Eldest son of the Davis family receiving the back to school supplies from Officers at the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service. Photo: VINO

Expressing excitement, the father of three, Mr Marcel Davis thanked the department for stepping up to provide the greatly needed assistance to his family. Photo: VINO

According to Officer Cuthbert Robinson (Blue T-Shirt), while conducting preliminary investigations at the fire scene on the day of the tragedy, he was informed that all the children's school supplies were destroyed.

On August 4, 2019, tragedy struck the family’s Lower Estate, Tortola home leaving himself and three school-aged children homeless.

By the time the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service (VIF&RS) were summoned, there was nothing they could have done, large sections of the home were completely destroyed by the fire.

School supplies destroyed

Now, even as the Davis' are counting their losses, the VIF&RS have taken it upon themselves to step in and do something to help the homeless family.

According to Officer Cuthbert Robinson, while conducting preliminary investigations at the fire scene on the day of the tragedy, he was informed that all the children's school supplies were destroyed.

This led to a briefing session on his return to the office, where the idea was birthed to reach out and help. The family's plight was shared with the rest of the staff, all of whom felt compelled to help.

VIF&RS steps in

Some weeks later the family received an unexpected call from the department indicating that they had pooled resources to help supply some back to school items for the children.

Supplies included backpacks and textbooks which were presented to the Davis family as a very brief ceremony at the Fire Department's building on August 20, 2019. 

Expressing excitement, the father of three thanked the department for stepping up to provide the greatly needed assistance.

"It sets an example that a fire service is not just search and rescue, but they work with the community and I also hope that the community would in return work with the fire department," Mr Davis said.