Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department’s Juniors are a vital part of the fire department

By Rowland Denny

The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) responded to more calls during 2006 than any year before. The Department dealt with chimney fires, automobile accidents, flooded basements, power lines down and burning, assistance requests for the Norfolk Lions Club Volunteer Ambulance, as well as dealing with various structure fires in and out of town.

The NVFD is made up of a dedicated team of active firefighters, fire police and support members, including the largest group of junior firefighters ever.  This junior brigade, known as the Explorers, are an important part of the fire department and the number of young women and men serving is 16 and growing.

The junior firefighters assist with events and fundraisers such as the Memorial Day Road Race, the Christmas tree lighting, breakfast with Santa and Karaoke Night ticket sales.

Ranging in age from 14 through 17, the junior  hold their own training sessions at least once a month, with the aid of some of the NVFD members. Richard Byrne, for example, is usually involved.  They also train as part of the whole NVFD at least twice a month.  These practice sessions can cover wide-ranging topics, including fire suppression, search and rescue, hose testing, hazardous materials issues, cold-water rescue, rural water supply, ladder deployment and vehicle extrication.

When the NVFD responds to a call, the junior firefighters play the role of supporters. Their duties include retrieving and setting up appropriate equipment for the emergency at hand, setting up water supply operations at hydrants or ponds and hose deployment. The juniors can also assist firefighters by changing the fireman’s air pack air bottles, while the air pack stays on the firefighter. This is a huge time saver. While they are not allowed to perform the more dangerous tasks of interior firefighting, running a chainsaw or cutting into the roof of a car, the juniors can still provide vital help for the firefighters trained to do those tasks.

These junior volunteers are a tremendous asset to the fire department, and they also reflect the strong spirit of volunteering in Norfolk. If you happen to know one of our junior firefighters, please thank them. Oh, and one last thing.  Check those smoke alarm batteries, if you have not already done so.

Photo caption: (L-R) Adam Marchi, John Better, Billy Kilmer, Adam Torrant, Brodie Christinat, Mike Bell, Troy Sinclair and Brandon Prigge. Members of the group not pictured are Samantha Curtiss, Paul Day, Zachary Kelsey, Elyse O’Brien, Tony Peterson, Briana Whalen, Steve Whalen and Kim Wilkinson.