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Elk Creek Fire Department Remembers Fallen Firefighter Ralph Vance

Published Date: 12.12.2011

On the 10th anniversary of the passing of Ralph Vance, Elk Creek Fire Department’s Public Relations Liaison Michael Davis pays tribute to the memory of this dedicated volunteer firefighter.

By Michael Davis, Elk Creek Fire Department

A. J. Vance was a violin maker. He had a small shop on the ground floor of the Hotel Carlton in Denver, CO. Mr. Vance lived in the Carlton with his wife Marie and their young son Ralph.

In the late 1930s a fire broke out in the building. The Vance family huddled in terror as flames began to devour the Carlton. As clouds of black smoke boiled out from three-story structure, the Denver Fire Department arrived in Hook and Ladder Truck No. 17. Ralph watched as the brave firefighters in their three-quarter boots and long black trench coats battled the blaze. In the end, the family escaped unharmed, but the incident left a lasting impression on the young Mr. Vance.

The family remained in Denver. As a young man, Ralph studied at the University of Colorado, and graduated with a business degree in 1956.

After college Ralph joined the U.S. Air Force. He became a pilot and earned the rank of Captain. He had a distinguished career flying military transport aircraft over war torn Vietnam. In 1964, after eight years of service, Captain Vance retired from the Air Force and joined United Airlines as an International Captain, a position he would hold for 29 years.

Ralph never forgot the firefighters who risked their lives to save his family. In 1969 he fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the Elk Creek Fire Department in Conifer, CO. Mr. Vance excelled as a volunteer firefighter. His composure in stressful situations and attention to detail, inherent traits of a combat pilot, helped him to become a key member of the department, even serving as Chief for a time.

Firefighter Vance circa 1970

In the early 1970s the Denver Fire held a salvage auction. An item of particular interest to Ralph Vance was an old pumper truck, a 1929 American LaFrance. It was Hook and Ladder Truck No. 17, the same truck that had been dispatched to the Hotel Carlton fire some thirty years prior.  Ralph purchased the truck and lovingly restored it. For many years the Vance family would drive the old hook and ladder truck in parades and events throughout Colorado.

Firefighter Vance retired from the Elk Creek FD in 1989, but remained on staff as an active retiree. He continued responding to calls, and served as an instructor and mentor to rookie firefighters.

On December 14, 2001, the Elk Creek FD was called to a possible chimney fire. Firefighter Vance rushed to his station, where he boarded Tanker 464.  Ralph started up US Highway 285. The road was under construction and traffic was backed up. As Ralph approached a curve, the tanker left the road, rolled onto the driver’s side, and slid down a 100-foot embankment. 

Memorial to Firefighter Vance at Elk Creek Station 1.

Witnesses called for help. Within minutes firefighters and paramedics from Elk Creek FD where on scene. They worked franticly to free Firefighter Vance from the wreckage. A trench was hurriedly dug under the vehicle and Ralph was carefully pulled out through the driver’s window and onto a waiting stretcher. He was placed aboard a waiting Life Flight helicopter and airlifted to St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. Ralph Vance served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 32-years, and his county as a wartime pilot for eight. He was a son, a husband, and a father. A friend and mentor to many, he was active in numerous community organizations. In the end, Mr. Ralph Vance died as he had lived, in the service of others.

Rest in peace Firefighter Vance, your service will not be forgotten.

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