Fire Chief Andre Smith Addresses Violence
Sunrise members and guests listened intently as St Thomas/St John Fire Chief Andres Smith addressed the topic of violence in our community, how it has affected our youth, and the impact it has on the VI Fire Service. His appearance is part of the ongoing Practice Peace Initiative sponsored by Rotary. The following excerpt was taken from the VI Source’s article of October 22nd reporting on Chief Smith’s remarks.
Smith easily engaged the group's attention, speaking of violence in its embryonic form. Smith called it "the time when they stop skipping," when youngsters no longer express the joy of being alive.
Smith spoke of the direct violence firemen experience – arson, for instance – and its impact on the community. He also cited instances of victims running into a fire station as a safe harbor, "but you don't know if they will be followed by perpetrators," he added.
Smith spoke of what he called the "violent psyche," acting out in an aggressive highly charged, emotional manner. This behavior is then emulated by youngsters, he implied.
It used to be that little boys wanted to grow up to be a fireman, to wear the red helmet and get to save people. That's sadly not the case today, Smith said. In fact, he cited a problem firefighters face with kids throwing rocks at them from a safe distance, when they are fighting fires.
There are many programs, including counseling and mentoring for youth. Smith said it's all of us who should be concerned. "This isn't the community it was when I first began my career."
There are solutions, Smith said, but it takes all of us, a community. Citing the Junior Firefighters Corp. as a good place to start, Smith said the youngsters learn about firefighting, fire prevention, arson and fire safety, CPR, rescue and first aid, and any youngster, girl or boy, from 8 years old to high school is welcome to join. One can get more information on the Junior Firefighters Corp. by calling 774-7610, he said.
There are many programs, including counseling and mentoring for youth. Smith said it's all of us who should be concerned. "This isn't the community it was when I first began my career."
Sunrise President, Shaun Pennington sees the local Rotary community as the group to best bring Rotary’s influence and resources to bear in beginning to turn the tide of the serious violence in the community. She said she believes that the effort can result in a 75 percent reduction of violence in the community in 10 years.