The Vinton First Aid Crew (VFAC) installed new officers for 2026 at the board meeting at
Famous Anthony’s on Jan. 22.
The VFAC has a long history in the Town of Vinton and surrounding areas. In October 1939, 17
men with a strong desire to help their friends and neighbors in need met in the basement of
Vinton Baptist and officially established the Vinton First Aid Crew. It was one of the first
volunteer first aid organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Herman L. Horn was its first
president. Guy Gearhart volunteered as the first chief. Their stated goals were “to save life,
administer first aid, and teach safety,” which they have continued to accomplish throughout the
years.
Vinton Mayor Brad Grose installed the officers:
President—Jason Peters
Vice President—Steve Thrasher
Treasurer—Mitch Vaughan
Secretary–Megan Pierce
Asst. Treasurer and Registered Agent—Tom Philpott
Chaplain–Cameron Maxey
Chief—Brandan Arthur
Asst. Chief—Sarah Garza
Captain—Nicole Waldin
2nd Lieutenant—Cameron Maxey
Building Sergeant—Kinsey Johnson
Recruitment and Retention Sergeant—Teshawn Webb
Public Information Officer—Jocelyn Brigdon
22. Pictured left to right are Vice President Steve Thrasher, President Jason Peters, Treasurer
Mitch Vaughan, Assistant Treasurer and Registered Agent Tom Philpott, Chief Brandan Arthur
and Assistant Chief Sarah Garza. Other officers for 2026 who are not pictured include Captain
Nicole Waldin, 2nd Lieutenant Cameron Maxey, Building Sergeant Kinsey Johnson,
Recruitment & Retention Sergeant Teshawn Webb, and Public Information Officer Jocelyn
Brigdon.
Mayor Grose thanked the crew for their commitment and contributions to the community for
over 86 years.
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.
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.
