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Sept. 21 was a successful day for members of the Kenbridge Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD), who came home with the title of Best Overall at the Southside Virginia Volunteer Firefighters Association’s (SVVFA) 64th annual Firefighters Convention.

The competition, held in Farmville, started at the Firemen’s Sports Arena at 1328 Zion Hill Road. After registration and a quick call to order, firefighters attended a memorial service to honor fallen members from the SVVFA’s 58 various departments.

Firefighters then joined together in the afternoon for a parade. Tankers both old and new flashed lights and sounded sirens as they drove through downtown Farmville.

At 1:30 p.m. the volunteer fire departments of Kenbridge, Clarksville, Farmville and South Hill came together to compete in a series of contests to showcase their skills and teamwork. Kenbridge firefighters Vince Compton, Kester Long, Caleb Bailey, Thomas McDaniel, Joseph McDaniel, Austin Hall, Mason Elliot, Jackson Dalton, Travis Joyner and Sam Finch participated in the event.

The KVFD placed first in competitions such as the One Man Hose and the One Man Forceable Entry, where individual firefighters demonstrated their skills in emergency situations. The KVFD also placed first in the Four Man Ladder competition and the Bucket Brigade.

KVFD firefighters received second place awards for the Six Man Hose and Two Man Rapid Intervention (RIT) competitions. They also received third place for the Four Man Hose competition.

In addition, awards for Best Pumper and Best Equipped Brush Truck were given to KVFD firefighters Mike Gee and Jake Rifkind.

The day’s events were wrapped up with a banquet at the Fishin’ Pig in Prince Edward County. After scores were totalled, the KVFD returned home with heads held high and a Best Overall title under their belts.

“I wanted to congratulate each one of the Kenbridge firefighters who participated,” said KVFD Chief Richard Harris. “They did a great job in representing our department, and they do a great job for us at home.”