Native son

It's official, D. E. "Eddie" Ferguson, Jr, pictured with daughters Rachel, Shannon, and Campbell,.is Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief.  He took the oath of office on August 26.

D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. took the oath of office from Goochland Court Clerk, the Hon. Dale W. Agnew, on Monday, August 26 to make his appointment as Chief of Goochland Fire-Rescue official. The crowd of well-wishers—many in gold braid bedecked uniform— filled the board meeting room and overflowed into the hall. Young and old who served with Ferguson in both career and volunteer fire-rescue capacities since he began his life’s work 37 years ago, paused to celebrate the elevation of a worthy native son to lead the county Fire-Rescue Department.

Among those in attendance were: Past volunteer chiefs Tommy Carter and Wayne Allen; John Boatwright, Assistant Fire Chief in Chesterfield, and volunteer District Chief at Crozier Company 2; Chris Brooks, a career Battalion Chief in Albemarle, and volunteer District Chief at Hadensville, Company 6, and many fire-rescue folks. They were joined by elected and appointed officials; county staff, deputies, dispatchers; and members of the School Division.

Unlike people who never quite figure out what they want to be when they grow up, Ferguson knew early on that he wanted to use ambulances and fire trucks to save lives and protect property. He joined Centerville Volunteer Fire-Rescue Company 3 at 16—a rite of passage for many Goochland youngsters in days gone by—and never looked back.

Following a stellar career serving Chesterfield County Fire&EMS for many years as a firefighter, paramedic, and flight medic with Med Flight, he became Goochland’s first career EMS chief in in 2004. Eddie holds pretty much every certification available in the fire-rescue arena, including that of instructor for a wide range of technical subjects. He is well-respected throughout the Commonwealth for his achievements.

Goochland County Administrator John Budesky said that since the Fire-Rescue Chief job became vacant upon the retirement of William MacKay last January he has been bombarded with support for Ferguson by mail, electronically, and in person.

Ferguson said this is a dream come true, that he has wanted to be chief for a long time. “A lot of you in this room helped me get where I am, and I truly appreciate it. It’s an honor, a privilege, and a serious job,” Ferguson said. “We’ve got a big job and a long road ahead of us, but we are blessed to have the support of our elected officials. It’s amazing the support fire-rescue has these days and the right tools, equipment, and supplies to do our job safely. I’m 100 percent committed to you and will repay the favors that got me here. Our chosen vocation is not without risk, but we can make our job safer with training, teamwork, and the right equipment. I am overwhelmed with joy and excitement. The county is growing. We’ve got a lot of new residential development underway and business growth in the east end, keeping up with that is a tall order.”

He thanked the fire-rescue providers, dispatchers deputies for being there. “We want to be one public safety team and continue down the road so well mapped for us by those who came before us. I will do my best to keep you on course.” A standing ovation followed his remarks. As Ferguson spoke, emergency tones emanated from the radios of on-duty personnel, a reminder that fire-rescue is a 24/7/365 operation.

At this delicate junction in Goochland history, the importance of institutional knowledge of the entire county Ferguson bring to this leadership role cannot be over stated. God speed Chief Ferguson.

Go to http://www.goochlandva.us/306/Fire-Rescue-Stations to learn more about our six fire-rescue companies.