In the Line of Fire

Local fire department works for community

An unknown JMU student pulls the fire alarm. The sudden, alerting, high-pitched screech of the fire alarm awakes residents within the dorm, causing them to scurry out of the building. Hearing sirens in the distance, a candy-apple red fire truck emerges. Several firefighters exit the fire truck only to find an embarrassed student holding a bag of burnt popcorn.

While the Harrisonburg Fire Department often answers this routine false alarm, other serious situations could be occurring in the local community. For many decades, HFD Company One has consisted of both paid firefighters and volunteers, including residents and JMU students and alumni, according to Everett Minnick, HFD Company One captain.

Igniting the sparks of the past

In the early 1900s, there only were four volunteer fire companies that supported the paid, professional staff of the HFD, Fire Chief Larry Shifflett said. Only Hose Company Four remained, which eventually split into City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County volunteers. Then, in 1926, Company One was created, which only ran calls in Harrisonburg, and still does. Over time, Company Two and Company Three were added to form the current four stations within the City of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County today, according to firefighter Greg Coffman.

While the fire department has gone through changes over the years, JMU students consistently are beneficial volunteers.

"We've had JMU people at Company One for as long as I remember," Shifflett said. "They are our auxiliary manpower. They provide support to the city fire department."

In the line of fire

Shift changes for paid firefighters range from shifts ending at 5 p.m. to those who work through the night until 8 a.m. when the next shift comes in, according to Coffman. Volunteers are called to work whenever they are needed to assist the paid firefighters, according to the president of Company One, Don Grant.

"On a Friday night, we can run calls until 5 a.m.," Coffman said.

While personal satisfaction is the firefighters' main drive to perform their daily tasks, appreciation from the community also is an important motivator.

"When The Commons burned [Nov. 10, 2001], a couple of JMU students brought us cookies," firefighter Jared Quesenberry said. "[There are] certain things that make you feel good."
JMU alumni suit up

Imagine being a full-time student with a 40-hour work week and still finding no time for relief. Lori Pirkle ('03) currently is teaching special education while remaining a volunteer at the HFD Company One. She joined HFD her senior year and has been a volunteer for a year and a half. Although time management becomes an issue for the average college student, Pirkle was able to balance her time efficiently.

"For me, it was a personal challenge to see how far I could push myself and help my community," Pirkle said.

Although Pirkle does not plan on becoming a paid firefighter, she wants to expand her training by getting her Emergency Medical Technician license. However, many JMU students do continue on to become paid firefighters at other companies in other counties, according to Minnick.

Underneath the hat

In order to be a firefighter, there are certain requirements expected, according to Shifflett. First, one must be 18 years of age or older, and then one must take the Firefighter One class, which consists of 110 hours. This course covers general knowledge of firefighting techniques, such as basic operations, fire suppressions and learning how to use breathing apparatuses. There also is a 30-hour class for local community firefighting, which strongly is recommended and often is taken, according to Shifflett. Until the Firefighter One class is completed, volunteers can assist with calls, but cannot enter a burning building. The HFD pays for all classes and equipment that volunteers and firefighters need, considering the average cost of all equipment is $900, according to Minnick.

Blazing heroes

Firefighters mostly are known for their response to fire emergencies; however, their contributions to the community exceed fire calls. The HFD's services include fire, Haz-mat (hazardous materials), emergency medical services and specialized rescue, according to www.harrisonburgfire.com. Many of the firefighters go to the local elementary, middle and, recently, some high schools to teach fire prevention. They also do city services, such as child seat installations, free of charge.

"We do all kinds of prevention and fire safety," Quesenberry said. "We teach kids to get out safely of their own homes. As for adults, we give them fire extinguisher demos and tours around the fire house, which we both enjoy."

The firefighters enjoy giving back to the community for their own personal satisfaction, according to Coffman. He said the most benefits are received when "somebody's life and property are saved."

Can you handle the heat?

With over 287 clubs and organizations on campus, it can be hard for students to imagine volunteering off campus.

Shifflett said, "There is a very big shortage of volunteers — a continuous [up-and-down] cycle — and it is nothing unusual."

Shifflett believes that one of the causes of the shortage of college volunteers is their lack of time.

"People just do not have time to give," Shifflett said. "There are so many things such as family and activities now that it's hard to really attract somebody."

Despite the shortage, many JMU students still volunteer their time, which is crucial for HFD.

"It is really hard to get volunteers," Minnick said. "Volunteers do not get the credit they should; they are a big help to us."

If interested in joining or volunteering at HFD, applications are available at Company One located at 80 Maryland Ave.