LIVERMORE FALLS – Soft-spoken Sonny Jones has experienced the adrenaline of rushing to hundreds of fires and accidents to help others over the past 50 years. He is still usually first at the fire station to drive a truck to the scene.

He’s experienced the aftermath of finding out there was nothing he could do to help save someone’s life and the gratitude of saving a fellow firefighter who had gone up into an apartment building to save a child and couldn’t get back downstairs through the flames.

He’ll carry those memories for life.

Jones was recognized Tuesday for his half-century of dedication to the Livermore Falls Fire Department. The former fire chief was given a white leather fire chief helmet with an eagle on top holding up the golden name plate.

The 71-year-old Livermore Falls resident became interested in the fire service due to his wife Flora’s Uncle Ken Coombs involvement and his own experience.

Jones was drawn to helping others.

“I went once with my dad back in 1947 or 1948 to a forest fire in East Livermore to help move families out of their residences,” he said. “That got me interested in helping the people.”

Initially, when Jones joined as a young man, he was on a substitute list, but finally became a full-fledged firefighter in 1958. He worked his way up to chief, where he served for seven years. He is now a first lieutenant with the department and continues to be a familiar sight aboard firetrucks and at scenes.

Back when his wife’s uncle was chief, Jones remembers being asked to move a truck parked in front of others and didn’t know how to start that one.

“From then on I learned to operate all the trucks,” he said.

He retired from the town’s highway crew at age 65 with 35 years of service. The garage is located across from the fire station, and he was always allowed to respond to fires while working.

Jones has also had the chance to feel the pride of driving home new firetrucks and having the 1926 Maxim refurbished.

There has been a lot of changes in fire service since he began.

“I remember I went to a fire at Haines Corner one night. I had on a pair of black wool dress pants and had no equipment,” he said.

When it was over, he was soaked and his pants were all stretched out, he laughed.

Now, personal safety gear is required as well as a lot of training.

Jones’ dedication to fire service has been mirrored by his son, Ken, the town’s current fire chief, two grandsons, Levi and Karlton, and a granddaughter, Cassandra. Other family members also serve. His wife of 51 years is also the last charter member of the Firemen’s Auxiliary.

Even after many family events have been interrupted by emergency calls, including his 25th wedding anniversary, Sonny Jones remains ready and able to respond to help others.