Member Spotlights
During Spring of 2022, we started sharing our “Member Spotlight” posts to our Facebook page. On a weekly basis we would post a photo and each members answers to the same template. The feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive and we noticed several other departments and agencies following our trend… That’s right all of you, we noticed! Below you’ll find each Spotlight we shared along with the date that it was posted to our Facebook page. Some updates may have been made, if necessary.
Travis Franklin (Posted 04/04/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Fire Captain.
Certs:
Firefighter 1, Wildland, Hazmat ops., Class A CDL, Forestry/Timber felling, CPR, first aid, VT First Responder, Electric car emergency response, traffic control, Train emergency response, Incident Command (ICS 100-400)
Member since (year joined):
2008
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
My whole life.
What made you join VFD?:
I want to help and serve my community.
Work (where and what you do):
Miller Farm, Mechanic/Fabricator/ Equipment operator/ Farming.
Hobbies:
Video games, riding ATV’s, drawing, hunting and fishing.
Random fun fact about you:
I like to cook - especially BBQ on my smoker.
Alex Dunklee (Posted 04/11/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Chief
Member since (year joined):
2020, Previously with VVFD as an Explorer, Firefighter, Lieutenant, & Captain 2000-2009
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
All my life
What made you join VFD?:
To assist our community, and to help others in times of need.
Work (where and what you do):
Renaud Brothers Construction- Welding and Fabrication Supervisor.
Hobbies:
Spending time with family, Hunting, Fishing, Woodworking, Biking, Camping….. Anything outside
Random fun fact about you:
I went to Alaska as a teenager and helped round up reindeer, to be shipped to Texas.
Tasha Meadows (Posted 04/18/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMS Captain / EMT
Member since (year joined):
2017
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
21 years
What made you join VFD?:
The passion for being an EMT. Emergencies have no time frame and no discrimination. There is a lack of volunteers and without us, when you dial those 3 numbers when you need someone most, your help is delayed. Every second counts. We make a difference.
Work (where and what you do):
I currently work in Cardiology as a Medical Assistant and Medical Scribe
Hobbies:
Photography, crafting, playing with my dog and my goats.
Random fun fact about you:
I love Broadway shows!!
Bryan Hemingway (Posted 04/22/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMT
Member since (year joined):
2011
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
11 years
What made you join VFD?:
To meet new people and help my community.
Work (where and what you do):
Brandon, VT Rescue Squad 2002-2004
Rescue Inc for a period in 2020.
Hobbies:
Reading, listening to music, video games
Random fun fact about you:
I first took an EMS class when I was 17 and would ride my bike to class.
Jason Veaudry (Posted 05/02/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMS Lieutenant, EMT, CPR Instructor
Member since (year joined):
April 3, 2021
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
13 years
What made you join VFD?:
Joined because I was appointed to the Advisory Committee and realized how much I missed emergency services (FF/EMT 17 years in Massachusetts prior to moving to VT)
Work (where and what you do):
Vernon Green as an RN.
Hobbies:
Camping and hiking in northern New Hampshire, photography, model railroading.
Random fun fact about you:
Some of my photos have been used in advertising (billboards, promotional flyers), one has been used on bank checks (River Valley Credit Union), and one for the cover of a CD.
Tim Alexander (Posted 05/09/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Fire Lieutenant. Certifications - Firefighter I & II, Hazmat Operations, Wildland Fire Control, CPR/AED, First Aid, VT Emergency First Responder, ICS 100 & 200, Traffic Incident Management.
Member since (year joined):
July 2020
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
We bought our house in August 2017. However, I spent a lot of my childhood summers visiting my grandparents former home on Pond Rd and hunting with my dad throughout Vernon.
What made you join VFD?:
I wanted to be an active member of the community. One day I noticed the “Volunteers Wanted” sign and talked to a buddy that was an the department at the time. Next thing I knew I had a hand delivered application at my door which lead to an interview and I was suddenly on the department!
Work (where and what you do):
I’m the co-owner and operator of @Home Security Service along with my father. We sell, install and service security, life safety and camera systems.
Hobbies:
Spending time with the family, bike riding, hiking, playing catch with my sons.
Random fun fact about you:
I was born on 2/22 on the 2nd floor in room #222 at the hospital, 2 days before my dad’s birthday. My mom went into labor at 2am that morning. I was their 2nd child and the 2nd grandson on my dads side. I was recorded as the 22nd baby born that year at the hospital and then forever known as, “Timmy 2”.
Fast forward many years, my son Drew was then born on 2/2 at 2:44pm (22 minutes after 2:22!)
John “JJ” Wheelden, Jr. (Posted 05/16/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Firefighter 1 & 2, EMT, Emergency Vehicle Operation, Wildland, Hazmat Operations, Vehicle Extrication, CPR and BLS Instructor.
Member since (year joined):
Been on the department for 30 years.
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
25 years.
What made you join VFD?:
Joined because at the time there was no on-call position at the Brattleboro Fire Dept.
Work (where and what you do):
Patient Financial Services at BMH, EMT at Rescue Inc. and owner of Big Guy Property Maintenance.
Hobbies:
Camping, ATV trail riding and going to Florida
Random fun fact about you:
--
Caitlin Foley (Posted 05/23/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Firefighter
VT Emergency First Responder
CPR/AED
Member since (year joined):
2017
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
6 years
What made you join VFD?:
My dad was a firefighter, and my boyfriend is on this department. I spent a lot of time here and was encouraged to officially join. I enjoy serving the town.
Work (where and what you do):
Vernon Homes- RA at the assisted living facility
Miller Farm- working with the cows
Hobbies:
Painting/Artsy stuff, gardening, riding atv's, Fishing, video games, Baking, cub scouting with my daughter
Random fun fact about you:
I am a Certified Scuba Diver!
Katie Halkett (Posted 05/30/23)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
I currently am an RN BSN within the state of Massachusetts. My goals would be to complete the EMT certification and fire courses here in Vermont.
Member since (year joined):
Newly joined in 2022.
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
Recently moved to Vernon in October 2021 from MA. Of course have been around the area for the previous 6 years.
What made you join VFD?:
Definitely moving to Vernon was a major contributing factor and wanting to get to know my community and offer my knowledge and skills in a setting that is new to me.
Work (where and what you do):
Nightshift cardiac nurse at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
Hobbies:
Hiking the pups, fishing, boating, and most recently coming up with DIY home improvements projects.
Random fun fact about you:
I have two Dalmatians (Oakley and Remy).
Sabrina Krafchuk (Posted 06/06/23)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Firefighter/EMS Support
VEFR license - Vermont EMS First Responder
Member since (year joined):
2022
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
5 months
What made you join VFD?:
I have friends / family in the field and I wanted to support the community I reside in.
Work (where and what you do):
Vernon Homes - Assistant Administrator
Hobbies:
Spending time with family and friends, traveling, and using my Cricut to make T-shirts & stickers.
Random fun fact about you:
I have two loving dogs at home, Bear and Chance.
Beth Houle (Posted 06/13/23)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMT, Clinical Medical assistant and LNA
Member since (year joined):
Fall 2020
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
18 years. With my husband and 2 daughters.
What made you join VFD?:
I wanted to use my skills and knowledge to help my family, friends and neighbors
Work (where and what you do):
I’ve worked at Four Season OB/GYN for 15 years as a medical assistant and the prenatal intake coordinator. Throughout the years I have also been a Doula with the BMH Birthing Center and have coached many mom’s through labor.
I also work at Rescue Inc as a EMT per diem.
Hobbies:
Hiking with my dogs, gardening, crafts, and spending as much time as I can outside.
We love Hockey! It’s a family loved sport. During the winter we spend a lot of time at rinks watching our daughter and nieces play.
Random fun fact about you:
My Grandfather was on the Marlboro, VT fire dept for close to 20 years starting in the late 1950’s.
During that time my Grandparents owned the Town Store, Whitney’s.
During the daytime my grandfather was often the only Member in town and would often respond to calls alone, or if he saw another town resident out raking or mowing their lawn, he would stop and pick them up on his way to the emergency.
Back then the Fire depts didn’t have town road map books. Everyone knew each other and knew where all the town roads were. When they went to cover other towns fire station, a member from that town would have to stay behind because no one would know where places and roads were expect the people that lived in that town.
Michael Root (Posted 06/20/23)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Vermont Emergency First Responder, ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-00700.b , Traffic Incident Managemen, PADO (Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator.
Member since (year joined):
2022
How long have you lived in Vernon?
My entire 38 years of existence.
What made you join VFD?
Wanting to help my community. Helping people gives me purpose.
Work (where and what you do):
I just ended an 8-year job with the post office to pursue something that makes me happy. I am now a proud landscaper at Green Mountain Landscaping.
Hobbies:
Hunting, fishing, anything outdoors.
Random fun fact about you:
I am a 12-year United States Air Force combat veteran served two tours to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. While serving at Beale AFB I was a fire dozer and fire grader operator. I once saved the base hospital from catching on fire with the fire break I cut with my fire grader.
Chris Kempf (Posted 07/04/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Senior fire fighter, fire 1, basic first aid, wildland, hazmat operations, airpack maintenance certified.
Member since (year joined):
2003
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
Live in Brattleboro
What made you join VFD?:
Joined because I had friends down here and was active in public safety.
Work (where and what you do):
Work in bellows falls at James plumbing & heating oil Inc. as a senior heat service tech, trainer, deliver driver, IT tech.
Vermont Oil/propane licenses, New Hampshire gas fitter license, EPA refrigerant certification, pellet heating service.
Also fire fighter for Bellows Falls
Hobbies:
Rebuilding motorcycle, learning to fly, building computers, upfitting emergency vehicles, installing cable TV/ networking cables
Rescue Randy (Posted 07/11/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Department Dummy
Member since:
2021
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
All my life.
What made you join VFD?:
I got dragged into it.
Work (where and what you do):
I pretty much just sit around at the Vernon Fire Department. Occasionally I find myself in a hairy situation but the fine folks that volunteer here always help me out.
Hobbies:
Hiding in random places to scare the VFD members and making people laugh.
Random fun fact about you:
I was discovered abandoned by my previous owner then loving VFD made me feel right at home.
Mike Pratt (Posted 07/18/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMT
Member since (year joined):
2004-2024
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
25yrs.
What made you join VFD?:
The desire to help people when they need it most and contribute to my community.
Work (where and what you do):
New patient coordinator at New England Wound Care in Turners Falls, MA. Also part time as Security at the Brattleboro Retreat.
Hobbies:
Hunting, fishing, playing softball & spending time with my kids and grandkids.
Random fun fact about you:
My positions on the department have included Chief, Assistant Chief, EMS Captain, EMS Lieutenant and Safety Officer.
Joshua Griffus (Posted 07/25/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Firefighter 1, CPR/AED
Member since (year joined):
2014
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
8 years.
What made you join VFD?:
Love to help people and have a great community to work with.
Work (where and what you do):
Driving truck for Goodenough Rubbish Removal.
Hobbies:
Softball, fishing, really anything outside. Love playing sports and spending time with the family.
Random fun fact about you:
I am always on the go! I have a 14 year old and a 3 year old that keep me and my amazing wife very busy.
Tyler Pratt (Posted 08/01/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Firefighter
Member since (year joined):
2013-2024
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
22 years
What made you join VFD?:
I grew up around it and wanted to serve my community.
Work (where and what you do):
NECR (New England Central Railroad)
Hobbies:
Hunting & fishing.
Random fun fact about you:
I first joined the VFD during my teenage years as a members of the Explorers Program.
Ryan Snow (Posted 08/08/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Firefighter, CPR/AED
Member since (year joined):
Joined in 2017 with previous years as a junior/explorer at multiple departments.
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
Since I was in 3rd grade.
What made you join VFD?:
I joined because I grew up around the service and wanted to give back to my community, helping out however I can.
Work (where and what you do):
Work for HPM installing flooring.
Hobbies:
Spending time with family hunting, fishing and dirtbiking... Basically anything outside!
Random fun fact about you:
During my childhood, my dad worked on the Brattleboro Fire Department for 18 years and also volunteered here in Vernon for
Bruce Burks (Posted 08/15/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Chaplain
Member since (year joined):
Not sure the exact year but it was when Terry Parker was Chief.
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
36 years.
What made you join VFD?:
I was asked by Chief Terry Parker.
Work (where and what you do):
Sr. Pastor of Vernon Advent Christian Church.
Hobbies:
Spending time with my grandchildren.
Random fun fact about you:
-My family and I greatly enjoy going to Maine where I walk the beach with my granddaughters. It doesn’t get any better!
-I’m a Red Sox fanatic!
-I play bass with our church worship team.
-I recently traveled to Israel where I got COVID and had to stay 6 extra days.
Katie Richardson (Posted 08/22/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMT
Member since (year joined):
2021
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
30 years
What made you join VFD?:
To use my knowledge/skills to help my community when they’re in need.
Work (where and what you do):
Rescue Inc. as an EMT.
Hobbies:
Work…haha. Adventuring and seeing new places. Reading.
Random fact about you:
I also have my cosmetology license and phlebotomy certification.
Jon & Vickie Hall (Posted 08/29/22)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
EMT
Member since (year joined):
Jon: 2005
Vickie: 2006
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
25yrs.
What made you join VFD?:
To help the people in town when they have an emergency.
Work (where and what you do):
Jon: Retired iT Consultant.
Vickie: Retired RN
Hobbies:
Jon: Boy Scouts and Genealogy.
Vickie: Spending time with grandchildren & crocheting.
Random fun fact about you:
-We’ve been married for 41 years.
-We now live in Florida most of the year since 2020 but still help out when we are here.
Keith Franklin, Jr. (Posted 03/13/23)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Fire Fighter - Vt ff1&2, wild lands, hazmat operations
Member since (year joined):
On and off since 2002
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
34 years
What made you join VFD?
Serve the community with a good group of people
Work (where and what you do):
Dead River Company- Fuel delivery driver
Hobbies:
Den leader and Scout Master with my family and 2 scout units, hiking, camping, being in the outdoors
Random fun fact about you:
I earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Vernon Scout Troop and was a fire explorer
Michael Cutter (Posted 03/05/24)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Support
Member since (year joined):
2024
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
5 years (grew up in Brattleboro)
What made you join VFD?:
To assist with the fire department as a non first responder.
Work (where and what you do):
Retired Marine.
Hobbies:
Fishing, Gardening, Auto Mechanics
Random fact about you:
I love riding my Motorcycle
Dawn Cutter (Posted 02/26/24)
Position/Certifications/Rank:
Passed my EMT certification test on 2/25/24
Member since (year joined):
2023
How long have you lived in Vernon?:
5 years (born and raised in California.)
What made you join VFD?:
I have an altruistic personality. I also wanted to be more active in my community.
Work (where and what you do):
Certified Medical Assistant at BMH in General Surgery
Hobbies:
I really like reading books about witches, werewolves, and vampires. I recently started working on turning a doll house into a creepy victorian.
Random fact about you:
I like stuffed animals and still have a big Curious George that I got when I was 5yrs old.
