Sanford "Sandy" Ladd II

Alburgh, Vt- Sanford “Sandy” Ray Ladd II, 61, died Monday, October 13, 2025 surrounded by loved ones and his fire family after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

He was born June 17, 1964 in West Stewartstown, NH, the youngest son of Sanford R and Harriet (Noyes) Ladd.

He moved to South Burlington at age 6 and was a Vermont resident from that time on. He graduated from South Burlington High School in 1982.

During high school, he worked at Big Ben’s Pizza. He always credited this time as some of the most beneficial in his career as he learned customer service skills and how to simply talk to people. He utilized these skills extensively throughout the rest of his working life as he transitioned to sales- first starting with a vending company, moving next to Koffee Kup bakery before landing in the market of large trucks. He started at Clarks Truck Center selling auto parts and then moved into selling International trucks. He developed a reputation for being an honorable, honest and direct sales person who understood the principles of customer service. After 16 good years at Clarks, Sandy found his new home at RR Charlesbois Inc where he became their specialist in the municipal truck market.

Sandy was always appreciative to both Clarks and RR Charlesbois as they let him pursue his other passion- that of a volunteer firefighter. In January,1998 he joined Malletts Bay Fire Department. In 1991, he became an EMS First Responder and was instrumental in establishing the first response licenses for Malletts Bay Fire Department in 1991 and at Colchester Center Volunteer Fire Department in 2000. In 1995, he joined Colchester Rescue and by 1997, he had completed his EMT class, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Sandy rose through the ranks from firefighter to officer and then Chief in Colchester. But he always said that rank was not required to be a leader. He became an instructor at the North Country International Fire Training School hosted in Alburgh as well as a teacher for the Green Mountain Catamounts. He believed that respect was earned and given. He especially loved fostering and developing younger firefighters through the Colchester Center Volunteer Fire Company’s battalion at St Michael’s Fire and Rescue. He was so proud of “the kids” who have gone on to serve all over this country as well respected firefighters.

After leaving Colchester, he was grateful to find a new fire family with the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department. He continued his love of teaching and developed training that combined both fire and rescue which was beneficial to both departments. He decided to venture back into the emergency medicine side of things as well- becoming certified as a Vermont Emergency First Responder and joining Alburgh Rescue- all while undergoing cancer treatment! He always talked about how grateful he was to the AVFD for allowing him to join and continue to do something he loved.

Sandy is survived by his wife of 26 years, Stacey, their daughter, Abigail (Mitchell Hanna); his mother, Harriet; his sister Dencie; sister in law Janice and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Sanford, his brother David and sister Cathy Jane.

Sandy and his family could not have been more grateful for the amazing care, compassion and support received from the staff at the UVM Cancer Center. A particular bond was formed with his oncologist, Dr. Stephen Ades whose honest and compassionate care will never be forgotten. Additional shout outs to “his girls” Leslie, Steph, Kelly, Ashley, Mila, Kayla, Kitty Kat and Colleen. He enjoyed them so much he actually missed them when he was done with chemo!

Calling hours will be Friday, October 17 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Minor Funeral Home 237 Route 7 South in Milton. On Saturday, October 18 at 1 pm a celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at the Chapel of St. Michael Archangel at St Michael’s College 810 Campus Road Colchester with full firefighter burial to follow at the Old Methodist Cemetery 45 Main Street Colchester. Attendees are encouraged to park at the Creek Farm Plaza 63 Creek Farm Road Colchester and take the available shuttle to the cemetery as parking will be very limited due to fire apparatus in the area.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department 60 Firehouse Road, Alburgh VT 05440 or National Fallen Firefighters Foundation PO Box Drawer 498 Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or any charity of your choice.

Any department interested in participating in the services should contact St Michael’s Chief Kyle Wentzel at kwentzel@smcvt.edu.