Goochland County Fire-Rescue, Goochland, VA

The Goochland County (VA) Fire-Rescue Department is widely known for its innovative Fire Safety Camp. The idea for the camp was conceived at a department picnic, where children of firefighters played the "Junior Firefighter Combat Challenge." Realizing the opportunity to teach fire safety and recruit for the fire service, the firefighters opened the event to children of their community. The five-day camp alternates between lecture-style sessions and hands-on activities that reinforce the sessions. Topics are not limited to fire safety, but include other areas as well, such as bicycle safety.

Members of the department’s Fire Corps program play an important role in the successful camp. These volunteers act as battalion leaders for two groups - the red battalion and the blue battalion - which are divided by age. Fire Safety Camp is held each year in July and, due to an overwhelming response, a waiting list for children to participate had to be established for 2007.

In addition to assisting with Fire Camp, Fire Corps members also help teach a Firefighter I & II and EMT program, which is taught as part of the curriculum in the local high school. This course allows students to receive certification through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs while simultaneously earning college-level credit for these classes.  Fire Corps members also assist each of the six fire-rescue stations in fundraising activities throughout the year.

For more information regarding the Goochland Fire Safety Camp, please contact the camp’s Director, Jay Sykes, at firecamp@co.goochland.va.us. For information about the Goochland Fire-Rescue Fire Corps, contact Chief Ken Brown at (804) 556-5304 or kbrown@co.goochland.va.us.