Nick Bonniville of Gloucester, is a Master Medic/Firefighter with Hampton Fire and Rescue. When he’s not at the station, Bonniville spends his down time actively participating in volunteer work in the community.

Bonniville comes from a family of firemen with his grandfather, father and other family members having served as firefighters. Bonniville said he first volunteered at Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad in 1996.

This last year, COVID-19 added extra layers of difficulty to those who work in emergency services. Bonniville said that the different ways the virus affected people and the potential severity of contracting it played mind games with him and his peers. He said the added caution they had to take set them back when it came to responding to calls.

Bonniville said he was glad that he could aid in COVID-19 relief efforts by administering vaccinations. He said it was a rewarding experience seeing hope return to the eyes of those who received the vaccinations.

Bonniville’s wife Fran also administered vaccinations. Fran is the Coordinator of Quality at Riverside and is no strange to volunteer work herself. Bonniville said that they often work together on the same causes. They’ve both been active in the past at their church and with their children’s schools.

One current cause the two are engaged with is the planning of this year’s Guinea Jubilee. The Bonnivilles are members of the Guinea Heritage Association. They are joined by brother and sister pair, Ryan Ashe and Melissa Ashe, in chairing the Guinea Jubilee.

The Jubilee was canceled last year because of the pandemic, which made planning for this year a challenge. Bonniville said they aren’t sure how many people will attend the event and are unsure how to manage their expectations.
Bonniville is hopeful that the event will return with the same kind of turnout and excitement it’s had in the past. He said the Jubilee as always felt like a family reunion for him and is excited to be a part of its return.

He said the community in Guinea has supported him in the past and he is excited to have a chance to give back to it. He said it was the community that has stepped up to support him and his family when they’ve experienced tragedy and loss.

Bonniville said he grew up with faith and volunteering as core values in his life. He continues to exemplify those values in his professional and volunteer work for the betterment of his community.