VIDEO: Members of the Hindman Volunteer Fire Department are reflecting on the life of their longest-serving member.
James Slone, who many knew as “Jim”, served for 46 of the department’s 55-year history.
“If you looked up a firefighter in the dictionary, Jim’s picture was there,” said Jeff Blair, who worked alongside Jim at the department. “He went at it with all his heart, his entire life.” After becoming a certified firefighter in 1978, Blair said Jim was active ever since.
Blair added that Slone was the department’s longest-serving secretary treasurer.
“His impact on this fire department, it’s beyond words,” Blair said. “He made sure that the bills were paid. He made sure that everyone was equipped with the firefighting equipment that they needed at all times.”
Blair said Slone also helped the department buy its first fire truck.