I don’t even know where to start with this post.
The Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department (Botetourt County, Va) is holding their Annual 4th of July Carnival this week. Tonight, they even close down Main Street and have a Parade right through the middle of town… “Enjoy displays of dozens and Fire and Rescue Vehicles as they make thier way up Main Street joined by marching units, bands, floats and displays by local civic organizations.”
LMAO … I can see that line up now.
Personally, I don’t see the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department holding a “Carnival” as such a big deal … it seems to me as if they’ve been running a 3 ring circus down there all year long!
Buchanan’s Chief, Billy Joe Carter; has placed himself and his Department in the headlines of our local media several times this year. He first drew my attention back in January, 2012 when he was injured on a fire. After my Initial Post, there were several issues from that incident that drew my attention and raised questions in my mind.
I raised some of those questions / concerns in a later post titled “The Illusion of Death”
In February, Botetourt County was in the process of hiring an Emergency Services Coordinator … a much needed position. Chief Carter was outspoken and very much opposed to the new position. Here’s how he was quoted in our local paper ….
“He said Tuesday that if an emergency services director assumes control of a scene “there are going to be a lot of hurt feelings and busted noses.”
Read that previous post HERE
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Days later, he was interviewed by one of our local TV news stations where he announced that we was stepping down as Chief citing “you can’t fight politics” … (Read “The Plot Thickens“) . As it turned out, he didn’t resign at all. In my next post, “Volunteer Leadership“; I wrote “The Buchanan VFD missed a golden opportunity. They should have accepted his resignation, taken his pager, radio and keys then filed a restraining order.”
Later, I learned that Chief Carter and other members of the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department may have had past criminal records. Not misdemeanors … felonies. I posted about that issue HERE .
Now, he and a former BVFD member are back in the headlines and, this time; the charges are much more serious.
Police have charged Steven Patrick Prease, a former Buchanan firefighter; with two counts of capital attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and one count of capital attempted murder of other persons .
Apparently, all of the details of the event weren’t readily shared in the paper. Read the initial article from Roanoke.com …
Botetourt County man faces attempted murder charges after standoff
But wait….. IT GETS WORSE!
Chief Carter was also on the scene that night and is now under criminal investigation by the Virginia State Police!
Botetourt Co. sheriff says Buchanan fire chief complicated event
Here’s how I understand the story …. Apparently, police responded to a domestic dispute where shots had been fired. Later, a witness says that the suspect was out in the street “pacing” when 2 men came walking out of the woods. The suspect apparently recognized one of the men as Chief Carter (as did the witness) and yelled “Whoa, Jimbo! We’ve got us a war tonight!”
The suspect then went back inside the home and got a gun. He came back outside and interacted with Carter before the two ran into the woods with Carter lighting the way. Later, at about 1am; the witness says she heard approximately 20 gun shots. The Sheriff was unable to confirm the number of shots fired.
Authorities were eventually able to get Carter to come out of the woods and Prease followed some time later. No one was injured in the shoot out. Prease was arrested and is being held without bond.
Carter was quoted in the article …. “I wasn’t working with the sheriff’s office because the sheriff’s office didn’t want my help,” Carter said. “I was doing it as a friend. But more I was doing it as a brother. You don’t forget who you ride with.”
“The sheriff criticized the actions of the fire chief, describing them as an interference.”
“I don’t know how to put out fires and he don’t know how to investigate a crime,” Sprinkle said. “You’re skirting the issue of obstructing justice. He needed to back off, I don’t care how good a friend he is.”
Another black eye and more damaging press for Botetourt County and the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department. It seems to me as if there has been one common denominator in all their issues / troubles and I can’t figure out why they don’t just get rid of the problem.
I hate to say “I told you so” but ….. I told you so. One of my latest posts, “Porn Star or felon…which do you want in your station” drew a lot of comments. Many of which (to my surprise) defended a felon’s right to a 2nd chance and the opportunity to serve his/her community in a Fire/EMS capacity. I wonder if those people who commented still feel the same way after reading Buchanan’s latest issues.
Is this continued behavior the result of a criminal history or is it a lack of management / leadership from higher authorities within Botetourt County?
I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on this one …. I’ll keep ya posted as more details emerge. Until then, stay SAFE and in House!
Captain Wines
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Dear Mr. Wines,
I live and serve as a firefighter in botetourt county. I will be the first to say that I was not 100% in favor for the emergency service director. With that said I will admit that I was wrong and hope he will clean the trash from the dump that is Buchanan. The corruption in the Buchanan fire service goes far deeper than chief (felon)Carter. Botetourt County needs to move in and take control of that station now if they want the problems to stop. Sure they can ask the current chief to step down,but then you still have the members of the billy joe show in power and feeling like they need to avenge the fallen leader and the problems go on and on.
i know a certain captain and acting battallion tat would whip that department in shape quick
Hey look Capt. Wines, Buchannon is not the only place stuff like this goes on, it’s every where with several volunteer agencies espically here in Virginia. Things are not like they used to be. I am a career and volunteer fireman. I can’t even stand to go to my volunteer station/crew hall any more because of the s*%tbags that are let in to be “members”. BESIDES, when you have someone to look at like that Harmony woman why care? Sign me up to pull duty at Cave Spring! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Take care of Rhett for me. Be Safe.
Mr. Wines, I fought fire in botetourt county for over 20 years and it saddens me to see this happen to a department that had such a sense of pride and respect for fellow fire fighters and the community. Seems as if they have forgotten what they are there for!I’m sure that politics and the buddy system of voting for who is gonna give them the most and not who is the best qualified for the job is what ran off alot of the older and better qualified fire fighters in the county. Buchanan Volunteer Fire Dept. took many a trophy at state competitions and at the Apple Blossom Festival as well. I am saddened deeply by the current shape of what once was a respectable name in the Volunteer Fire service. Toler Ransone and Fallen firefighter Danny Morris and many others who have passed on before them are surely turning over in there graves! In the end Buchanan and Botetourt County volunteers, as well as other problemed departments, where not always that way.Thanks for putting things in the light.
I agree with everything you’ve said here Capt. I’ve worked for/with this department for a while now and this assessment is spot on. The volunteers of Botetourt were opposed to the new director position from day one. This being said, a fire chief should not go on record saying that he’s willing to start a fist fight (as is implied in the busted noses comment) with any other officer. Once upon a time, as I understand it, each voly agency in Botetourt was independent and Buchanan was among the more professional and prominent departments. Although the Buchanan fire chief is an EMBARASSMENT to the fire service, his subordinates (who could vote him out any day) are just as much to blame.
That being said, the career dept white shirts could have taken over long ago. The rescue squad folded to the point where the county had to take them over, they should’ve taken the whole house back then. The sad part is, they order their field personnel (now a 24 hr medic unit stationed there) to follow the “Billy Joe Show” instead of having the balls to tell their people to do things the way they should be done (as opposed to the Billy Bob… Joe way”). Then again, you’ve got Two division chiefs that were running everything before the director. One of which is lucky to have a job still because he served no point and never met the qualifications needed for the job. The other, strangely went from Captain, to battalion chief (due to restructuring) and then snaked his way into DC position just before the new director started (Capt to DC in a year?). Why you may ask? Because there was no way the director would have approved that once he came into power.
Obviously, with a boys club like Botetourt that was being run by a weak division chief (David Firestone) and a brand new division chief that looks like a 12 year old (Jason Ferguson), how would you expect them to stand up to a volunteer chief like Billy Joe Carter. Their weakness has been apparent many times when Troutville VFD Chief Scott Paderick will gladly cuss them to their face and they cower and run.
Luckily, there is hope for the citizens of Botetourt!!! The new director has been described as “not drinking the Jason Ferguson Kool-Aid” and will hopefully have the balls to straighten this department out and transition it into a 21st century professional fire and rescue department. (if not, as someone else commented, I’m sure there’s a city captain that could straighten them out)
Too bad u don’t know what all they do for our community and key word volunteer! The carnival and firemans parade is a tradition in out town for many years. You may bash us all you want but hats off and a big thanks to BVFD!!!
Agreed. Hats off to the Volunteers of the BVFD and the Volunteers who help with the Carnival. From what I hear it is a great event.
That is not what this post is about at all. It is about how much better the BVFD could be with leadership.
This isn’t just a black eye for Buchanan VFD, or the town of Buchanan, this issue effects the Fire Service.
It is happening elsewhere too. It is not just in Buchanan.
Herein lies the problem: Buchanan is very protective of its “family”. Many involved are nothing more than overgrown schoolyard bullies. The sad fact is, many locals are afraid to do anything about the situation due to retaliation that they will surely suffer.
Being a volunteer firefighter myself i understand what these guys mean to a community. I can tell you if these two guys were in my house they would have been gone the minute charges were filed they are a disgrace to the fire service as a whole. Volunteer, paid we are all the same I can tell from personal experience while Capt. Wines is a paid firefighter he started as a volunteer and puts in alot of time unpaid doing work for great organizations such as the National Firefighter Endowment which works to fund departments like yours. He is also instrumental in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation which helps familys of fallen firefighters thank god you community has never needed it, he goes to volunteer fire department talks about the brotherhood from what i can tell Botetourt County could use some, he promotes Foxfire products this product is designed to protect firefighters.
Capt Wines is a firefighter that the boys in Buchanon could learn a few things and when not IF they dismiss Billy Joe they should bring Capt Wines in and the Fire Critic could tag along and teach these firefighters what this job means.
Billy j0e is a snake in the grass.cant trust him! His 0wn family will tell u that!
Some people posting here clearly know what is (and has been) going on with BVFD, for a long time. If you have a home on fire in Buchanan, you have 2 options: tennis court or swimming pool, it all depends on whether or not you have a basement or not. Yes, BJC is a joke as a fire chief. Among all of the other accusations that have been brought up on here (pretty much dead-on on every count, you have good sources apparently), it has also been rumored that he does not have the proper certifications (FF 1 and 2), or fraudulently obtained them, and it is also well known that he has had, and continues very shady business dealings in the area as well. It is also true that for as incompetent as BJC is, he is the brightest of the dim bulbs that are members there, as scary as that is. Vote him out or accept his resignation, you are stuck with a BJC wanna be. The BVFD has become flunky bunch central over the past 10 years, and that is no secret to anyone with any knowledge of emergency services in Botetourt County. Concerned FF/Medic is right – there is no one competent to replace him. CFFM is also right that it would be the perfect time for the county (along with the Town of Buchanan council) to step in and address this situation before it costs people their lives, if it has not already – it certainly has cost people property in terms of homes unnecessarily burning to the ground due to BVFD’s incompetence. The problem, as SuzyQ brought up, is whether or not the citizens of the Buchanan service area, along with Botetourt County officials, are willing to stand up and fight against the redneck mafia. For the sake of the people in Buchanan (and the rest of Botetourt when we need their help), I hope they do. And yes, I enjoy the carnival fries and music as much as anyone, but I would much more prefer that my relatives’ and their homes be protected in time of need.
Okay, considering he was ARRESTED AGAIN, shows how much he does for the community. Im sorry, I have lived in Botetourt my whole life, and I for one do not want that in my house with any of my family. I work in the Emergency Dept as a RN and know PLENTY of amazing fire fighters. I have also ran my share of calls. BUT If everyone knew you had a felon coming in YOUR house, does not make you feel safe. You can not be a nurse or police officer if you’re a felon, for a REASON. Now maybe they need to have the same standards for fire fighters. Its a bit ridiculous.
http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-buchanan-volunteer-fire-chief-charged-with-threatening-roanoke-city-firefighter-20120709,0,4474158.story
Ok, let’s get some things straight shall we? First of all, I know very little of the fire/ems scene. The exception would be some of my family on departments in Buchanan, many moons ago. Names like Barley, Carson, Ransone, Morris, Brubaker, & some I have forgotten, should ring a bell. Some served on fire, others on rescue squad, or both. This thing with Carter is just the straw that is starting to break the camel’s back, so to speak. He needs to go, now, so enough said on that part. Concerning the postings of whomever, wanting to bash the paid EMS folks in charge, like Firestone or Ferguson, leave it alone!! They do more than most know. Botetourt County has grown so much in the last 20 or so years, that the time has come for Botetourt to have more control over the volunteer departments. Their assistance in acquiring grants etc. for revenue of supplies & resources should be clear. If you have folks like Carter or Paderick, whether it be run ins with the law, or feeling compelled to cussing someone out, either case, shows unprofessionalism across the board. It’s all about control, who has it, & who wants it. Carter has given BVFD a black eye, & that will take time to repair the damage. If all the back-stabbing could ease up, maybe there would be some more productive things come to pass, like finding a qualified & suitable replacement, that’s long overdue. I’ll leave with this one thought, there is no “I” in “team”!! If you’re prior military reading this, you’ll get it, if not, ask someone, they’ll explain.
Don’t judge the town based other people’s poor decision’s. The BVFD has been around well before BLOG’s became a modern way to start a fight. I thought there was a man or fireman’s code 2 not say anything about another about fire fighter. Grow up(man Up) & speak face 2 face instead provoking so much negative attention to Buchanan. You must have been neglected as a child to enjoy this type of attention
Donald…
The attention is on Buchanan because this type of behavior is being allowed.
The position of Fire Chief is supposed to be one of honor, respect, and dignity. Some get it, some don’t.
My fireman’s code speaks of doing the right thing. Not turning a blind eye to menacing people acting like firefighters.
I’m just giving you my reguards on your thoughts Wines. You call yourself a leader? You call yourself a team player? All I’ve seen that you do is bash people and communities that you feel are beneath you. If the only thing you have time for is gossip and badmouthing local communities maybe the taxpayers should re-consider your position as well. The carnival you refer to as a circus has brought joy and laughter to children of all ages for years and you feel the need to condemn them for your own amusement. As far as Chief Carter goes, have you ever stopped to consider and post any of his positive actions or do you just enjoy judging others. It must be nice to be perfect.
Mason, I believe you missed Willie’s point. He was not attacking the carnival. From what I got, he was calling the product of your Fire Chief’s leadership in the BVFD more of a circus than a fire department.
That was my take on it.
Carnival that brings joy, and laughter to children…. Just like a circus! Great read Capt!
WoW!I will admit I know nothing of the Fire community. As an outsider I am shocked to see that the agency I put faith into to protect my home and those of my family has this much time on their hands. When all of the enery spent bashing each other could be put into something more productive. As far as the carnival is concerned it has been an annual event as long as I can remember and a source of income to the BVFD. All of the energy spent could be used to better our communities.BJC you are supposed to be a man who holds a position of respect and whom people look to in a time of need. Surely there is a classier way to handle the situations you have found yourself in.
I really do wish people would read the whole blog before making commentfor the reat of the fire deps. Mr. Wines was not ridiculing the carnival – he was calling the actions of Mr Carter similar to a ‘three ring circus.’ He was not bashing the community, just pointing out the obvious of Mr. Carter’s actions and how he should be held responsible.
ROANOKE CITY CAPTAIN UNDERWORKED & OVERPAID!!
Are you happy now Mr Wines? Have you finally achieved your goal you set out to achieve? I am so disgusted at this whole situation. Mr Wines appears to be obsessed with Billy Carter and the other members of the bvfd, He has devoted a ridiculous amount of time slandering him apparently the captain of the Roanoke city fire dept has nothing more to do with his time. Here’s my question to him in all this talk on his blog about being professional and brother hood why has he not shown any? Mr Wines you can not Just talk the talk you have to walk the walk as well. All he does is stick his nose and opinion in every one else’s business and start drama, ironic isn’t it to be a fire fighter and such a fire starter all at the same time. I think its such a great idea Mr Wines to attack volunteers who are out here giving so much of their time to help the community as bjc is with that kind of moral booster I can’t believe more people aren’t jumping at the chance to volunteer. Bjc had done alot for this community that you Mr Winey have failed to mention never once have you mentioned all the great things he had done for Buchanan I think its sad that no one ever remembers the good things he’s done but they never ever forget the bad things he’s done, so shame on you Willie Winey for beating up the reputation of a dedicated volunteer and Shame on you Buchanan for not remembering and turning your back as well except for the few of course who have stood up. But I am thankful that right here in the star city we have you Mr Winey the only perfect person ever to let all the rest of us imperfect people know our mistakes. You Mr Wines are a pathetic, nosey, condescending, spineless internet gangster, who’s alligator mouth often overides his hummingbird ass!
ROANOKE CITY FIRE CAPTAIN UNDER WORKED & OVERPAID
Are you happy now Mr Wines? Have you finally achieved your goal you set out to achieve? I am so disgusted at this whole situation. Mr Wines appears to be obsessed with Billy Carter and the other members of the bvfd, He has devoted a ridiculous amount of time slandering him apparently the captain of the Roanoke city fire dept has nothing more to do with his time. Here’s my question to him in all this talk on his blog about being professional and brother hood why has he not shown any? Mr Wines you can not Just talk the talk you have to walk the walk as well. All he does is stick his nose and opinion in every one else’s business and start drama, ironic isn’t it to be a fire fighter and such a fire starter all at the same time. I think its such a great idea Mr Wines to attack volunteers who are out here giving so much of their time to help the community as bjc is with that kind of moral booster I can’t believe more people aren’t jumping at the chance to volunteer. Bjc had done alot for this community that you Mr Winey have failed to mention never once have you mentioned all the great things he had done for Buchanan I think its sad that no one ever remembers the good things he’s done but they never ever forget the bad things he’s done, so shame on you Willie Winey for beating up the reputation of a dedicated volunteer and Shame on you Buchanan for not remembering and turning your back as well except for the few of course who have stood up. But I am thankful that right here in the star city we have you Mr Winey the only perfect person ever to let all the rest of us imperfect people know our mistakes. You Mr Wines are a pathetic, nosey, condescending, spineless internet gangster, who’s alligator mouth often overides his hummingbird ass!
What about all the good things I’ve done Kimberli??? Now just look at what you’ve just done with this comment … is this not the pot calling the kettle black? Hummmmm
Willie Wines Jr….an internet gangster…yup…I’m sure of it…I hate him!
I think some of the folks of Buchanan who are standing behind Chief Billy Bob are missing the point that officials, yes even those of the vollie organizations, should be held to a higher standard. No, he could care less about the carnival, it was a metaphor for the three ring circus that seems to be going on down there.
Nowadays, even the vollies should be considered professionals and held to the same standards as a paid professional. They are fighting the same fires and answering the same emergency response types. The excuse of “well their a volunteer”, does not cut it as an excuse for lack of training or knowledge.
I feel the department is as much to blame in this situation for the condoning or even the blind eye to the shenanigans going on. I have been a member of numerous volunteer departments and this behavior would never been allowed.
“You don’t forget who you ride with” – what is this the local MC chapter??
awhh someone delete my post because they couldnt take the heat of the truth?? figuressss
okay im going to sum up my last post since it got deleted hmmm. BILLY JOE CARTER (thats his name by the way) is one heck of a fire chief! and yes i said IS because in my eyes he always will be! he has done more for the community then anyone could have ever imagined and for that matter he has done alot for my family personally! my husband has known him for ten plus years and has never had an issue out of him and has always respected him! with that being said why are we making jokes and immature comments and arguements over some town drama anyways? last time i checked nobody had died in a fire in botetourt county so CHIEF CARTER must have been doing something right. nobody was dogging him when he was saving lives were they? not that i recall. he has always made his VOLUNTEER a priority and absolutely noting less. i am outraged of some of the things people are saying and half of you dont even know him! maybe you should stop bad mouthing everyone else to make yourselves feel better. with that being said anyone who let billy joe step down from chief is a complete fool. may i ask that you make sure you know both sides of storys before you start rambling on about something you dont even know? (and truth be known the ONLY person who knows what happend is BILLY JOE CARTER HIMSELF) thank you i appreciate your time in letting me clear a few things up
so sorry if some dont feel the same
Courtney, your first comment was NOT deleted. You posted it under the “contact” tab of the Ironfiremen.com home page … not the article. Thanks for the comments.
Captain Wines
well then in that case my bad. however. think long and hard about what is said. ya know billy joe is a human being he has feelings as does everyone else and he is being falsely accused of some things nobody is perfect nobody is innocent and people make mistakes and my heart goes out to billy joe because i for one cannot even imagine the things he is going through. do you know what words can do to a person? just a few words can go along way. so please maybe think about that before you go bashing him. i am a full faithful believer that billy joe is a good man always has been and im sure always will be.
Yeah,
who cares about that buchannan place. Let em he. Don’t post what he’s been doing. Leavi it under the rug. When the ship hits the sand with that guy, its on them. Let them find out the hard way, then asking why noone told us about him.
. We’ve all got better things to do than worry about that place.