Brother Spotlight
In the heart of Albemarle County, the Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department stands as a symbol of dedicated service to the community, a community in which two Phi Kappa Psi Virginia Alpha brothers, Alex Edwards ʼ22 and Alex Lin ’22, are playing an important part by becoming volunteer firefighters and dedicating their time and energy to serving others.
Alex Edwards joined the Department last November and has demonstrated a determination and passion in spending every Saturday working to complete his Firefighter 1 academy training. This is an intensive 17-week course that sets the standard for firefighter professional qualifications and requires some 100 hours of training.
This, however, was just the beginning. In support of his academy training, Edwards further committed to rigorous Sunday shifts from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am and an additional 75 hours of station-specific training towards his earning the qualification of Rookie Volunteer Firefighter. This will allow him to enter Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) environments with an officer by his side. As Edwards notes, “I absolutely love it because it gives me the opportunity to give back to my community at such an elevated level, literally helping save people’s livelihoods.”
Edwards’ journey is far from over; however, as he is currently working on his Rookie book to become a Released Firefighter, with hopes of achieving this milestone in the upcoming winter or spring. He is also enrolled in the Bedford Truck Company Operations Program this November, a three-day course that offers one day of lecture and tool familiarization followed by two days of demanding hands on skill stations and live fire evolutions taught by cadre and staff from fire departments across the region and east coast.
Edwards’ roommate over the summer, Alex Lin, became inspired and decided to follow the same route by likewise becoming a volunteer with the Department. He spent seven weeks over the summer riding along at Edwards’ station and completing an EMT course just in time for the start of the school year. He also passed the National Registry Exam for EMTs. Just two weeks ago, Lin was voted into Station 8, solidifying his position within the Department. Lin’s plan does not stop at EMT certification. He is eager to continue his journey and plans to enroll in the academy course in the spring with a view to serving as an EMT/Firefighter.
The other brothers of Phi Kappa Psi Virginia Alpha have been inspired by the success of Alex Edwards and Alex Lin in their training and commitment to community service. Their dedication and leadership provides a clear and positive example for the Chapter and reminds us all that there are heroes among us.
By Grey Holmén ʼ22, Alumni Chair
Updates to Chapter Meals
Kudos to Alex Chun, our new Kitchen Manager, who has arranged to have the Chapter meals catered. The food is excellent and popular with everyone. With the nosh in place, the Chapter is working to reestablish the dining room, as mealtimes represent an opportunity to visit, share adventures, and establish meaningful friendships. Below is the menu from a recent meal, which should make mouthwatering reading.
- Roasted Peruvian Chicken
- Paprika Spiced Potatoes
- Sauteed Vegetables
- Side Sala
- Aji Verde (Traditional Peruvian Herb Sauce)
- Chocolate Tres Leches Cake