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NHVFD Gears Up For Sept. 6 Marathon
By Paula I. Bryant/Courtesy of the Gazette-Virginian
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 12:12 PM EDT
North Halifax Volunteer Fire Department (NHVFD) is gearing up for its annual fundraising marathon slated for Saturday, September 6.
The public is invited to come out to the fire station in Republican Grove that day to support the NHVFD volunteers in their fundraising efforts.
Alex Williamson will serve as emcee for the daylong event.
For the youngsters, the day's activities will include face painting, a kiddie train, and various other activities.
Other highlights will include a moonwalk, slide, area cruisers, Halifax County Sheriff's Department drug prevention display and the Volens Family Practice, Halifax Regional Health System display.
Music and entertainment will be provided all day with a scheduled appearance by the Duke Life Flight Helicopter.
A firemen's competition between area fire departments will take place that afternoon, and a handmade "Squared Star" quilt will be raffled off later in the evening.
A variety of delicious foods including barbecue, fried chicken, hot dogs, homemade pies and homemade Brunswick stew also will be available throughout the day.
Lunch will start at 11 a.m. with food being served until around 7 p.m.
"Come out and enjoy either lunch or dinner. Bring your yard chair and stay for the afternoon," said NHVFD marathon committee member Hugh Hendricks.
For those who can't come in person but who would like to make a donation, pledges may be phoned in at 349-3500, and they will be aired on WKDE Radio FM 105.5 on marathon day.
Over the many years of fundraising, the NHVFD has updated its fleet of firefighting trucks, made various additions to the building, and kept its volunteers trained in the latest firefighting and first aid procedures.
Hendricks said, "In our more recent growth, the department upgraded from offering 'first responder' service several years ago for the county rescue squad, to actually furnishing ambulance service to area hospitals.
"This proved to be a valuable service to a more professional level by having a paid professional Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on duty during the day to assist with the ambulance service and handle your emergency situation," Hendricks added.
Just recently, he pointed out additional personnel have enabled the department to have a paid EMT on duty 24 hours a day covering seven days a week.
The volunteers are still available to assist with these ambulance calls, Hendricks explained.
"In order to put a professional person on duty, the department's billing agency had to start billing for the ambulance calls, just as the surrounding rescue squads were already doing," he said.
From a financial standpoint, Hendricks said it is important to remember that billing of medical insurance and the patient is for the purpose of having paid professional emergency personnel for these calls.
"This does not cover the usual expenses such as utilities, insurance, maintenance, building, rescue and firefighting equipment. For these expenses, Hendricks said, "We are asking for your support on marathon day."
Additionally, the department's emergency medical coverage area has recently expanded to include the area from the 5000 block of L. P. Bailey Highway all the way to the Staunton River at Brookneal, Hendricks said.
"With the help of Liberty Volunteer Fire Department's first responder unit, we will even be providing ambulance service in the locality covered by Liberty," he added.
Another of the department's more recent projects involves plans for a new building.
"This new building is now closer than ever," Hendricks said. "Hopefully this fall you will see construction under way."
Plans for the new building will be available on marathon day for the community to review.
"This will be a modern facility with room to house all vehicles, two which are presently kept outside, as well as provide space for fundraising, training and community activities." he continued.
The department's membership is steadily growing, however, Hendricks said, additional help is always needed and welcomed.
"Helping your neighbors in a time of need and emergency is a rewarding experience. Training assistance is provided by the department whether you are interested in being a firefighter or a part of the emergency medical service," he said.
Anyone interested in joining the department can contact any department personnel on marathon day for an application "to find out what a rewarding experience this membership can be," Hendricks said.
Also he reminded members of the community that it is their responsibility to "identify" their homes at their driveway with address numbers that are large enough to be read by a passing fire truck or ambulance.
"This makes it easier to find your residence when you call 911 for assistance," he said.
Hendricks concluded saying, "We appreciate the community's support in the past and trust that you will support us in our endeavors to provide fire and emergency protection to the residents of our community."
The marathon committee members encourage the public to attend marathon day on Saturday, September 6, and support the department, have fun, enjoy the good food and entertainment and relax with their friends and neighbors.
Entertainment Schedule
Emcee - Alex Williamson
11 a.m. - Invocation by Steve Moore and National Anthem by Patti Hill
11:05 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - The Liberty Band
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Local Entertainers Heather Davis, Tori Dawson, Dana Hunt and Ashley Powell.
2:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Firemen's Competition
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. - Combined Choirs from Second Buffalo Baptist Church
5:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Cecil Fisher Hazelwood, Vocalist
5:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Dancers from "We've Got Rhythm" Dance Academy
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - "The Blues Report" Band
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Donna wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:05 AM: