Addison Fire Remembers Assistant Chief Phillip Stearns for Service, Training and Mentorship

The Addison Volunteer Fire Department is mourning the loss of Second Assistant Chief Phillip Michael Stearns, a longtime firefighter remembered for his commitment to training, response and mentoring fellow members.

Stearns, 49, died Sept. 4, 2026, in Addison, Vermont. He joined Addison Volunteer Fire Department in 2016, was elected captain in 2019 and became Second Assistant Chief in 2022. He had also recently taken on responsibilities as the department’s training officer.

His fire service career began in 1993, when he joined the Vergennes Fire Department as a cadet at age 16. He later became a regular member and served with the department for approximately 15 years.

At Addison, Stearns was known for consistently answering calls and maintaining a strong commitment to training. The department said he recorded its highest number of training hours for several years and was frequently the person newer members turned to for guidance.

Stearns pursued additional fire service education, including courses at the National Fire Academy in Maryland, and worked to bring that knowledge back to his department.

In addition to his fire service, Stearns worked for the Town of Addison road crew and was active in department fundraising and community events.

His loss is being felt across the departments and communities he served, particularly among the firefighters he trained and mentored during his years in the Vermont fire service.