| Saturday, May 9th 2026
The Little Compton Fire Department as well as the Vandal family, attended a celebration of service ceremony at the Rhode Island Firefighters Memorial to honor the service of Lt. James Vandal, a 17 year LCFD veteran who died on the line of duty, last year. His name, along with the names of 6 other firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice will
The following is a speech written by Lt. Samuel Hussey of the LCFD.
Lieutenant James Vandal was an extraordinary father, husband, son, brother, human being. A 17-year veteran of the Little Compton Fire Department and a volunteer for nearly a decade before that. His love for the job could only truly be understood by those who’ve also worn the uniform and was rivaled only by the love he had for his family. He worked the entirety of his career in the community in which he called home. A coastal town of roughly 3,500 people. Over morning coffee, we would often discuss sacrificing higher call volume for the relationships we’ve built caring for the members of our small community. However, those relationships came with a price. When tragedy strikes, it’s your neighbors, friends, and family in need. It affected you differently than working in a town you have no ties to. To Lieutenant Vandal, that was worth the price of admission. He also took great pride in training the next generation. His uncompromised dedication to firefighting sometimes made him a challenging, yet inspiring educator. He took that roll seriously; like lives depended on it.
Lieutenant Vandal lost his battle with occupational cancer in March of 2025. He leaves behind his loving wife Susan, 3 kids Jamie, Jacob, and Jessica, and 4 incredible grandkids who while are all different in their own way, all possess the best parts of him. James wasn’t only a great mentor and co-worker but was also my father-in-law. I not only had the opportunity to work and learn alongside him but was able to see who he was outside of the world of firefighting. He certainly wasn’t ready to hang up his helmet and if he were still here would be trying to find a way to get back on the nozzle.
Lt. Vandal would be humbled and proud by this ceremony, just as I am for having the opportunity to speak in his memory. Thank you. |
