West Virginia State Firemen's Association

A Nationwide Shift of Services Rendered
By John Holstein, Chief, Danville Volunteer Fire Department (WV)
www.danvillevfd.com
12-22-2010

Over the course of the past twenty odd years or so, the volunteer fire service has gradually shifted focus from the standard “fire department”, toward a more proactive roll in the community. Not only have volunteer fire departments become more active in their respective communities, they’ve also taken on new assignments and responsibilities. Within the volunteer fire service, it is common knowledge that our service is very dynamic. From day to day, we never know what service we’ll be asked to provide. This article was written from the perspective of a Chief Officer in a local volunteer department. However, many of the situations, scenarios and financial matters can be seen at many departments all over the State of West Virginia and the Nation.

Read the Original Article

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10-07-2010
West Virginia State Firemen’s Association

The Public Relations Department of the West Virginia State Firemen’s  Association is pleased to announce the production and release of the new  “Recruitment” video for West Virginia State Volunteer Fire Departments.  In cooperation with several volunteer departments and Suddenlink Media,  this video (and audio version) have been developed in the hopes of running as a “Public  Service Announcement” (PSA) on local television and radio stations to garner more volunteers for the fire service in West Virginia.

In the past several years, the number of volunteer fire fighters has sharply declined. Without having an adequate number of people to do operations, fire and rescue protection will decline. The fire service in West Virginia needs your help. Visit your local volunteer fire department and see just exactly what you can do to help. Whether it’s running emergency responses or helping out around the station, everyone can make a difference.

Below, a lower quality YouTube video shows the PSA in its entirety. For a high quality copy of this video in DVD/bin (dvd image file) for burning to DVD, please email John Holstein. This file can be used by your local TV station as a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Emergency crews are on the scene of a fire at the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department.
Posted: 9:05 AM Oct 1, 2010
Reporter: Anna Baxter

SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) — Emergency crews are on the scene of a fire at the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire was reported just before 9:00 a.m. Friday.

911 dispatchers tell WSAZ.com the building has collapsed. Firefighters are still trying to get the fire under control.

A Sissonville Volunteer Firefighter says the department’s trucks were still inside the fire house when the fire started. A firefighter tells WSAZ.com the department’s main engine, rescue truck and a tanker were all lost in the fire. A 4X4 ranger was also housed at the department and it was destroyed in the fire.

http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/104146728.html

http://wowktv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=83096

“…the state firemen’s association is calling on Gov. Joe Manchin to add this issue to the special session.”

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of our brother, Donald Adkins, 32, of the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department. Brother Adkins lost his life in the line of duty while performing a water rescue in Beaver Creek near the Glen Morgan bridge (Raleigh County, WV).

Allow us to express our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fire service brothers and sisters of Donald. You are gone, but not soon forgotten.

Services:

Visitation and Funeral to be held on Wednesday, March 24 2010 at 11am and 2pm at the Riverside High School.

David Hodges, Asst. Chief of the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department is preparing a “Patch Drive” for Donald’s son Devin. Asst. Chief Hodges requests that all patches be sent in C/O:

David Hodges

Whitesville Volunteer Fire Dept

PO BX 145

Whitesville WV, 25209

The Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department will be in need of firefighters to “man the station” through Monday, March 22nd 2010 and possibly Tuesday and/or Wednesday. For more information, contact someone at the Glasgow VFD, 304-595-4554.