Frank Vaerewijck, has had a passion for cooking and  the fire service that has spanned over 20 years.

He has been a volunteer and career firefighter and is currently a firefighter/EMT with the Smithfield Fire (VA). He has passed on his passion for the fire service through instruction and mentorship. That same passion he has for the fire service is shared with his love of food.

In 2006, Vaerewijck won an Iron Chef-style competition sponsored by a radio station in Richmond, Virginia. That is where he also furthered his education by attending a Culinary Arts Program.

As the Firehouse Foodie, he has been compiling recipes to be included in a cookbook that will give others the opportunity to see their hometown heroes not just as firefighters, but as the firehouse chefs they truly are.