In Memoriam: Professional Fire Fighters’ Vincent E. Schramm

Professional Fire Fighters long-time Labor leader Vincent E. Schramm passed away after a brief illness on November 5, 2018.

Brother Schramm joined the Jennings Fire Department in 1973, shortly after completing four years of service to his country in the U.S. Navy. During his career with Jennings he was elected recording secretary of Local 398 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. 

After the dissolution of Local 398, Brother Schramm became a charter member of IAFF Local 2665 in 1978 and served as the new local’s first secretary. He subsequently was elected Local 2665’s executive vice president and served in that capacity for over 25 years.

Brother Schramm was a delegate to several fire fighters international conventions and served as an assistant to the 2nd District vice president of the International Union. His service to the Labor Movement also included serving as a vice president on the St. Louis Labor Council. 

Upon his retirement from the Jennings Fire Department, the union membership elected him to the position of executive vice president emeritus. 

Brother Schramm continued his service to the community by serving as fire chief of the Cottleville Fire Protection District in St. Charles County until his retirement for medical reasons.

In 2007, shortly after the union purchased its new union hall and banquet center In St. Peters, the bar and grill which is open to the public on the premises was named in his honor and currently remains as Vinny’s Bar and Grill.

Brother Schramm was interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military and fire service honors. He will be sadly missed by the membership he proudly served for many years.