By CHAD COOPER
Grundy Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Bob Anderson updated the Grundy Town Council on the department’s emergency response, equipment, training and community outreach activities during the council’s July 14 meeting at the Grundy Town Office.
Anderson reported that the department responded to 15 emergency calls within the Town of Grundy during June, maintaining an average response time of 1 minute, 40 seconds.
The department also continues its annual fire hydrant maintenance program. Anderson said firefighters are hydrotesting hydrants throughout the town and have already submitted a list of hydrants needing repairs. Once repairs are completed, firefighters will conduct flow testing to measure water pressure and flow rates.
During the Fourth of July holiday, the department provided standby coverage for both the Town of Grundy’s Independence Day fireworks display and at Heritage Hall and participated in the Big Wheel Bash.
“It was a rough, rough day. It was a hot, hot day,” Anderson said.
Firefighters also remained active in the community by visiting two Vacation Bible Schools to help children become more comfortable with firefighters and emergency responders. Anderson said both events were successful.
The department also participated in Safety Day 2026 alongside the Grundy Police Department at Walmart.
Anderson said the department’s new fire truck remains on schedule for delivery in August. Before it arrives, he, Captain Corey Viers and firefighter Randy Ratliff will travel July 27-29 for a final factory inspection to ensure the truck meets department specifications before it is delivered.
Training remains a priority for the department, as several firefighters work toward additional certifications.
According to information provided by Captain Corey Viers, Shane Anderson, Ryan Lark, Wyatt Surber and Angel St. Clair are completing Virginia Department of Fire Programs Instructor I certification and are scheduled to test Aug. 1.
Anderson and Lark also plan to attend Firefighter I and II and Hazardous Materials Operations Train-the-Trainer courses in September.
Angel St. Clair plans to complete Hazardous Materials Operations Train-the-Trainer certification in early 2027.
Surber will begin classes this fall to become a physical therapist assistant and plans to resume additional fire service training after completing college.
Anderson also reported that four members, Deputy Chief Randy Surber, Captain Viers, Sergeant Shane Anderson and firefighter Austin Mullins, completed an aerial apparatus operations course June 27-28. The training is part of the department’s ongoing effort to expand the skills of its firefighters and increase in-house training opportunities.
