News
July 5, 2017
Congratulations to Firefighter Timothy King, Firefighter Ian Morris, and Firefighter Zach Thoele for passing Basic Pump Operations, a 16 hour class.
June 12, 2017
Congratulations to Zach Thoele for passing EVOC, a 16 hour class.
June 9, 2017
We have a new Facebook page. Head on over and like it. It's South River Volunteer Fire Department
May 25, 2017
Congratulations to Firefighter Zach Thoele for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 36 hour class, and Firefighter 1, a 160 hour class!
May 18, 2017
Congratulations to Firefighter James Ramsey, Firefighter Jon Kaiser, Firefighter Ian Morris, and Firefighter / EMT Thomas Moriarty for passing Firefighter 2, a 56 hour class!
May 12, 2017
We are taking over the Rockbridge County Truck & Tractor pull. The date of the pull is July 15, 2017. More details will be posted soon.
May 12, 2017
Tickets are available for our carnival. Contact any member to get your tickets!
May 11, 2017
Congratulations to Firefighter James Ramsey & Timothy King for completing Large Animal Rescue, a 24 hour class!
May 3, 2017
Congratulations to Ian Morris, John Camarella, and Thomas Moriarty for passing Firefighter 1, a 160 hour class!
April 4, 2017
Our annual elections were held last night at our monthly meeting. The officers are:
Fire Chief - Ben Wilmer
Deputy Fire Chief - Jamie Wilmer
Assistant Fire Chief - Jarrett Harlow
Captain - Kris Whitesell
Lieutenant - Jonathan Wilmer
EMS Coordinator - Jamie Wilmer
Assistant EMS Coordinator - Ren Scott
President - Jonathan Wilmer
Vice President - James Ramsey
Secretary - Jamie Wilmer
Treasurer - Pam Whorley
Deputy Treasurer - Steve Wilmer
Chaplain - Gary Smith
Director at Large - Kris Whitesell
April 3, 2017
Congratulations to Thomas Moriarty, Ian Morris, and Zach Thoele for completing Leadership 1, a 16 hour class!
April 3, 2017
Congratulations to Ian Morris, Thomas Moriarty, John Camarella, and Craig Miranda for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 36 hour class!
February 2017
We are conducting a Popcorn fundraiser. Orders and money are due on March 14, 2017 at 7PM. There are several choices to choose from. Contact us for more information!
February 2017
Our carnival dates have been set. This years carnival will be July 27th, 28th, & 29th. More information will be posted as time gets closer!
January 2017
Congratulations to James Ramsey and Rob Lowe for completing Crew Leader, a 32 hour class
November 2016
We have placed our 2016 Sutphen fire engine in service. 1000 gallon water tank, 40 gallon foam tamk, 1500 GPM Hale Q-Max pump
May 28, 2015
Congratulations to Firefighter Ethan Weeks and Firefighter Taber Burgdorf for passing EVOC, a 16 hour class!
April 15, 2015
Congratulations to Firefighter Taber Burgdorf for passing Firefighter 1, a 160 hour class.
April 6, 2015
We welcome new member Zach Sensabaugh!
April 1, 2015
Congratulations to James Ramsey & Katie Clark for passing Firefighter 1, a 160 hour class!
March 23, 2015
Congratulations to Firefighter Ren Scott, Firefighter James Ramsey, and Firefighter EMT Katie Clark for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 36 hour class!
December 1, 2014
SOUTH RIVER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT’s
INSURANCE RATING IMPROVES
South River Volunteer Fire Department’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating will improve from a Class 6/9 to a Class 5/5Y rating effective January 1, 2015.
ISO evaluates participating fire departments on the basis of three primary criteria and assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC), using a numeric scale ranging from 1 to 10. A fire department receiving a Class 1 rating represents an exemplary fire suppression program, and a Class 10 rating indicates that a department’s fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria. A community’s PPC rating is evaluated based on:
• Emergency Communications—receiving and handling fire alarms including telephone systems, telephone lines, staffing and dispatching systems.
Fire Department—including equipment, staffing, training and geographic distribution of fire companies to minimize potential loss.
• Water Supply System—including condition and maintenance of hydrants, alternative water supply operations and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires up to 3,500 gallons per minute.
The PPC rating also reflects a municipal fire department’s community risk reduction efforts to reduce losses through fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation activities.
“This is a very progressive accomplishment for the South River Volunteer Fire Department and our community,” said Fire Chief Ben Wilmer. “We work extremely hard and are dedicated to protecting and serving our community.”
Chief Wilmer also recognized the contribution of the department’s members to the improved rating. “I give credit to our personnel for their increased workload and documentation. Furthering their education to also meet the higher standards could not have been accomplished without hours of commitment made by each member of the department. This takes a complete team effort, and we’re very proud of the end result.”
What does this mean for the Community and its residents?
The Public Protection Classification program recognizes the efforts of communities to provide fire protection services for citizens and property owners. A community’s investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predictor of future fire losses. Insurance companies use PPC information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance, generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides an additional incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.
The program also provides help for fire departments and other public officials as they plan, budget for, and justify improvements. The most significant benefit of the PPC program is its effect on losses. Statistical data on insurance losses bears out the relationship between excellent fire protection, as measured by the PPC program, and low fire losses. PPC helps communities prepare to fight fires effectively.
For additional information about the South River Volunteer Fire
Department, please visit: www.southriverfire.com
November 1, 2014
Josh Smith Benefit Gun Raffle Winners
Mossberg 12 ga - Philip Bahhur, Fairfield
Ruger 7mm-08 - John Higgins, Lexington
Smith & Wesson 9mm - Philip Cales
Thompson Center 270 - Tina Ramsey, Vesuvius
Remington 30-06 - Lee Humphries, Steels Tavern
October 22, 2014
Congratulations to Jonathan Wilmer, Logan Irvine, Samuel Bryant, and James Ramsey for passing Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, a 16 hour class!
October 15, 2014
Congratulations to Aaron Bryant for passing ICS-300, a 24 hour class.
August 22, 2014
Congratulations to Aaron Bryant, John Rowsey, and Abby Rowsey for passing Driver Pumper Operator, a 70 hour class.
2014 SOUTH RIVER YOUTH RAFFLE WINNERS
July 7, 2014
We welcome new member Taber Burgdorf
June 2, 2014
We welcome new members Rob Lowe, Katie Clark, and James Ramsey
May 16, 2014
Congratulations to Aaron Bryant & Gary Smith for passing Fire Officer 1, a 64 hour class!
May 5, 2014
Congratulations to Samuel Bryant & Ethan Weeks for passing Firefighter 1, a 160 hour class!
April 14, 2014
Congratulations to Mckenzie Bahhur for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 32 hour class.
March 6, 2014 - Our annual carnival dates are July 24, 25, & 26, 2014!
February 26, 2014 - Congratulations to Gary Smith & Jonathan Wilmer for completing ICS-400, a 16 hour class!
January 25, 2014
Congratulations to Jamie Wilmer, Kris Whitesell, Pam Whorley, and Kelly Snyder for completing Fire Officer 3, a 40 hour college level class. Keep up the good work!!
December 3, 2013
Congratulations to Jonathan Wilmer for passing Firefighter 2, a 56 hour class
November 3, 2013
Congratulations to Gary Smith, Forrest Walden, & Abby Rowsey for passing Firefighter 2, a 56 hour class
October 31, 2013
Congratulations to Aaron Bryant for passing Firefighter 2, a 56 hour class
October 12, 2013
Congratulations to Candy Wilmer, Jonathan Wilmer, Forrest Walden, & Mckenzie Bahhur for passing ICS-300, a 24 hour class
September 3, 2013
Congratulations to Sidney Baker for passing EMT-B, a 130 hour class!
August 26, 2013
4th Annual South River Fire Chief Pageant Winners
August 10, 2013
Congratulations to LT Pam Whorley, Firefighter Candy Wilmer, Firefighter / EMT Aaron Bryant, Firefighter Jonathan Bailey, Firefighter Mckenzie Bahhur, Firefighter / EMT John Rowsey, and Firefighter / EMT Abby Rowsey for completing Rural Water Supply, a 16 hour class.
August 5, 2013
Congratulations to Candy Wilmer, Jonathan Wilmer, Logan Irvine, and Jonathan Bailey for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 32 hour class
June 29, 2013
Congratulations to Aaron Bryant, Jonathan Bailey, and Mckenzie Bahhur for completing Basic Pump Operations, a 16 hour class
June 5, 2013
Congratulations to Firefighter Jonathan Bailey for passing EVOC, a 16 hour course
April 1, 2013
Election of Officers
President - Jamie Wilmer
Vice President - Colby Sheets
Secretary - Kelly Snyder
Treasurer - Pam Whorley
Assistant Treasurer - Steve Wilmer
Chaplain - Gary Smith
Fire Chief - Ben Wilmer
1st Assistant Fire Chief - Jamie Wilmer
2nd Assistant Fire Chief - Chase Groah
Captain - Kris Whitesell
Lieutenant - Pam Whorley
Director at Large - Kris Whitesell
EMS Coordinator - Pam Whorley
Assistant EMS Coordinator - Aaron Bryant
March 20, 2013
Congratulations to associate member Abby Rowsey for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 32 hour class.
February 14, 2013
Just a reminder of the 4PM burning law that will be in effect
tonight at midnight.
February 15th – April 30th
No burning until after 4:00 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of
woodland or anything flammable including dry grass.
Nothing can be added to the fire after 12:00 midnight.
Fire must be attended at all times
For more information go to http://www.dof.virginia.gov/info/faqs-burning.shtml
December 4, 2012
We welcome new associate members John & Abby Rowsey, and Mckenzie Bahhur
October 2, 2012
We welcome new member Ethan Weeks
September 5, 2012
We welcome new members Jonathan Wilmer and Logan Irvine!
August 21, 2012
We welcome new associate member Jonathan Bailey
August 13, 2012
We welcome new member Forrest Walden
August 6, 2012
August 6, 2012
August 6, 2012
3rd Annual Fire Chief's Pageant Winners
July 3, 2012
We welcome new member Hunter Walden
June 28, 2012
Our annual carnival is August 1-4. Parade on the 3rd at 7PM
June 26, 2012
Congratulations to Chase Groah for completing Driver Aerial Operator, a 32 hour class
May 26, 2012
Congratulations to Aaron Bryant, Michael Clements, Katie Ruffin, & Gary Smith for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 32 hour class
May 23, 2012
Congratulations to Candy McCormick, & Michael Clements for passing EVOC, a 16 hour class
May 14, 2012
Congratulations to Chase Groah & Katie Ruffin for completing Rural Water Supply, a 16 hour class
April 25, 2012
Congratulations to Katie Ruffin & Candy McCormick for completing Basic Pump Operations, a 16 hour class
April 5, 2012
Congratulations to Gary Smith, Katie Ruffin, Aaron Bryant, & Michael Clements for passing Firefighter 1, a 150 hour class
April 3, 2012
Our election of officers was held April 2, 2012. The officers for the next year are:
President Jamie Wilmer
Vice President Colby Sheets
Secretary Kelly Snyder
Treasurer Pam Whorley
Assistant Treasurer Steve Wilmer
Chaplain Leo Clemmer
Fire Chief Ben Wilmer
1st Assistant Fire Chief Steven Maddox
2nd Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Wilmer
Captain Pam Whorley
Lieutenant Kris Whitesell
Director at Large Steven Maddox
Appointed Positions:
EMS Coordinator Kelly Snyder
Assistant EMS Coordinator Katie Ruffin
March 29, 2012
Congratulations to Gary Smith, Aaron Bryant, Katie Ruffin, Ren Scott, & Michael Clements for passing crew leader, a 32 hour class!
March 6, 2012
Check our fund raising page for a list of up-coming fund raisers
March 5, 2012
We welcome new member Candy McCormick to the department
February 29, 2012
Congratulations to Lt. Kris Whitesell for completing Leadership I & II
Annual awards banquet was held on Saturday January 28, 2012.
TOP CALL RUNNERS
Matt Wilmer - 340 incidents
Jamie Wilmer - 298 incidents
Ben Wilmer - 268 incidents
Chase Groah - 248 incidents
Kelly Snyder - 240 incidents
Pam Whorley - 193 incidents
Steve Wilmer - 192 incidents
Gary Smith - 179 incidents
Kris Whitesell - 175 incidents
Patrick Snyder - 129 incidents
Colby Sheets - 129 incidents
LINE OFFICERS CHOICE AWARD:
Matt Wilmer & Chase Groah
CALL of the Year
April 30, 2011 Incident Number 1100134
Dispatched at 00:29 to the 3900 blk of N. Lee Hwy for a MVC with
entrapment. Arrived to find 4 patients with 1 entrapped. Air Care 5
and Life Guard 10 flew the patients.
Engine 74 Ren Scott
Ben Wilmer (Incident Command)
Jamie Wilmer
Pam Whorley
Aaron Bryant
Engine 71 Matt Wilmer
Kris Whitesell
Patrick Snyder
Colby Snyder
Response 73 Bill Nicely
Chase Groah
Stand by Steve Wilmer
TRAINING AWARDS:
Chase Groah - 459 hours
Colby Sheets - 327 hours
Ben Wilmer - 192 hours
Gary Smith - 188 hours
Aaron Bryant - 182 hours
Katie Ruffin - 164 hours
Richie Shull - 146 hours
Nathan Holliday - 142 hours
Jamie Wilmer - 91 hours
Kelly Snyder - 91 hours
Pam Whorley - 89 hours
Kris Whitesell - 63 hours
FUNDRAISING:
Kelly Snyder and Jamie Wilmer 97%
Steve Wilmer 88%
Patrick Snyder 79%
Matt Wilmer 64%
Pam Whorley & Chase Groah 61%
FIREFIGHTER of the YEAR:
Matt Wilmer & Chase Groah
Congratulations to everyone!
January 10, 2012
Congratulations to Chase Groah for passing May Day Firefighter Down, a 16 hour class and to Kris Whitesell for passing ICS-400, a 16 hour class
November 14, 2011
Congratulations to Ronnie Campbell for winning the South River supervisor and to Chris Blalock for winning the sheriff election!
November 1, 2011
Congratulations to Katie Ruffin for passing Emergency Vehicle Operators Course, a 16 hour class
October 15, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah for passing Firefighter II, a 44 hour class.
October 10, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah for passing ICS-300, a 24 hour class
September 19, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah, Brandon Newell, and Gary Smith for passing Farm Machinery Safety & Extrication, a 16 hour class
September 12, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah for taking a job with the City of Lexington as a firefighter
August 20, 2011
Congratulations to Richie Shull & Gary Smith for passing EMT Basic, a 120 hour class
July 5, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah for passing Basic Pump Operations, a 16 hour class
June 30, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah, Colby Sheets, & Aaron Bryant for passing EMT Basic, a 120 hour class
May 31, 2011
Congratulations to Chase Groah & Gary Smith for passing EVOC, a 16 hour class
May 20, 2011
Congratulations to Jamie Wilmer, Pam Whorley & Kelly Snyder for passing Fire Officer 2, a 32 hour class.
April 20, 2011
Congratulations to Jamie Wilmer, Kelly Snyder, & Pam Whorley for passing Fire Instructor II, a 32 hour class.
April 20, 2011
Congratulations to Colby Sheets for passing Firefighter 1, a 150 hour class.
March 24, 2011
Congratulations to Colby & Chase for passing Hazardous Materials Operations, a 32 hour class!
March 7, 2011
Colby, Chase, Brandon, & Aaron have started EMT basic class. The class is two nights a week. They test in June. Good luck guys!
February 23, 2011
Congratulations to Matt & Chase for completing Crew Leader, a 32 hour class!
January 10, 2011
July 19, 2010
1st Annual Fire Chief Pageant Winners
Wee Baby Miss
Winner: Laila Thomas
1st: Caylaih Chandler
2nd: Madison Tomlin
3rd: Kamyn Allen
Wee Baby Chief
Winner: Colton Knight
Baby Miss
Winner: Lilyan Thomas
1st: Emma Hall
2nd: Hailey Wade
3rd: Courtney Conner
Baby Chief
Winner: Luke Sayre
1st: Zachary Snyder
2nd: William Wilmer
Little Miss
Winner: Aspen Bahhur
1st: Jaici Moore
2nd: Hadleigh Martin
3rd: Brooke Wilmer
Petite Miss
Winner: Kelsey McCown
1st: Taylor Wade
2nd: Tristan Whorley
Pre-Teen
Winner: Charity Smith
1st: Logan Whorley
2nd: Caroline Fitzgerald
Junior Miss
Winner: Sierra Clark
Honorary Miss
Kelsee Grant
The South River District Volunteer Fire
Department was awarded $73,625 from the 2008 FEMA Fire Act
Grant. The money will be used for 2 rapid intervention kits
(RIT), 2 firefighter locating
systems, exhaust system for the firehouse and a stand by station
generator.
RIT kits are
important tools for providing a means of rescuing a down
firefighter or for providing guidance when retracing your path
under conditions of limited visibility.
The fire fighter locating system would be beneficial if our members
ever became lost or entrapped in a building. The fire fighter
locating system utilizes Pulse ultrasound
technology.
An exhaust system is a feasible method to eliminate all diesel
exhaust from the Firehouse. Being a department that is
equipped with two engines, one tanker, one brush truck and a
response truck there is a lot of exhaust that is left behind in our
bay when we receive a call. The system is designed to connect
to any motor vehicle tailpipe and provide virtually 100%
effective capture.
We currently do not have a back-up generator. Our station is used
as a shelter during natural and manmade disasters. It would be
imperative to have a generator to ensure power during times of
need. The generator will be powered by LP gas.
Thanks to Firefighter / EMT Kelly Snyder for writing the grant!
The South River District Volunteer
Fire Department relies on donations from you to help run our
day to day operations, and continue to buy state of the art
equipment to be there when you call. We are a non-profit
organization so make your tax exempt donation
today.
Want to help your community? We need volunteers. We serve 75 sq miles and a population of about 4500. We run over 500 calls per year. We provide fire protection, emergency medical care, fire safety education, and more. You volunteering could save someone's life. If you want to make a difference, go to our Membership Information page and fill out the form.
Is your family prepared for a disaster? You, your family
and your business should be prepared. Make sure you have a basic
emergency supply kit prepared at all times to include supplies for
you, your family and your pets. For ideas on how to prepare and a
list of items to have in your kit check out www.ready.gov
Did you know that when you call 911, we use your address
to find you? That is why it is important to have your address
posted where we can see it. It needs to be large numbers and it
helps us if it is reflective. Seconds count when your life or
property is on the line. Please don't delay us finding you, be sure
we can see your address.
Don't have your address posted? Need help? Look no further! We can
make your address sign for you. Just e-mail company7@ntelos.net or
call 540 460-7033 or 540 348-5092. We will make you a reflective
sign for a $ 15.00 donation. We will even install the sign for
you.
INCIDENT VOLUME TRACKER
44 | January |
43 |
February |
41 |
March |
42 |
April |
50 |
May |
65 | June |
55 | July |
43 | August |
47 | September |
October | |
November | |
December | |
430 | Total |
5842 N. Lee Hwy
P.O. Box 203
Fairfield VA 24435
Phone 377-5988
Fax 377-2569
Frequency 453.325