennessee Fire Department Chief Vinson is going to retire.

Chief Vinson began his career on April 23, 1965 as a Firefighter.

1972 Chief Vinson was promoted to Captain.

1977 Vinson was appointed the Chief of the Department.

He has served as Chief for 30 years.

This morning I had the privilege of sitting down with Chief Vinson to discuss his retirement. Chief had many stories to tell me and one thing was evident, he was very proud of his department!

When I ask Chief what were the biggest changes in the Fire Service during his career he stated that technology, safety, and training have changed the most.

Turnout gear, trucks, and computer technology specifically were the biggest changes.

In the past several years he has replaced the entire fleet of trucks with newer apparatus. He also spoke of the implementation of computers in all front line apparatus, equipped with mapping and hydrant information.

I also spoke with him about memorable fires in his career. He told me that he had seen thousands of fires but a few stuck out. The Christmas day Exide Fire, the 6th Street fire, and the most recent Thanksgiving Day fire at the former Clortrim casket plant. He also spoke of the Train station fire on the Virginia side of town. He showed me a picture of this fire with the famous Bristol Va/Tn sign on State Street in the foreground and the fire in the background. This was an impressive picture.

He also told me that when Ladder 3 was placed in service, its first fire was actually on the Virginia side of town at the Japanese Stake house on Commonwealth Ave.

A few other things about Chief Vinson that I found out are that he donated Engine 9 to the Fire Academy and now it is known as Vinson 1.

The most interesting fact that he told me was that according to the Tennessee records that he has been Fire Chief longer than any career Fire Chief in the State. He could remember a couple of volunteer Fire Chief’s that had 30 years service as Chief.



On a personal note, Chief Vinson was my first Career Chief that I worked for. Chief never had a bad thing to say and he was always friendly. I don’t think there is anyone out there who is more proud of his employees and I can’t think of anyone who works for him that is not proud of him.

Chief Vinson did tell me that he is still going to visit the different fire stations throughout the city to stay in touch. He also is still going to serve on the board for the Fire museum. He also hopes that they can get the 1949 Mack refurbished so it can be placed in the fire museum.

If you get the opportunity to go and talk to Chief Vinson before he retires, Do. It is not that often you get a first hand history lesson! Thanks again Chief and all the best in your retirement.

Please use the comment area to leave your message for Chief Vinson. I will print them out and give them to him in the next couple of weeks.