• Photos from Marshall Sanford’s funeral – 20 Apr 2012
Slideshows from the funeral
All photos are by Ric Kallaher (ric-kallaher.com). All photos are copyright © 2012 Ric Kallaher. For permission to use the photos, click here
• The Conn. General Assembly’s tribute to Marshall (youTube)
• Redding79.org video tribute to Marshall
G. Marshall Sanford
George Marshall Sanford, born September 1, 1944 to Violet Rae and Earle Sanford of Redding, CT, came into a family already devoted to public service. Mrs. Sanford drove a fire truck during the war time as her husband worked with the local troops. Early on, Marshall learned about and gained a love for the fire service, joining Redding Ridge Company #1 at the age of 18. One of the early students of first aid, in October 1970 he traveled to New York City to learn to be an EMT (a three day course). He was the chief of Redding Ridge Company #1 from 1982 to 1992.
He continued serving in various capacities until his most recent position as 1st Lieutenant on Engine #1, a truck he helped design. Marshall was an educator, firefighter, EMT-I, life member, past Chief, active First Lieutenant, fire historian, and fire service ambassador who visited fire departments throughout the United States and around the world during his many vacation travels. His shared stories and extensive photograph collection allow members and friends to see and learn what was happening in the fire service in other venues.
Marshall’s passing leaves an emptiness in Redding Ridge Company # 1, now known as Redding Fire and EMS Company #1; a name change recognizing the incorporation of EMS into the fire service, a philosophy instilled and supported by Marshall.
Marshall also loved the Town of Redding. He was a long time member of the Redding Men’s Club and the Redding Zoning Commission. He also assumed the responsibility from his father Earle to organize Redding’s annual memorial day parade.
He is survived by his brother Hank Sanford, Sister-in-law, niece and uncle. At age 67, George Marshall Sanford had served the Town of Redding fire service for over 50 years.
On behalf of Redding Fire & EMS
Thank you Marshall
A wake for Past Chief Sanford will be held at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel CT, on Thursday, April 19, 2012, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Line-up for a walking procession will start at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 20, at the Redding Ridge Firehouse, 186 Black Rock Turnpike, in Redding. The motorized procession will pass by at around 10:30 AM, after which, those walking to the graveside service will fall-in behind. The procession will continue to the Redding Ridge Cemetery, just south of the firehouse, for a graveside service commencing at 11:00 AM.
Only Redding, West Redding, Gerorgetown, and Bethel fire apparatus will be part of this event.
Parking for those attending the service will be available at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and at the Church’s meadow, across from the cemetery. Overflow parking will be available at Joel Barlow High School, 100 Black Rock Turnpike, in Redding, with a shuttle bus available.
A reception will follow at the Redding Ridge firehouse.
Chief Ron Van Oostendorp of the Redding Fire & EMS Company No. 1 regrets to announce the line of duty death of longtime fire company First Lieutenant George Marshall Sanford, age 67. First Lieutenant Sanford has been a member of the Redding Fire & EMS Company No. 1 for over 50 years. He was a former Chief of the department, a life member, and was currently serving as the First Lieutenant of Engine No. 1.
First Lieutenant Sanford succumbed to unknown medical causes on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at approximately 1831 hours while responding to a fire call in town.
Our condolences and prayers go out to First Lieutenant Sanford’s family in their hour of sorrow. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be forwarded.
Serving Redding Ridge & Redding Center, CT
