By Debbie Adams
In 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, Inc. Their goals
were “to save life, administer first aid, and teach safety.” The crew will celebrate their 85th
anniversary in October 2024.
In 1973, several members of the Vinton First Aid Crew (VFAC) obtained permission from
William Byrd High School to come to the school to talk to students that might be interested in
joining the VFAC. Those members included Doug Adams and Mike Chewning. Nine students
showed an interest and attended training during the fall of 1973 to obtain their CPR and
American Red Cross Advanced First Aid certifications.
Those initial meetings resulted in nine students becoming the first Junior members in early
1974—Kenneth Drewery, Terry Fuqua, Ralph Hargis, Gary Honaker, Mike Huddleston, Ray
Sloan, Perry Spangler, Chris Stull, and Danny Wood.
Partly because of the accomplishments of these charter members, the Vinton First Aid Crew has
had a provision for a Junior Crew continuously since that time.
More Junior members were added in the coming years as the Junior Crew proved to be a vital
component of the VFAC.
Of the nine charter members, several would go on to also join the Vinton Fire Department and
other fire and rescue departments. Danny Wood worked for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue
Department and retired from that role. Two continued on to become Life Members with
VFAC— Chris Stull and Danny Wood. Chris Stull continues to serve on the Board of Directors.
Although life took these nine members in many different directions, for a few years they would
set an example together that is still being followed to this day.
This year, 2024, marks 50 years since the inception of the Junior Crew. Unfortunately, one of
these, Gary Honaker, has already passed away. The charter members were honored by the VFAC
and the Town of Vinton at the VFAC 2023 Installation/Christmas Banquet. Four of the nine were
able to be present—Kenny Drewery, Terry Fuqua, Ralph Hargis and Chris Stull.
Many young people have served in the Junior Crew since 1974 and many have gone on to serve
in the Senior Crew. Many have also gone on to serve the community and nation in a variety of
public services including Emergency Services and the military.
This spring another group of VFAC Junior members has graduated from high school in the Class
of 2024:
- Caitlin Bishop graduated from William Byrd High School with honors and as a
valedictorian and will attend Radford University Carilion in the Paramedic program.
- Jocelyn Brigdon graduated from William Byrd and will also attend Radford University
Carilion in the Paramedic program.
- Noah Franks graduated from William Byrd and will attend Virginia Tech to major in
Computer Science in the College of Engineering.
- Katie Lucas graduated from William Byrd High School with honors and will attend
Radford University Carilion in the Paramedic program.
- Tracy Nguyen graduated from William Byrd and will attend Johns Hopkins University.
- Isaiah Rider graduated from William Byrd and will attend Radford University Carilion in
the Paramedic program.
- David Whiting graduated from Roanoke Valley Christian Schools and plans to enlist in
the United States Air Force Reserves and become a medic.
- Guinov Myrtil graduated from William Fleming High School with honors and will begin
work with Roanoke City Fire and EMS in their July academy.
- Nate Hardy graduated from Glenvar High School and will attend Virginia Tech to major
in Chemistry.
Submitted by Steve Thrasher, Vinton First Aid Crew
(photos courtesy of William Byrd High School and Steve Thrasher)
