From BVFD Chief Staff,

As 2022 comes to a close, I would like to give a GINORMOUS Thank You to all of our Volunteer Members, Fire Commission, Mutual Aid Fire Departments, Local Industries, Town Of Blacksburg Administration & Council, Cherokee County Administration & Council, And Our Community. Without the support from you all, we could not provide the service as we do.

Blacksburg Volunteer Firefighters went beyond expectation that was established at the beginning of 2022. From responding to emergency every emergency call, fundraising, maintaining equipment & apparatus, and above all things “TRAINING” every volunteer member made sure they stayed ready for any situation they faced. As each member took time away from their families, jobs, and various hobbies, they make sure everyone we respond to is in the best care by highly trained professionals. This year has been our busiest since Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department was established as we continue to see a increase in call volume in the recent years. These statistics reflect just a minute portion of what our volunteer member do to keep our community safe.

STATISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS FROM 2022:
Total Incident Count – 673
Average Response Time (Dispatch to Arrive) – 4:13
Busiest Day – Thursday
Busiest Time – 12:00 – 12:59
Busiest Month – December (84 Responses)
Busiest Fire Apparatus – Engine 93 (358 Responses)
Busiest Volunteer Member – Jonathan “Woody” Smith (510 Responses)
Total Agency Training Hours “All Members” – 5678 Training Hours

As 2022 comes to a close and we open up the new year, we look forward to working with every agency, inside and outside of our county, that will allow us to provide a higher standard of protection for all community. We set forth goals for 2023 to become more efficient and diverse in Technical Rescue, Public Relations, and Fire Prevention as we partner with local industries and surrounding fire department in the county, as it is paramount that we keep providing a high level of fire protection and rescue services to our citizens. Once again, I would like to give a special thanks to all fire departments that have assisted us along the way with mutual aid response, assistance, an unbreakable brotherhood, and most importantly the will to risk our lives to save another.

While we operate under the 5 P’s “PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE” this allows us to set a standard throughout our fire department and we are only strong as our weakest link. Our doors are always open for new members and our Junior Firefighter program is always open for young men and women looking to get into the fire service as you do not need fire experience but have the will to learn, train, and heart to help others in need.

I CHALLENGE everyone firefighter to set their pride aside and be their best and to do their best by any means necessary. Apply yourself to supply your wealth and any limitations that you may have are those that you place among yourself. Go Learn and Go Train in the brotherhood of being a firefighter. Once again, thanks to everyone for your continued support and please stay safe over the weekend. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Chief 9, Donovan Ford