LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 4, 2023 — As a junior in high school, Heaton Lawrence ’26 was inspired by his science teacher to become a volunteer firefighter. Within a year, he began volunteering his time at Goochland County Fire and Rescue.  

“I completed the academy, got all of my certifications, and started volunteering which was two nights a week of 12-hour shifts,” said Lawrence, the assistant cadet in charge of the VMI Firefighting Club.  

For John Taxiarchou ’24, the decision to become a firefighter wasn’t quite as easy. 

One of his friends volunteered at the local fire department and encouraged him to join. He was interested in becoming a firefighter but gave himself two weeks to simmer on the idea.  

“I told myself, if I don’t like it, I could always decide that it was not for me,” said Taxiarchou, the cadet in charge of the VMI Firefighting Club. After several nudges from his friend, he turned in the paperwork and began volunteering as a firefighter at Long Valley Fire Company.  

“Within the first call, I was pretty much hooked,” said Taxiarchou.  

From jumping on the engine to rushing through town, he experienced a thrill that encouraged him to keep serving.  

“For me it's a humbling experience to see people at their lowest point and have them look to you for help,” he said. "The lights and sirens and going fast to call gives me an adrenaline rush." 

Becoming a volunteer firefighter 

To become a firefighter, you must be state certified. It’s a lengthy and grueling process, Lawrence said.  

Before receiving your certification, you complete an academy which requires six months of training.  

“I was in the academy on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and again on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.,” Lawrence said. “Then, you’re ready to take your state exam.”  

Cadets in the VMI Firefighting Club have the option of serving at three different departments — Lexington Fire Department, South River Fire Department, or Kerrs Creek Fire Department. Members of the firefighting club are permitted to volunteer for two days each week — once during the academic week, and once on the weekends.  

As a volunteer, Taxiarchou works 12-hour shifts on weekdays. His shift begins shortly after supper roll call (SRC) and ends the next morning at breakfast roll call (BRC). On the weekends — his shifts range from 24 to 48 hours.  

Volunteer firefighters work alongside full-time firefighters at the Lexington Fire Department. Taxiarchou shared that this has been a highlight of his volunteer experience.  

“You volunteer and you’re embedded with the career staff,” said Taxiarchou. “They uphold all the same standards, and they expect of you the same as they would any other firefighter, whether you’re a career or volunteer.”  

The reward outweighs the risk 

Firefighting is a large time commitment, but one that Taxiarchou enjoys. He shared that many people ask him why he volunteers his time. His response – “If I can help even one person, that’s enough for me.”  

For Lawrence, the brotherhood among firefighters is what keeps him going. He is especially close with his home department, the Goochland County Fire and Rescue.  

“I feel honored to have run calls with them,” he said. “I couldn’t say enough good things about the people in that department.”  

Firefighting on post 

In addition to serving the community, the VMI Firefighting Club also serves the Corps. “We focus on educating people in the Corps about firefighting and fire safety,” said Lawrence.  

During room inspections, members of the club go from room to room and ensure the fire escape plans are up to date. The club also hosts the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb each year.  

“I helped run the 9/11 stair climb this year, which was an incredible experience,” said Lawrence.   

This year, the club hopes to improve room inspections, drill with the local firehouses, and continue to educate the Corps and the community. To accomplish this — they have set a goal of producing a public service awareness campaign.  

Before cadets leave for Thanksgiving furlough, the club is planning to hold a public safety announcement on post.  

"We are working to organize some kind of event to bring awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving, one potential option being explored is the possibility of a real-life vehicle extrication drill that would simulate a drunk driving accident," he said. 

Olivia Polumbo
Photos by Cadet Andrew J. Partridge '24
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE