Whether from arson or accidental spark, little to no area of the state of Florida is left untouched by fire. Firefighters are living, breathing heroes that keep the flames at bay and hinder them from consuming life and property. Weighted down with protective gear, sweating to a level few other professionals endure, they brave the heat. What keeps them going? Is anyone able to lend a hand and enable them to refuel before returning to the battlefield?
More than three years ago, Dave Kirschbaum and a friend sat down for dinner and dreamt up a way to help firefighters and first responders cool down and rehydrate during an emergency call. This dream evolved into 2nd Alarmers Association of St. Johns County, currently a 38-member volunteer organization.
“2nd Alarmers was started as a way for St. Johns County residents to be able to give back to our firefighters, our first responders,” said Dave. “They’re always there for us, so we want to be there for them.”
Dave drafted a proposal, sent it to the fire rescue chief, and made it his mission to see the project through to fruition. “I thought it was something we had to do for them and I wasn’t going to give up,” said Dave. While they do not perform any firefighting, rescues or emergency medical services of any kind, they still provide a vital type of aid.
They began small, with a handful of helpers arriving on scene to hand out water. Today, the 2nd Alarmers volunteers are fully trained on the fire departments’ air cascade system, which replenishes air bottles for the firefighters. Additionally, after the fire has been extinguished, volunteers help stow equipment and repack hoses. Taking away tedious tasks allow firefighters to focus on what they have been trained to do – put out fires and minimize loss of life.
The organization also assists other types of first responders by serving as an extra set of eyes and hands at high-profile events where injuries or incidents might occur. Once such event is The Players Championship Sawgrass, with which 2nd Alarmers have assisted for the past several years, riding along with medical staff. They also help with the annual St. Augustine Beach Blast Off, where they monitor the crowds and report any incidents. 2nd Alarmers also makes appearances in St. Johns County schools, assisting with fire prevention classes and helping with hands-only CPR training at local high schools.
“We do whatever the firefighters need here because it’s important that they know how much we appreciate them,” said Dave. “We want to do something for them.” As an all-volunteer organization, the 2nd Alarmers association relies on a great working relationship with the St. Johns County Fire Rescue. They conduct monthly trainings, gain required certifications, then await the call. Without county funding, they operate solely on community donations and rely on a steady stream of volunteers.
“We have some who have experience in the fire service – a couple retired law enforcement,” said Dave. “We have lawyers, homemakers, and just St. Johns County residents who want to help.”
To learn more about the 2nd Alarmers Association, visit www.sjcts.org. Photography by Betty Kirschbaum.