John T. Vickers Jr. proudly dedicated 37 years of his life to the fire service. During a three-decade long career with Okolona Fire Protection District, he worked his way up to assistant fire chief. After his retirement, he volunteered for an additional seven years with Zoneton Fire Protection District. John felt most at ease while working on truck committees, as a safety officer at many working fires, and mentoring new firefighters, especially two of his own children who joined the fire service after him.

His fire chief said,” He was a key figure in all the department’s efforts to keep our communities safe. He was known for his courage, dedication, and commitment to his fellow firefighters and the people he served. He would always be there to help you if you have questions.”

In August 2005, John traveled to New Orleans to assist in the water rescues after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Emergency responders found themselves in peril as looting and crime even raged against them. John demonstrated quick thinking and the ability to work well under the extreme conditions created by the natural disaster. He was often required to make split-second decisions that could have a significant impact on the safety of their teams.

In January of 2009, our community suffered after a devastating ice storm that left Louisville without power for weeks. John stayed at the firehouse for days, assisting with the evacuation of the elderly and responding to countless calls, including stranded motorists and hundreds of downed power lines. While the work of a firefighter can be challenging, John felt the most rewarded by providing an opportunity to serve the community and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

John’s commitment extended beyond his 37 years in the fire service. He spent 25 years with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where he was a proud member of their Uniformed Motorcycle Unit as its longest-serving volunteer reserve deputy. His love for law enforcement combined with his passion for riding created a unique blend of skills that was perfect for him. He was also a member of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

A devoted family man, John is survived by his wife of 35 years. His three kids were his biggest joy. John and Kayla advanced through the fire department’s Explorer’s Post and then joined the fire department. He passed down his love of trains to his youngest son, Jake. They devoted countless hours to train chasing.

John’s passing leaves a profound void in many hearts, and his presence will be deeply missed.