PHILLIP MICHAEL STEARNS

ADDISON — In Phil’s own words, “I was born under a cow patty in the farm fields of West Ferrisburgh.” And that was Phil — humble, funny and never one to take himself too seriously. He was born Aug. 7, 1977, to Wayne M. Stearns Sr. and Bernadette LaBerge.

From a very young age, Phil faced life’s challenges with grit, grace, determination, and a smile — or, in some cases, that unmistakable mischievous smirk. Those qualities stayed with him throughout his life. Although his life was far too short, Phil accomplished so much. He was always humble, kind, and willing to lend a hand to anyone he met.

Phil’s love for the fire service started in 1993 when he joined the Vergennes Fire Department’s cadet program at the age of 16. Not having a vehicle didn’t stop Phil from responding. When his pager went off, he would run from Booth Woods to the fire station, usually making it in time to get on one of the trucks. He went on to become a regular member of the department and later was assigned as the driver of the Heavy Rescue truck until he decided to take some time away from the fire service in 2008.

In 2016 he joined the Addison Fire Department and quickly became known as a member that would be there when you needed him for whatever was going on. It didn’t matter if it was a work night, training, or fundraising, you could plan on Phil being there. In 2019, he was elected as a Captain of the department, and in 2022 he was voted to be Second Assistant Chief, and from then on was known as Addison C3.

He would respond to every call he was available for, whether assisting at a rescue call, a water rescue, auto accident, or fire, he was often the first one on scene. For the last several years, he had the most training hours in the department. He would attend training wherever he could, whether right in Addison, a seminar in Maine, or the National Fire Academy in Maryland.

He had recently taken on the role of training officer and was always trying to come up with different types of training to get all members involved. He was one of those members that all departments wish they had more of. He pushed himself and his fellow firefighters to be better trained and prepared for the many different types of emergencies fire departments are asked to respond to. That dedication and passion remained with him until the day he died. He loved serving his community. He gave his time, energy, and heart to the fire service. He immersed himself in every training opportunity with a smile and an eagerness to learn, grow and become better. Just as importantly, he shared what he learned, becoming a mentor to anyone who wanted to learn — especially new and younger firefighters.

Phil always showed up.

Whether it was a birthday party, family gathering, sporting event, or simply a moment when someone needed him, Phil was there. He answered almost every fire or emergency call and never hesitated to serve. When he was not answering the call of duty, Phil enjoyed hunting, fishing and his many new adventures in his side-by-side or just quality time with his beloved dogs Harper May and Shadow, aka Bubbas.

Phil is survived by his soulmate and the love of his life, Nicole Marie, along with her children, Austin Friend and Ashley (Josh) Friend; his mother, Bernadette LaBerge; his siblings, Tammy (Gary) Grant and Eugene (Annie) Stearns; sister-in-law Jen Russell and Wayne Stearns Jr.; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Gary (Tiffany), Geoffrey (Katie), Taylor (Reese), Logan and Ashtin. He is predeceased by his father, Wayne Stearns Sr.

There simply are not enough words to describe the magnitude of the loss felt by Phil’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, and our entire community. A special thank you to his closest friends. You know who you are, and we’re so thankful he had you in his life.

Phil will always be remembered as a “gentle giant.” He was the guy who could be found in shorts and a T-shirt — or a cutoff shirt — yes, even in the middle of winter. He had a handshake strong enough to buckle your knees and a hug you would never forget.

His nicknames were numerous and lovingly dished out over the years: Philly, Phylis, Phylis Dillas, Philippe, Little Buddy, Philmeister, Philburt, Mongo, and Chief. But the names that mattered most were husband, brother, and son.

Phil’s absence will be felt deeply by everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him. His kindness, humor, dedication and willingness to always show up will remain with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil’s name toward a scholarship to be named and established at a later date in his honor. Donations may be sent to One Credit Union, c/o Jen Russell, 48 Green St.; Vergennes, VT 05491.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Addison Fire Station. His funeral will be at Vergennes Union High School varsity gym, Sunday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m.

“This is Addison C3 signing off. I’ll see you when I see you.” ◊