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Brian P. Vickers - CEO

Since 2001 Brian P. Vickers has been providing grant assistance to non-profit organizations across the country. Mr Vickers has a BS in Computer Information Systems Management, and is nearly complete in his pursuit of an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He has been an active volunteer firefighter for over 16 years and holds numerous state and national certifications. He has published numerous articles, was a chapter author for a college textbook, has recorded numerous PodCasts, and has given grant writing and financial health presentations all over the United States.

Andrea M. Vickers - VP/Office Manager

Andrea has a BS in Early Childhood Education and Business Management. She has worked both in the education and in the financial world. When Brian and Andrea had their first child, she decided to stay home and be with her for the first year. While at home, VCS was rapidly expanding and Andrea began to help in the office managing the paperwork and phones. Brian was a firefighter when they met and she was well aware of the risks involved with firefighting, however it wasn’t until she began working in the office that she realized how many departments were under-funded, under-staffed, and still working hard to protect their communities with old, worn and inadequate equipment and vehicles. Together they decided that Andrea would not return to teaching but instead continue to help Brian in the fight to find funding for all who needed it. Andrea does still use her degree in education and business to help other non-profits such as schools, museums and libraries find the funding they need as well as continuing to fight for all public safety departments who work so hard to protect our communities with so little.

Erin Gowton

Erin is our Grant Research/Coordinator, Erin has a BA in Mass Communications from Saint Bonaventure University and has a vast background of experience. She has been working with VCS on and off for the past 5 years throughout various grant seasons and has been a part of our back end research team. She is now moving to the front lines to better serve our clients and will be heading our grant research department.

Andy Theriault - Senior Writer

Andy has been assessing needs and writing narratives with us for over 5 years and has been a member of the fire service for over 30 years. Andy is a graduate of the NFA Executive Fire Officer program, has his BA in Business Administration and Associate Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology. He has an incredible knowledge of codes and compliances and has had excellent success with his narratives.

Paul Jeffiers - Senior Writer

Paul has been a firefighter for over 18 years and is Asst. Chief of his department. Paul has been with us for over three years as a writer and has pleased many departments with his creative and through narratives. He has been writing narratives in several counties since AFG began and has had continued success since joining us.

Chris Babcock

Chris has over 26 years’ experience in both the volunteer and career side of the fire service. He has held positions from Lieutenant to Chief in his volunteer department in Ringwood NJ and with his career department served as a Captain and Battalion Chief. He has worked in Training/Operations and Emergency Management. Chris has been writing and funding grants for his department and their surrounding departments since AFG began and has brought in over 21 million for those departments in his area. We are excited to have him join our team.

Dave Mottor

Dave has been with us for over two years and has had tremendous success with the narratives he has worked on. Dave is a Retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Chief Master Sergeant and has been in the fire service for 27 years. He is currently the Chief of his department.

Lee Bacon

Lee has over 20 years’ experience in the fire service. Lee has served as the Administrative Officer and Chief for his fire department in PA. Lee has been writing for VCS for over two years. With his successfully writing and detailed execution of narratives, we have asked him to join us for writing again this year.

Phil Fraser

Phil has been a member of the fire service since 1975. He is currently the Chief of his department and also works as an emergency room RN. Phil has been successfully writing AFG narratives with us for the past six years.

Ray Strickland

Ray has been a member of the fire service for over 36 years and has help every position from Firefighter up to and including his current position as Chief of his department. He is also the Assistant Chief of his areas Industrial Response Team. Ray has completed several college courses on grant writing and has been successful in obtaining AFG grants ranging from PPE to Tankers.

Ron Renzulli

Ron is a volunteer firefighter with Morrisville Fire Company, located in southeastern Pennsylvania. He is chairman of the Grants Committee and co-chairman of the Building Committee, and has at times served as trustee, vice president and acting president for the Company. He has been a professional writer and editor for the past 30 years, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Wisconsin.

Sherry Drake

Sherry has been with our company writing narratives for over four years and has helped departments get awarded over $4 million in AFG funding alone. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fire Science. She is a civilian who is very well-informed about the many issues and challenges the fire service faces having written numerous research papers on issues relating to the fire service. She focuses on operations and safety and is very committed to helping fire departments reach their goals. Sherry has been actively involved in the firehouse forums for the past 10 years.