Submitted by Dallas Fire Rescue Chaplain
Vincent was born in Alton‚ Illinois on December 3‚ 1959 and gave his life in the line of duty on February 11‚ 2002. He was a dedicated Fire and Rescue Officer and a certified Paramedic for the Dallas Fire Rescue Department for 11 years. He attended the Alton‚ Illinois Public School system and graduated from Illinois State University in 1981 with a bachelors degree in Industrial Technology. He was an All American high-jumper. Vincent was also a member of Friendship West Baptist Church‚ the Black Firefighters Association‚ the Methodist Hospital softball team‚ and the Back Draft flag football team.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him‚ and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Rest in Heaven cousin. I always looked up to you.
– Stephanie HarrisVincent was my hero back in high school. He was a year older than me in Alton High. I went out for the track team my sophomore year. Vincent took me under tutelage that year. He was tall and lanky. He looked like he barely weighed sixty pounds but he was outstanding as a high jumper. He made remarkable leaps seem effortless. In the weight room, he lifted barbells like a professional football player. I marveled observing him for the next two years because he never found a task overwhelming. I lost track of Vincent when he began college. When I moved to Dallas, I was overjoyed when he called me out the blue. I was so glad to have a friend in such a huge city. Vincent and I talked at least twice a week by phone. He shared his love of God with me. I was so sad to hear of his death. I was not surprised when I learned of details. He was a hero in life and death. I will always thank Jesus for bringing Vincent into my life. I owe my love of Christianity to him.
– Gregory Burton