Captain Jeff Ross retires after 33 years

A retirement celebration was held for Captain Jeffrey Ross of the Vicksburg Fire Department on Thursday.

Associate Fire Chief Trey Martin, Captain Jeff Ross, Fire Chief Derrick Stamps Sr. and Assistant Fire Chief Jessica Cade: Photo by Keith Phillips

Ross, who spent 33 years with the VFD, will officially retire on Sunday after serving the Vicksburg community for over three decades. He was hired in 1990 and experienced the ins and outs of what it truly means to be a firefighter.

Jeff Ross

“It’s living a life a of sacrifice for the greater good of everybody else but it’s all about the friendships you build with a team of guys that’s willing to do the same things you are,” Ross said.

Andrew Ross, Jeff Ross and Kenneth Ross: Photo by Keith Phillips

Ross was surrounded by his family, friends, and work colleagues at the celebration, all of whom shared stories about his dancing days, technology skills, and his role as a great father and husband. In addition to giving his all to his job, Ross was widely recognized at the fire department as the go-to guy for any movie or music anyone needed. Fire Chief Derrick Stamps Sr. joked that Ross put Napster out of business.

Jeff Ross and Jamel Ross: Photo by Keith Phillips

Ross was also challenged to a breakdancing competition at the ceremony, but he graciously declined the offer.

Ross recalled that one of his toughest calls in his 33 years came in the early 1990s when he had to perform CPR on a school acquaintance who had been shot and eventually succumbed to his injuries.

After many emotional and joyful words were shared by the attendees, Ross enjoyed catching up and savoring the company of those closest to him.

Captain Jeff Ross and Daryl Carson: Photo by Keith Phillips

Below is the footage from the event: