William
V. "Bill" Ragsdale became the first full time fire chief on
January 13, 1969 when he succeeded Chief L.F. "Scrubby" McDaris.
He had previously served as the fire departments first Fire Safety
Inspector.
Chief Ragsdale became associated with the Cleveland Fire Department in
1941 as a volunteer fireman. The Chief also served as First Vice President
of the International Association of Arson Investigators and held
memberships with the Tennessee Fireman's Association, International
Association of Fire Chiefs, Cleveland Industrial Fire Brigade, Masons, he
also served as President of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association. He was
an active and honorary member of the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association and
was an honorary member of the Cleveland Fire Department. |
On January 1, 1981, Chief Ragsdale retired from the Cleveland Fire
Department with total of 29 years service.
Chief William Vance "Bill" Ragsdale passed away on December
9, 1993 at the age of 77. He is greatly missed, but his name and memories
will always live on at the Cleveland Fire Department. |
