News
NVFC Mourns Passing of Two State Directors
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is deeply saddened by the loss of two Board members: Michigan Director Paul Wilcox and Missouri Director Dr. James Coleberd.
“Paul Wilcox and James Coleberd were extremely respected members of the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Board of Directors and will be deeply missed,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of these accomplished fire service leaders. Their contributions to their communities, states, and the nation will not be forgotten.”
Paul Wilcox joined the NVFC as Michigan Alternate Director in the fall of 1994 and became Director in the spring of 1996. He served on the Executive Committee for the past eight years, and was also on the Membership/Awards, Radio/Wireless, Standards, and 21st Century Fund committees. In addition, Chief Wilcox was an NVFC representative on the NFPA Committee for Fire and Emergency Service Organization and Deployment – Volunteer.
Chief Wilcox’s commitment to the emergency services began in 1966 when he joined the Almont (MI) Fire Department. He served as chief of the department for the last 23 years, and before that held the positions of Department Secretary/Treasurer and Assistant Chief. The Almont Fire Department serves a population of about 7,000 and has 30 paid-on-call members.
Chief Wilcox has received many awards for his dedication and commitment to the fire service. The Lapeer County Fire Association has named him Fireman of the Year twice and Officer of the Year several times. The Association has also given him a number of Outstanding Service Awards. In addition, he received a lifetime membership in the Michigan Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, and served as President of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association from 1994 to 1995.
The fire service was an integral part of Chief Wilcox’s life, and he was especially passionate about fire safety and related issues such as arson detection and prevention. In addition to the fire service, Chief Wilcox was a Licensed Builder and served as a Building Inspector. He leaves behind his wife Joanne, three daughters, four stepsons, a stepdaughter, and 27 grandchildren.
Dr. James Coleberd became the Missouri Director of the NVFC after the passing of previous Missouri Director Phil Sayer in December 2007. Before that, Dr. Coleberd served as the Missouri Alternate Director. He was a member of the organization’s EMS and Finance Committees.
Dr. Coleberd first entered the fire service in 1954 as a member of the Liberty (MO) Fire Department. He became Chief of the Clinton (MO) Fire Department in 1963 and served for two years before deciding to enter medical school. Despite the career change, Dr. Coleberd remained committed to the fire service and continued to serve as a volunteer firefighter for the Gashland Volunteer Fire Department during medical school. He then returned to Clinton, where he served as the department’s physician for 35 years in addition to his practice. After retiring, Dr. Coleberd moved to Hannibal, MO. As owner of the Mark Twain Cave and Campground, he was a vital promoter of tourism for the city, but he continued to remain active in the fire service.
Dr. Coleberd held many distinguished positions in his community and within the fire service. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri, Hannibal Regional Hospital, Mark Twain Home and Museum, and the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was also a member of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, the Missouri Firefighters Funeral Assistance Team, and the Rotary Club of Hannibal. Dr. Coleberd leaves behind his wife, two daughters, two stepsons, and five grandchildren.
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Kimberly Ettinger
Director of Communications
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David Finger
Director of Government Relations
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