As the highlight of Fire Prevention Week, which begins Sunday, Oct. 6, and continues through Saturday, Oct. 12, Christiansburg’s firefighters will take part in the Fire Prevention Parade on Main Street at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
“Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape” is the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week. Fire Chief Billy Hanks heads up a local firefighting force made up of some 40 volunteers.
A not-for-profit organization, the Christiansburg Fire Department relies on tax-free contributions for its funding. The department’s fund drive coincides with the awareness and publicity provided by Fire Prevention Week and the parade.
A review of the department’s activities this year provides proof of just how much the citizens of Christiansburg and the surrounding area rely on this cadre of community-spirited men. Across the last year, the department responded to 990 calls in the town and the county. The men of the force installed 129 child safety seats through their partnership with Carillion Clinic and the Christiansburg Police Department.
Through its Prevention and Inspection Program, the department’s volunteer firefighters inspected the fire alarms, sprinklers and commercial hood systems for 1,397 businesses and 135 new construction sites.
The firefighters participated in the Growth Through Opportunity Program. They further gave of their time and talents to host the department’s Second Annual Teen Fire Academy. Seven teenagers were introduced to the fire service.
During the year, the department paused to remember former Chief Jimmy Epperly, Lee Cochran and Roy Redd, three firefighters who had nearly 150 years of combined service to the Town of Christiansburg.
