Zoneton fire sergeant dies of cancer after 37-year career as a firefighter in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Zoneton Fire Protection District is mourning the loss of a sergeant who died Friday after a long fight with cancer.

Sgt. John Vickers was a seven-year veteran of the department after retiring from a 30-year career with the Okolona Fire District. He also served on the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department's motorcade as its longest-serving volunteer reserve deputy.

"He was a key figure in all the department's efforts to keep our communities safe," Moulton said in a news release Friday. "He was known for his courage, dedication, and commitment to his fellow firefighters and the people he served."

American flags outside the department flew at half-staff Friday to honor Vickers, whose death is a "tremendous loss" for the department and the community as a whole, Moulton said Friday.

"I don't think John really had an enemy," Moulton said. "He was always your friend. He would always be there to help you if you have questions."

Vickers' fire gear, motorcycle and picture were displayed inside the station.

"We are all hurting because we are a big family," Rich Carlson Sr., a photographer for the department, said Friday. "We know each other, and when one of us cut, we all bleed."

Carlson, who first met Vickers way back when the two were in high school, said he had a servant's heart.

"I've been blessed with knowing him a good long time," he said.

Vickers' death is just the latest in what's been a difficult few years for the Zoneton Fire Department. In 2020, Chief Rob Orkies died after a battle with both cancer and COVID-19. Just two months later, Maj. Garry Key died of COVID-19.

"This is an incredibly challenging time for our entire Fire Department," Moulton said in a news release Friday. "We are a family, and we will come together to support each other through this loss. We all understand the risks that come with our chosen path, but that knowledge doesn't make the reality any less heartbreaking or the pain any less difficult to bear.

"I wish I had the words to ease the pain we all are feeling, but I don't. I would remind us all that Sergeant Vickers would want us to pull our boots up and continue doing the job he loved and cared about."

Visitations will be held both Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. at Schoppenhorst Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home-Shepherdsville on North Preston Highway. The funeral will then be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Okolona Christian Church.

"Come out and support the family, show that you're here; and let's line the roadways and and let's do what we need to do," Moulton said.

"He and his family need to know that we support them," Carlson added. "We loved him and this also shows other fire fighters we are there for you."