Things got a little heated last Saturday afternoon at Fire-Rescue Station #2 during the 51st annual Vero Beach Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry, as volunteers cranked up the heat to raise funds and awareness for the 95-year-old organization.

Formed in 1923, its squad members were the city’s first firefighters. Today the volunteers work alongside IRC Fire Rescue, providing backup and support and living up to their motto: ‘Here for our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.’

The volunteers assist IRC Fire Rescue by responding to fire, rescue and medical emergency calls; educating the public; providing continuing education for volunteer firefighters; and providing aid to sick, injured or fallen firefighters.

Currently numbering about 25, some volunteers are attending the Fire Academy in hopes of joining the ranks of IRC Fire Rescue, while others already have full-time jobs and simply desire to give back to the community.

“When I found out about the volunteers, I got involved,” said Brian Torres, who works for the Division of Forestry and serves as VBVFD president. “It’s a good organization. A lot of the volunteer firefighters come on with us while they are going to school or are waiting to start with the county. It’s on-the-job training.”

In addition to the much-needed assistance offered by the volunteers, the process enables the county to groom potential recruits on how they want things done, Torres explained. “So when they get hired they aren’t rookies fresh off the street.”

Chris Jones, a recent IRC Fire Rescue recruit, joined the Volunteer Fire Department while attending the Fire Academy.

“I wanted to get my feet wet and see what everything was about before I was hired and ‘thrown into the fire’ with no knowledge,” said Jones, adding that being a volunteer helped focus his direction. “You get scheduled with a station and work hand-in-hand with the big guys. It’s a safer, easier way to learn on the job and still have first-hand knowledge because you’re actually doing it.”

As people gathered around, their plates laden with panko-crusted cod, coleslaw, potato salad, fries and all the fixins, many said they return year after year not only for the delicious meal but to show support for the efforts of the volunteer firefighters.

The doors to the firehouse were thrown open wide, encouraging folks to sit and chat at tables in the fire truck bays. Volunteers talked with visitors about the work they do and the motivation behind their commitment to keeping local residents safe.

Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment and to provide scholarships for volunteer firefighters to attend fire, EMT and paramedic school. The VBVFD currently has masks and helmets at six stations and hopes to outfit more.

For more information, visit vbvfd.net or attend a 6:30 p.m. meeting the first Monday of every month at Station 3, 2950 Airport W Dr.