PROCTORSVILLE, Vt. – On Tuesday, June 30, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., the public is invited to come by the Proctorsville Firehouse, 513 Main Street, to honor retiring Fire Chief Robert W. Glidden for his 56 years of service with the Proctorsville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD), 33 years as chief. At 6:30 p.m., Chief Glidden will take part in the time-honored tradition of the “drive home,” and will enjoy his ride home on Engine 2.
Chief Glidden will be leaving his position in the experienced and capable hands of his son, current Deputy Chief Robert C. Glidden, a 31-year member of the PVFD. Glidden Jr. rose up through the ranks at PVFD, worked in every position, and will be the third consecutive Glidden to serve as Proctorsville’s fire chief, following his father and grandfather.
Glidden Jr. said he anticipates a large turnout for his dad’s “ride of honor.”
“It’s like [the community] saying, ‘Job well done, thank you,’” relayed Glidden Jr. “My dad has been in this town and the fire service for so long, so many people plan to make signs and show their support.” The procession will start at the firehouse and head west along Main Street to Glidden Sr.’s house.
“We might just stick to that route,” explained Glidden Jr., saying that many of the companies from other towns that share mutual aid with PVFD will be “bringing the whole house,” meaning all available vehicles and personnel will be on hand. Department personnel from Ludlow, Chester, Plymouth, Weathersfield, Mount Holly, Weston, and Rockingham are expected. PVFD is part of the Upper Valley Mutual Aid association and works closely with the crews from surrounding areas.
The Glidden family’s contributions to fire service go back generations, spanning nearly 100 years. Glidden Jr. started with the PVFD Junior Firefighters when he was 12 years old, as did his brother Mike, just as their father had when he was 12.
Glidden Jr.’s son Miles, a recent high school graduate, also began as a PVFD Junior Firefighter at the age of 12, becoming the fifth-generation Glidden to serve in the department. Miles plans to stick around for now, working in construction and continuing to volunteer with the PVFD.
Glidden Sr.’s wife, Karlene Carlisle Glidden, is the only female life member of PVFD and continues to volunteer with the department as an EMT, driver, and pumper. She is “one of the best operators” in the PVFD, according to the chief.
“Mom got into it after she met Dad,” said Glidden Jr. “They met and got married, had me and my brother, and when we were all members of the department, figured, ‘If I can’t beat them, I’m going to join them.’”
Glidden Jr. has been the deputy chief for nearly 10 years, and admits that the unofficial plan was always for him to take over as chief when his father was ready to retire.
Speaking about the commitment so much of his family has given to fire service, Glidden Jr. said simply, “It’s in your blood. It’s who you are. Other [families] can relate who serve in the military. It’s one of those things. No one has pushed; we are all just called to serve.” His brother Mike, who left the area, is a 20-year fire service member.
Even in his retirement, Glidden Sr. is not going too far. He will remain active with the department, helping out as needed. Additionally, he has about two and a half years left to serve as chair of the Cavendish Selectboard.
Glidden Sr. is proud of the legacy he leaves behind and is confident Glidden Jr. will be an excellent chief. “Bob’s ready, he’s had a lot of training. We have one of the best departments around. They’ve got this.”
“After 33 years, it was time to let the younger people take over,” Glidden Sr. remarked.