Curtis Whitt
About Curtis Whitt
Posts by Curtis Whitt:
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Open in new tab President Hollbrook’s Message
To the members of the Southwest Virginia Firefighter Association,
I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 80th President of this association. Thank you for your support.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Josh Stitt and the Barren Springs Fire Department for hosting a fantastic 79th convention. We are also very appreciative of everyone on the committees and all the vendors who gave a helping hand.
Looking Ahead to the 80th Convention
For the 80th Southwest Virginia Firefighter Association Convention, I’d like to call on all members to help make this the best year yet. This is our time to come together, share the brotherhood of all departments in Southwest Virginia , and bring in more members to see what our association has to offer.
Please join us!
The 80th Annual Southwest Virginia Firefighter Association Convention will be held at the Meadowview Marriott in Kingsport, TN, from June 18th to 21st, 2026.
If you have any questions, concerns, or needs, please feel free to contact me directly at 540-440-0290.
Sincerely,
Matt “Monk” Holbrook President, Southwest Virginia Firefighter Association
President Stitt’s Message
Members of the Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association,
I am humbled and very appreciative of all your support especially from the members of Barren Springs Volunteer Fire Department, for supporting me in this new role. It is both my great honor and privilege to serve as your 79th President of the Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association.
Thank you for your exemplary leadership to this association Past President Ray Musselman, Riner Volunteer Fire Department, all those who served on committees, or who stepped up to help when needed. Thank you to all our faithful vendors and sponsors, too numerous to list. The 78th Annual Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association Convention at Natural Bridge, VA was outstanding!
I would like to challenge all our members to step up and serve this association, and to invite others to join us. This association, like all others, only has a voice as strong as our membership. The larger our membership grows directly impacts the voice we have locally, in Richmond, and in Washington, D.C. Just like any emergency scene when we work together, we work better and more efficiently. It is more imperative now than ever that we stand united together to support one another and pass on the esteemed traditions of the fire service to a new generation of firefighters. There is no better place in Southwest Virginia to do this than right here with this association and at the 79th Annual Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association Convention. Please join us this year as we honor the tradition of the fire service, memorialize those we have lost, train for the changing world around us, and fellowship together. The 79th Convention will be held at the Meadowview Marriott in Kingsport, TN June 12th-15th, 2025.
As always, I am available if you have any concerns, questions, ideas, or needs. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 540-239-8464.
God bless and stay safe,
Joshua Stitt, President
Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association
James Preston “Jim” Kern, Jr. – Falling Springs Volunteer Fire Department
Mr. James Preston “Jim” Kern, Jr. age 48, of Covington, died Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany, Low Moor. He was the husband of April Dawn Kern.
Mr. Kern was born April 17, 1976 in Covington, the son of the late James Preston Kern, Sr. and Mary Cook Kern. He was employed as a district 3282 representative by Nalco Inc. Jim was a member of Fincastle Baptist Church. He was also a member of Falling Spring Fire Department for over thirty years as well as a firefighter with the Virginia Forestry Department for several years. Jim was also a member of the Covington Masonic Lodge #171 AF & AM and the Clifton Forge Shrine Club.
In addition to his wife, April, Mr. Kern is survived by his stepchildren, Austin Leavens, Kirsten Leavens and Cole Leavens; his mother-in-law, Vicki Shannon (Clinton); sisters, Deborah “Debbie” Henderson and husband, Mike and Olivia Kern Nicely and husband, Timmy; nieces and nephews, Matt Henderson (Diana), Jacklyn Nicely Shiflett (Jeffrey), Chad Henderson (Kara), Adam Nicely (Katelyn); great nieces and nephews, Izayah Shiflett, Julius Shiflett, Myles Henderson, Cora Henderson, Quinn Henderson, Isla Henderson, Cade Henderson, Emma Nicely and Jayden Hiner.
A family organized memorial service will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Monday, November 4, 2024 at Fincastle Baptist Church- Highland Campus, Covington with Pastor Kevin Cummings and Pastor Jeff Wylde officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday afternoon from 4:30 P.M. until time of service at Fincastle Baptist Church-Highland Campus, Covington.
Former Chief Steven Thomas Jaynes – Thomas Walker Vol. Fire Department
Steven Thomas Jaynes, age 69, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024. He was born on August 3, 1955 to Rufus and Ruby Jaynes of Rose Hill, VA. He was a 1973 graduate of Thomas Walker High School and a 1977 graduate of Berea College. He was a lifelong member of Silver Leaf Baptist Church in Rose Hill.
Steve joined the fire department when he was 16 years old and served as chief for 39 years. His dedication to the fire department helped countless numbers of families in the western part of Lee County. He had a true servant’s heart and never asked for any praise or accolades. He was a state surface mine inspector for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) for nearly 40 years. He was also known as an excellent marksman, garnering numerous state and national awards in benchrest shooting competitions.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Ruby Jaynes and lifelong friend, Keith “Mousey” Marcum.
He is survived by his sister, Nancy Jerrell and husband, Harold of Rose Hill, VA; his nephews, Scottie (Allison) Jerrell of Duffield, VA and Mark Jerrell of Huntsville, AL; niece, Kelli (Josh) Hughes of Marion, VA; the four prides of his life, Emilee and Andrew Jerrell and Jacob and Hunter Mooney. He is also survived by the Thomas Walker Fire Department and Rescue Squad family, along with other countless friends.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2 until 4:00 p.m. at Silver Leaf Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow with Tim Varnadore officiating. A graveside service will be conducted immediately following the funeral in the Silver Leaf Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Thomas Walker Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 174, Ewing, VA.
Pall bearers will be John Cheek, Kyler Cheek, Clay Cheek, Robert Brockman, John Glass and Junior Long. Honorary pall bearers are Eddie Varner, Danny Hensley, Noel Hall and Josh Flanary.
Online condolences may be viewed or sent by visiting our website, www.RobinetteFuneralHomes.com. Robinette Funeral Home of Rose Hill is serving the Jaynes family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Steven Thomas Jaynes please visit our Sympathy Store.
Cups to support the Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association Scholarship
Mission BBQ in Christiansburg is selling their red drink cups in support of the Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association Scholarship program.
For every cup sold a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the association scholarship fund.
Mission BBQ continues to be a big supporter of the Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association.
Please stop by Mission BBQ in Christiansburg and pick up your red cup and support the scholarship program.
Mission BBQ & 9/11
Fire, Police & First Responders get a FREE sandwich on 9/11.
As a small gesture of their thanks for all you do to Protect, Serve & Save.
Firefighter John Holland Campbell – Past President
John Holland Campbell, 76, was gloriously welcomed into his Savior’s arms on August 10, 2024 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Campbell was born November 11, 1947 to the late Valmer and Myrtle Taylor Campbell in Eaton, Ohio. Known as “Hambone” among friends and coworkers, he was a very active member in the community serving and volunteering for many different roles, including being a leader for the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, a founding member of Temple Baptist Church where he served as an usher, and a life member of the Abingdon Fire Department. Mr. Campbell was also Past President of the Southwest Virginia Fireman’s Association. He loved being outdoors especially camping and was an avid Oregon Ducks and Indianapolis Colts fan. When it came to sports in general, he was a fan of them all. First and foremost was his love for God and always being there and supporting his great-grandchildren, whom he adored.
Including his parents he is preceded in death by, two sisters and two brothers.
Survivors include, his loving wife of 25 years, Donna Campbell; one son, Joshua Campbell (Karen); one step-son, Samuel Vorhes (Alicia); brother, William Joseph Campbell (Kara); daughter/granddaughter, Lauren Muncy (Joshua); grandchildren, Allyssa Campbell and Alexis Campell; three step-grandchildren, Hannah, Harper and Hudson Vorhes of Rhode Island; two great-grandchildren, Chole Lamie and Maddex Campbell; also, several nieces and nephews; and K-9 companion Bella.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Frost Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Kevin Price officiating.
A committal service will follow to Knollkreg Memorial Park with a reception to follow at Temple Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make a donation to Temple Baptist Church, 15157 Inspiration Drive, Abingdon, VA. 24210.
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2024 Contest Results
2024 Southwest Virginia Firefighters Association Competition Results
The 2024 Monroe Kingera and Danny Yopp Sportsmanship Annual Award
Awarded to:
Christiansburg Volunteer Fire Department