Al Sparks on Phil Rounds

I first met Phil Rounds in Juneau before I even came to Fairbanks. I was a live-in at the Glacier Volunteer Fire Department station (as it was called back then).

Both he and Bud Rotroff were there for training back when Bud was chief at Eielson AFB, and Phil worked for him.

When I came to Fairbanks, and ended up volunteering for UAFD for a year, back when they had a volunteer program, I was surprised to see Phil there.

Phil was one of the positive influences on me at the time, and I would say that he was the favorite Captain and later Battalion Chief to stand shift with. It's hard for me to say for sure from where I was at, but he had the type of personality that maybe the other Captains and Battalion Chiefs didn't resent him for it.

I've remained a volunteer with Chena Goldstream Fire and Rescue in Fairbanks, and had the opportunity to do a few mutual aid calls with him. He was always a joy to work with.

When Phil's cancer started to manifest itself, he was in a hospital in Seattle, and I happened to be there on business during his stay. I went to visit and it was a bit awkward. Phil couldn't talk (his throat had been operated on), and you never know what to say in those situations. Since I simply showed up at the hospital without any notice and asked if he was having visitors, I worried after the visit
if I had been imposing. After all, lots of people would rather not see others see them sick. I was gratified and relieved to later learn that Phil was actually touched by my visit. And of course, it being Seattle, he didn't have a lot of visitors. You never know. If in doubt, go visit.

I know that Phil is considered a mentor among the many up and coming UAFD firefighters over the years, some of whom chose to move on to other pursuits, others like me who became long-time volunteers, and of course the many career firefighters some of whom are holding positions of responsibility in fire departments around Alaska.

I treasure the small part Phil played in my life.

You had one heck of a run, Phil. Rest in peace.

=== Al Sparks
Chena Goldstream Fire and Rescue