By Debbie Adams
The Vinton First Aid Crew held its annual Christmas Party at the Vinton War Memorial on
December 12 which included a banquet, visits from Santa and Ben Cline, installation of new
officers and board members for 2025, recognition of members for their years of service, and
three special awards for Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Member of the Year.
new officers, present awards, and greet Santa. Pictured left to right are Megan Sayre, Santa
(Jimmy Poindexter), Taylor Ralph, Katie Lucas, Trace Poindexter, David Jones, Brandan Arthur,
Cameron Maxey, Chris Sayre, Orlando Martinez, Jason Peters, Mayor Brad Grose, Chris
McCarty, Mitch Vaughan, and Tom Philpott. (photos by Debbie Adams)
VFAC President Jason Peters and VFAC Chief Chris Sayre emceed the event, noting that 2024
marks the 85th installation of officers by the VFAC.
In 1939, 17 men with a strong desire to help their friends and neighbors in need met in the
basement of Vinton Baptist Church and officially established the Vinton First Aid Crew. It was
one of the first 10 volunteer first aid organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their
stated goals were “to save life, administer first aid, and teach safety,” which they have continued to accomplish throughout the years. As of November, the VFAC had responded to 1,069 calls in
2024.
There was one surprise guest at this year’s banquet – Congressman Ben Cline stopped by to
“celebrate one of the cornerstones of the community” by presenting a plaque to the VFAC
displaying a speech he had read on the floor of the United States House of Representatives which
was subsequently added to the Congressional Record for September 19, 2024.
tribute to the VFAC Junior Crew, celebrating its 50 th anniversary.
In his remarks, Cline congratulated the Vinton First Aid Junior Crew on its 50th anniversary and
said,
“Back in 1973, nine students from William Byrd High School showed interest in the Vinton First
Aid Crew. After attending initial training to become CPR and American Red Cross Advanced
First Aid certified, the Vinton First Aid Junior Crew was officially formed in 1974.
“The original charter members, Kenneth Drewery, Gary Honaker, Perry Spangler, Terry Fuqua,
Mike Huddleston, Chris Stull, Ralph Hargis, Ray Sloan, and Danny Wood, showed us what it
means to serve.
“These dedicated individuals were honored at the 2023 installation and Christmas banquet by the
VFAC and the Town of Vinton.
“While their paths may have diverged over the years, with many pursuing profound careers in
public service, they remain bonded by that shared commitment from their youth. Two members,
Chris Stull and Danny Wood, achieved life-member status with the Vinton First Aid Crew.
“I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing this incredible milestone. Their dedication to
service over 50 years set a standard that continues to inspire today.”
Peters and Sayre next presented awards for years of service to several members of the crew:
- Mitch Vaughan, 50 years of service
- Brandan Arthur, presented with the prestigious Life Membership
- Anna Arthur, 15 years of service and Life Membership
- Megan Sayre, 15 years of service
- Margo Karkenny, five years of service
- Sarah Garza, five years of service
- Katie Lucas, one year of service
- Kinsey Johnson, one year of service
- Cameron Maxey, one year of service
plaque was presented by Chief Chris Sayre on left and Jason Peters. He also received his Life
Membership – not an easy task to accomplish.
Special awards were presented to three crew members (recipients are chosen by a vote of the
entire crew):
- Rookie of the Year, Cameron Maxey
- Officer of the Year, Brandan Arthur
- Member of the Year, Orlando Barrios Martine
with Chris Sayre (left) and Jason Peters. Maxey was also recognized for completing one year of service.
Year. He is pictured with Chris Sayre (left) and Jason Peters.
Next up was the installation of officers for 2025 by Vinton Mayor Brad Grose:
- Chief, Chris Sayre
- Asst. Chief, Brandan Arthur
- Captain, David Jones
- 1st Lieutenant, Orlando Barrios Martinez
- 2nd Lieutenant, Trace Poindexter
- 1st Sgt. (new position this year), Katie Lucas
- 2nd Sgt. (new position this year), Cameron Maxey
- Secretary, Megan Sayre
- Chaplain, Cameron Maxey
- Public Information Officer, Taylor Ralph
Board of Directors officers include:
- President, Jason Peters
- Vice President, Steve Thrasher
- Treasurer, Mitch Vaughan
- Asst. Treasurer and Registered Agent, Tom Philpott
After installing the officers, Mayor Grose said, ‘Thanks for your contribution to the town for 85
years. You are really special pillars of the community. On behalf of the entire Town Council,
thank you for your commitment to the town. Keep up the good work.”
At the end of the evening, Santa came bearing gifts for the sons and daughters of Vinton First
Aid Crew members.
The Christmas dinner was catered, as is tradition, by Country Kitchen of Christiansburg.
The Vinton First Aid Crew is a non-profit organization which operates on tax-deductible
donations from the community which provide funding for equipment, training, and medical
supplies. This is the time of year for their annual fund drive.
Donations can be mailed to Vinton First Aid Crew, P.O. Box 314, Vinton 24179 or dropped off
at the VFAC building at 120 West Jackson Avenue in Vinton. You may also link your Kroger
Plus card to donate at https://kroger.com/account/communityrewards .
For more information on the VFAC, visit www.vintonems.com.
