News : Vinton Firefighters Spend the Week Teaching Safety—and Serving the Community

It’s been a busy and heartwarming week for the members of the Vinton Volunteer Fire Department. Once again, these 24 dedicated volunteers took time away from their jobs, families, and daily routines to visit local schools and teach elementary students the importance of fire safety.

Throughout the week, the firefighters brought their lessons—and their big red trucks—to area classrooms, helping children learn what to do in the event of a fire. The excitement was hard to miss when the fire trucks rolled up to the schools and the firefighters invited the kids to climb aboard, aim the fire hose at a target, and even crawl through a “smoky” room as part of a fire safety simulation.

One of the most memorable lessons involved filling a room with harmless “smoke” so the children could see how it rises, and where the safest place is—down low, under the smoke. A firefighter in full gear called out to the children, teaching them how to stay calm, shout back, and follow directions to safety. While some little ones were hesitant at first, the firefighters patiently explained their gear and helped the children understand that the person behind the mask is always there to help.

By the end of the week, the kids knew how to test a door to see if it’s hot, when to call 911, and most importantly, that being prepared can save lives. Friday morning brought one final surprise—a high-five greeting at Tilford Elementary, as firefighters lined the sidewalk to cheer on the students heading into school.

This weekend, the department will swap helmets for aprons as they host their annual community breakfast on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to noon at the Vinton Fire Station. The meal includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, and biscuits and gravy—all for just $8 per person, with preschoolers eating free.

While the breakfast is always a community favorite, it also serves an important purpose. Funds raised will help the department replace their 1998 fire truck—a 27-year-old vehicle that has served faithfully but is nearing the end of its life. The estimated cost for a new truck is around $500,000, and that’s just one of many expenses. From protective gear and oxygen tanks to the lifesaving “Jaws of Life,” every piece of equipment costs thousands of dollars—and every dollar raised goes right back into protecting our community.

So, as you enjoy your breakfast this Sunday, take a moment to thank these local heroes. They don’t do it for the paycheck—there isn’t one. They do it for their neighbors, their town, and the simple calling to serve.

Bring the family, share a meal, and let the Vinton Fire Department know how much we appreciate the work they do—not just this week, but every week of the year.

And hey, if you've been blessed this year and can spare a few extra bucks, give a little extra to help the department reach their goal more quickly!

To see more photos from the week, click HERE.