Browsing: Fire & EMS

Who wants to make some new friends and have fun? Are you a senior? Then Phillips’ Seniors may be the group for you. This October, Phillips’ Seniors is celebrating 20 years. “The idea of having a senior group sponsored by the Phillips Auxiliary was an idea proposed by Polly Eggleston,” said Jackie Ferguson, Eggleston’s daughter and a member of Phillips’s Auxiliary. “She requested that the auxiliary think about the increased number of seniors in the community.” The auxiliary membership began discussing the outreach project and decided to sponsor a monthly luncheon and a senior-related program from September to June. Eggleston…

Chesterfield County’s fire protection system now ranks among the top 3 percent nationwide following a recent evaluation by the Insurance Services Office. The Public Protection Classification rating assigned by the ISO improved from a Class 3/9 to a Class 2/2Y. The county’s fire protection system previously ranked among the nation’s top 10 percent. The new rating will take effect Dec. 1, 2016, and could mean potentially lower insurance costs for property owners. The Insurance Services Office is an independent organization that serves insurance companies across the U.S. by providing helpful information about risk. An important area scored by the ISO…

By Becky Robinette Wright The journey has been long and difficult for a piece of steel that has seen better days. The steel, once a part of a tall, strong structure in New York called the World Trade Center, fought its battle on Sept. 11, 2001, and, unable to withstand the attack, burned, crumbled, and fell. This piece, one of several shared across the nation to serve in other memorials, found its place of honor at the Enon Public Safety Training Center in a special ceremony Oct. 13. With it, comes a reminder and a tribute to those died on…

The winds were brisk Oct. 9, but so was the influx of visitors to Enon Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Open House event. The tempting smell of grilled hot dogs and freshly popped corn filled the air. Toe tapping songs could be heard from the fire station bay as Bustin’ Loose played a wide variety of songs, such as Margaritaville, Footloose, and Rocky Top. People could be seen dancing as the band played on. Youngsters who dreamed of one day being a firefighter or driving a fire truck had the chance to explore fire engines, a tanker, a fire boat from…

As the rain gave way, the grillers at Bensley Community Center bravely cooked 550 hot dogs, preparing for the National Night Out crowd to arrive. Fortunately, the elements saw fit to grant mercy on the community and the sun soon was shining. “With everything going on in the country, it’s time to come together,” said Chesterfield Sheriff Karl Leonard, addressing the audience. “National Night out is all about working with the community. We realize we couldn’t do our job without you; it’s a team effort.” National Night Out was also special because it featured the dedication of two futsal fields…

The Chesterfield County Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded early Friday morning, February 12, at 1:40 a.m. to 9466 Lost Forest Drive for the report of a vehicle fire that was spreading to the house. Fire crews arrived to find a truck in the driveway fully involved that had spread to the siding of the home. Crews worked rapidly to stop the fire from spreading to the rest of the home. It took fire crews approximately thirty minutes to get the fire under control. The fire started in the engine compartment and appears to be accidental. The home…

The Chesterfield County Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded Monday morning, Nov. 23, at 9:23 a.m. to the Bellwood Maisonettes, 2500 block of Alfalfa Lane, for the report of an apartment fire. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the front door and fire from a window. One juvenile was at home at the time of the incident and escaped; however, she went back into the apartment to rescue her dog. She successfully rescued the dog but received smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Three persons will be displaced and are being…

Joy Wallace can frequently be seen at local fires. Just like any of the male firefighters, Wallace would suit up in the turnout gear (protective clothing) and don the self contained breathing apparatus, which would weigh around 60 pounds or more. She would risk her life while facing infernos to protect and rescue citizens and to save their property. She started out as a firefighter and through diligence, dedication and hard work has worked her way up through the ranks. On Tuesday night, Nov. 20, at Chesterfield Fire and EMS promotion ceremony, Wallace made history in the county fire department…

Deputy Fire Chief Mark D. Sacra will retire from the Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department on December 1, 2015. Deputy Chief Sacra graduated from Recruit School No.10 in November, 1979, and has faithfully served the county for over 36 years. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1984, Lieutenant in 1987, Captain in 1990, Battalion Chief in 2001 and then Deputy Chief in 2007 where he was assigned to oversee the Emergency Operations Division. Sacra has served in various roles throughout his career including company officer, shift leader, recruit school coordinator, and division commander. He…

Chesterfield Fire and EMS on Oct. 6 recognized many of its members for heroic acts performed in the line of duty, but something unique and rare also took place, three Chesterfield citizens received Medals of Valor for acts of heroism in saving a life. A Medal of Valor is rarely presented. To earn this award the life of the rescuer has to be on the line, while performing the rescue. The ceremony began with David Tesh as Master of Ceremonies, the Presentation of Colors, invocation by Chaplain Ronald S. Woody, then comments followed by The Honorable Steve Elswick, Chairman of…

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