During July, over a span of just 18 days, EFD will lose 76 years of valuable experience due to the retirements of Captain James “Jim†D. Blanford, Jr. and Battalion Chief James “Jim†A. Fuchs, Jr.
Blanford retired July 3th after 33 years on the department, serving as Captain since 1984. He has been at Station#17 on the northside since 1998, although he served at Station #15 on the southeast side 14 years previously. Blanford said “The Fire Department’s all I’ve known my whole life†referring to the fact that his dad, James Blanford, Sr. joined EFD when Jim was just 2 years old. Jim Sr. retired in 1993. Jim is looking forward to his retirement by camping, going to “more†NASCAR races and spending time with family.
Fuchs will retire July 21st after nearly 43 years “on the jobâ€. Fuchs has been a “Chief†since 1980 when promoted to Fire Prevention Coordinator (School Safety Liaison Officer) as a District Chief. Fuchs was promoted to Battalion Chief in 1986 and became the Chief Inspector (Fire Marshal) for the City. Fuchs has served in a number of capacities including the Chiefs of Training, Administration and Health & Safety and was the Assistant Chief under Mayor Weinzapfel. Jim is also looking forward to retirement citing his 4 grandkids as one of the main reasons, which will help “occupy his timeâ€.
EFD wants to wish both men a long and happy retirement.
