Veteran Farmington firefighter recognized
By Donna M. Perry
Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – Clyde Ross worked his way up from an on-call volunteer firefighter in 1971 to deputy fire chief. In all, the retired history teacher has spent the last 32 years serving residents in Farmington and beyond.

Before his days of being accepted on the Fire Department, Ross had chased fire trucks along side his brother, just like his father and uncle had done before them.

On Tuesday, Ross was recognized for his experience and education by the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association with member Farmington Fire Rescue Chief Terry Bell presenting a framed certificate for meeting the requirements of Chief Fire Officer Level 1 Certification Program.

The award was given during a Farmington selectmen’s meeting.

The requirements for the certification program included criteria in the area of references, experience, education, professional development, contributions to the profession and community involvement.

“Deputy Chief Ross has shown a dedication to his profession and has certainly set an example for the firefighters and officers of your community as well as the other chief officers of the state of Maine,” wrote Raymond Parent, a Chiefs’ Association member and chairman of the program committee.

Ross said after the presentation that he has a continuing passion, a love and dedication in being a firefighter to protect people.

Ross has taught fire prevention programs to youngsters in schools over the decades. He is the juvenile fire setting program officer and has worked one-on-one with children to prevent fires.

Ross has also served as the public relations officer for the department and has helped train many new firefighters.

“Clyde helps in anyway he can,” Bell said prior to the presentation. “Where ever you need him he helps you out.”

While Farmington police were tied up with a case Monday, Ross was seen at a vehicle accident on Farmington Falls Road in his boots, fire coat and shorts getting names of people injured and witnesses. It’s something he does for the department to help out.

The Farmington Rotary Club honored Ross last month with the Senior Vocation Award.

He was cited as being a person who has shared his wisdom and leadership and for making a long-term commitment to the community.

dperry@sunjournal.com