SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — A beloved firefighter in Shepherdsville, Kentucky passed away Friday after a total of 37 years of service.
Zoneton Fire District announced Sergeant John Vickers died after his battle with cancer.
Sergeant Vickers served the Zoneton Fire District for seven years after he retired from Okolona Fire District, where we served 30 years.
"Sergeant Vickers's passing is a tremendous loss to the Zoneton Fire District and the community as a whole," Zoneton Fire Chief Kevin Moulton said. "His contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come."
Chief Moulton recognized that while the firefighting profession comes with many risks, it's important for the community to support each other during this time.
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"This is an incredibly challenging time for our entire Fire Department," Moulton said. "We are a family, and we will come together to support each other through this loss. We all understand the risks that come with our chosen path, but that knowledge doesn't make the reality any less heartbreaking or the pain any less difficult to bear."
Chief Moulton went on to say that despite the terrible news, Sergeant Vickers would want the firefighting community to "pull our boots up and continue doing the job he loved and cared about."
Zoneton Fire District will fly their flags at half-mast until sundown following the funeral. Sergeant Vickers' Jefferson County Sheriff motorcycle will also be on display at the station.
Funeral details and more information will be released at a later date, according to Zoneton Fire.
"During this time of profound loss, our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Vickers' family, friends, and colleagues," Chief Moulton said. "We kindly request that everyone respects the family's need for privacy as they navigate through their grief."
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