John McCarthy
CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Fire Service (VIFS) will join other fire departments around the nation in observing Fire Prevention Week, October 7 to 13.
Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association since 1922, the purpose of the week is to raise awareness of the risks posed by fires and educate the public about fire prevention and fire safety, according to a prepared statement issued Friday by VIFS.
This year, the Fire Service’s observance will be particularly special as it dedicates the week to the memories of Firefighter Gregory “Benson” Louis and Firefighter Dwayne “Yogi” Thomas, who both tragically died in the line of duty.
Throughout the week, VIFS personnel will honor their fallen brothers and will promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign — “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” — at various activities to be held throughout the territory.
The public is encouraged to participate in the following activities:
St. Croix
At 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 7 — Church Service at Friedensberg Moravian Church
At 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7 — Emergency Vehicle Motorcade (Line-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Herbert L. Canegata Fire Station)
At 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 8 – F.F. Dwayne “Yogi” Thomas Memorial Softball Game at Canegata Ballpark (Fire vs. WAPA/DOE)
From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9 — School and Station Visits
From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10 — School and Station Visits
At 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10 — Visits to Queen Louise Home and Pediatric Ward at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital
From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11 — School and Station Visits
At 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11 — Visit to Senior Home in Diamond Ruby
From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12 — School and Station Visits
At 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12 — Firefighter Memorial Ceremony at Christiansted Waterfront by Fort
At 6 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 — Wellness Walk, Ride or Run from Kmart West to Midre Cummings Park (Frederiksted)
At 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 — Bowling Night at Tropical Ten Pins Bowling Center
St. Thomas-St. John
At 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 6 — Church Service at Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Tabernacle
From 9 a.m. to noon — Presentation at Home Depot
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7 — Presentation at K-Mart, Tutu Mall
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9 — School and Station Visits
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10 — School and Station Visits
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11 — School and Station Visits
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12 — School and Station Visits
For additional information or to schedule a school or station visit, residents and educators may contact Fire Marshal Henry Joseph in the St. Croix District and Fire Marshal Leon Battiste in the St. Thomas-St. John District. Fire Marshal Joseph can be contacted at 773-8050 and Fire Marshal Battiste can be reached at 774-7610.
Residents on St. Croix are advised that they may observe a number of emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights on the evening of Monday, Oct. 8, due to the motorcade and should not be alarmed.
