DANVILLE — John Hammond will reach quite a milestone next weekend. On Oct. 4, he will have served as a volunteer fireman protecting the citizens in Danville and Brinkhaven, and Brown, Union, Howard, Harrison, Jefferson and Butler townships for 40 years, longer than any currently serving firefighter in the county.
The Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District considers Hammond’s experience an important part of their team. Chief Larry Stimpert said the younger firefighters learn from spending time with Hammond.
“He’s done a lot for this department,” said Stimpert. “John is a devoted individual to serving his community.”
Hammond joined the department in 1968, after leaving the Army. He and his brother, Mike, joined the department when their father, Dale Hammond, was chief. Serving with the fire department has always been a family affair for John and the other Hammonds.
“Mike and I grew up in it,” John said of the fire department. “Dad was fire chief when we were in school.” John and Mike worked for the fire department as well as for the family grocery store in Danville, Dale’s Market. John’s mother, Wava, and wife, Sue, also volunteered with the department over the years. His younger brother, Scott, also volunteered.
In 1971, the Danville Fire Department (now the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District) began EMS runs in their fire district, after the county funeral directors discontinued the service.
“We just started out with an old Cadillac squad,” John remembered. “We started out with a wooden backboard, splints, a black doctor’s bag and oxygen.”
“Now we have all these monitors and equipment, and a lot better patient care,” John said.
When Dale Hammond retired as chief in 1978, his sons took over the duties. John became EMS chief, and Mike took over as fire chief.
John served as EMS chief for 29 years, until last year when current EMS Coordinator Marcia Durbin took over.
While Mike and Scott have both retired from the fire department, John remains on staff.
He said he still makes runs “every now and then.” Hammond said EMS runs or working on the crew of a fire truck are still things he likes to do, but actual fire fighting he leaves to his nephew, current fire chief Larry Stimpert and the over 50 volunteers and paid staff that man the department’s two stations.
“I’m getting older, and it’s a young man’s game,” Hammond said. “I don’t go running into burning houses anymore.”
Forty years of department memories have left John with many stories, some happy, some sad. All he tells humbly.
“Marcia [Durbin], Brian Durbin and I delivered a baby seven years ago,” John recalled happily. “That was the eighth delivery in the squad, including a set of twins.”
Fire Capt./Paramedic Brian Durbin said that for many years, he and Hammond, and Marcia Durbin, covered many EMS runs. “It seemed like we were always together on runs,” Brian said.
Brian said John is the caliber of EMT whose experience shows in a crisis situation.
“He’s the type if you were needing something in a trauma or a cardiac arrest, you would turn around and John would have it ready before you asked for it.”
Many who have lived in the Danville area for a long time remember a dramatic rescue that John performed in 1981. John recalls the moments with vivid detail.
“It was Feb. 1st,” he said. “It was a snow-covered road.” A young mother with three young children, all girls, lost control. “She slid off the road, into the creek.”
John said when he arrived he could see the woman standing in the icy creek, on top of her submerged car. John went into the water to rescue the small children.
Two of the children were rescued, the third did not survive. Hailed at the time for his heroism, John said the incident is one he will never forget, but does not speak of often.
While John may not talk about all he has done for others in his four decades of service, his fellow firefighters and medics speak of his devotion to the community, and his love for the fire department.
“He never wants a big deal made,” Brian Durbin said. “He’s not doing it for the recognition. He’s very humble.”
“He is in the fire service and does what he does because he loves the job,” said Stimpert.
“John is a wonderful community man,” said Marcia Durbin. “He has always been there for the department, all hours of the night and holidays. He’s missed a lot of meals and events for his family but is always able to help his family and neighbors in need.”
The fire department is planning an open house to celebrate John’s 40 years of service. It is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Danville Firehouse on South Market Street from 1 to 4 p.m. The community is welcome.
