Politics & Government
Longtime Fredericksburg Firefighter Retires
James Waters III has served as a firefighter for the city since Jan. 6, 1986, and was a mentor to numerous rookies during his career.
One of the original members of the Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team from the Fredericksburg Fire Department has retired after 26 years of service.
James Waters III was hired on Jan. 6, 1986. Not only was he one of the original members of the regional hazardous materials team, he also was instrumental in planning the Mass Casualty Incident Trailer.
"Jimmy took it on as a project so we would have another mass casaulty trailer or truck and this was accomplished through a grant that Jimmy helped us work on and he designed and purchased the equipment and also set it up and equipped it with other help of the department," said Fire Chief Edwin Allen.
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Waters was also recognized for being a strong mentor to rookie firefighters. "He will truly be missed by the department," Allen said.
Waters, whose wife, Rose, was by his side, received the customary firefighter's helmet to those who retire.
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"I want to thank everyone throughout my career," said Waters. "There are a lot of people in this audience that without these people I wouldn't have had a career."
Waters is the second member of the Fredericksburg Fire Department to retire. .
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