Deputy Chief Todd Horton presents Don Ballington with a plaque while Don's wife Lynda looks on.	Left to right: Amy Ballington Waugh, Ben, Don, Lynda and Rodney Ballington.

Franklin, TN – One of the first fire trucks that Don Ballington remembers working on was the Franklin Fire Department’s 1958 Seagrave.  That was in 1974 shortly after going to work for his father-in-law at Acme Fire Trucks. 

He’s been repairing fire trucks for Franklin and departments throughout the southeast ever since.  Now, more than 40 years later, Ballington is set to retire.  The Franklin Fire Department hosted a reception in his honor today at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park clubhouse, with firefighters from several Middle Tennessee fire departments in attendance.

Prior to beginning his career as a fire truck mechanic, Ballington served in the United States Air Force for eight years as a Ground Power Technician.  In addition to Vietnam, he served in Germany, Thailand and the United States.  He was responsible for fixing generators, pumps, hydraulics and air conditioners.  He said, “I didn’t realize it at the time, but the experience prepared me perfectly to work on fire trucks.”

Originally from South Carolina, following his military service Ballington and his young family settled in Nashville, his wife Lynda’s hometown. 

When Acme closed in 1980, Ballington opened his own shop.  He went to work for the Nashville Fire Department as a mechanic for an 18-month stint, then returned to working for himself.  He eventually sold his business, Debco, to Nixon Power Services, where he continued working.  It was bought by Peterbuilt a few years later, where he worked for 18 years. 

As the repair shops he worked at closed or changed hands over the years, Ballington maintained and expanded his loyal customer base to include departments throughout Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi.  He has been with Cumberland International for the past seven years, doing fire truck service and sales.  He sold Franklin their newest fire trucks, Ladder 5 and Ladder 8, which will be placed in service this fall.

Ballington discussed what was always on his mind during a repair, “The importance of knowing your job and doing it correctly, because you’ve got so many other people’s lives in your hands.”

Franklin Fire Deputy Chief Todd Horton said, “Throughout the years Don has exhibited honesty, integrity, professionalism and skill.  We sincerely appreciate the expertise, assistance, guidance and friendship he’s provided.  We will truly miss him.” 

Horton added, “If you live in Williamson County and you’ve had firefighters respond to your aid, you can likely thank Don Ballington for helping to get them there.”

 A sampling of Franklin Fire Department trucks that Don Ballington worked on during his 40-year career:

Franklin Fire Department circa 1950s.  Pictured in front of old Station 1 on Public Square with 1958 Seagrave and 1920s pumper truck (probably a La France or Seagrave).	Franklin Fire Department 1983.  Pictured in front of old Station 1 on West Main St. with 1978 La France.
2015 Sutphen SA75 - FFd's new Ladder 5 and Ladder 8 in front of Franklin Fire Station 5.

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