By Ryan Harris
Chattanooga Times Free Press

DADE COUNTY, Tenn. — This year's top volunteer firefighter in the Dade County community of West Brow isn't even old enough yet to fight fires up close.

Kerry Phillips, 17, became the youngest member of the fire department to ever take the top honor, said Chief Tim Sharp Jr.

"He's done quite a bit of work at the fire halls," Mr. Sharp said. "He's done more than his fair share."

Mr. Phillips is a member of the department's cadets, a group of 16- and 17-year-olds who are learning the skills. There are eight cadets on the West Brow squad.

The junior firefighters can't go inside burning buildings, but they can pull hoses and spray water from a distance, the chief said.

"(Kerry) has taken himself on as a leader with the cadets," Mr. Sharp said.

The chief said the top volunteer firefighter award is based in large part on attendance at meetings and turnouts for fire calls.

Kerry's mother, Marsha Phillips, said her son is dedicated to attending fire department functions and that he has learned lessons in responsibility from participating in the cadet program.

"He loves that fire department," Mrs. Phillips said. "Whenever that pager goes off, he's ready to go."

But Mr. Phillips, a senior at Dade County High School, remains humble.

"There is a bunch of people that have worked just as much as I have," he said.

Mr. Phillips said his interest in firefighting was sparked by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the heroism of firefighters. He said he was quickly hooked on the profession.

"I like the adrenaline and wanting to help people," he said.

Mr. Phillips said he will take courses to become a full-time firefighter after graduation, although he may pursue a second career in welding and mechanical work. Among his volunteer fire station duties, he helps service the firetrucks for the West Brow department.

The West Brow Fire Department has two stations in the community just south of Lookout Mountain, Ga. It has seven trucks and 35 members.

Copyright 2007 Chattanooga Publishing Company