Issuu

Story on page 12. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

7 Displaced by Bristow

House Fire

Units were dispatched to Trade Wind Court in Bristow on July 19, 2025, for reports of a house fire.

See story on page 6

VA

DOF

Crew Assists at PA Wildfires

The Virginia DOF recently sent three firefighters to help Pennsylvania suppress the Michaux State Forest wildfires.

See story on page 14

5 Displaced by Suffolk House Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to Macedonia Avenue for a residential structure fire.

See story on page 18

Removal of Injured Driver

from Ravine

Galax Fire Department crews were activated for an MVA on Skyline Highway.

See story on page 24

ACFR Recruit School Graduation

Recruit School 25 graduated 22 recruits on June 26, 2025.

See story on page 33

Memorial Service for the Fallen 12 fire, EMS, and forestry personnel attended the Virginia Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service.

See story on page 38

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The Virginia Firefighter

Business Directory

pages 7-10

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page 30 Industry News

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page 32 Focus of the Month

BBQ Leak Starts House Fire

Randolph District Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) was toned out for a house fire next to the Randolph District VFD on Cumberland Road on May 20, 2025. Farmville VFD and Cumberland VFD were also toned out. The owner had put his dinner on the BBQ, on the back porch. He went back in, to bring out the rest of the dinner and found the Barbecue leaked and blew up. He was able to get out the front door to call the fire department. On arrival the porch and roof were on fire and starting to extend to the back room of the house. Randolph and Farmville attacked the fire and searched. The fire was under control in about eight minutes. The was a lot of smoke damage to the home. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

2 Found Dead in Matthews House Fire

Two suspects are in custody after authorities discovered a man and woman dead in a burning home in rural Mathews County, Virginia. The Mathews County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a structure fire in the 17000 block of John Clayton Memorial Highway around 2200 hours. Firefighters were met with flames coming from the front of the home. Crews made entry and pulled out two people, but both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said both victims, appeared to have been shot multiple times. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

7 Displaced by Bristow House Fire

Units were dispatched to the 8500 block of Trade Wind Court in Bristow on July 19, 2025, for reports of a house fire. Crews arrived to fire and smoke showing from a single-family dwelling. The home sustained extensive damage. A Building Official determined the home was unsafe to occupy, displacing four adults and three children. The Red Cross was assisting the displaced occupants. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office. - Photo courtesy of Prince William County FR

3 Displaced by Duplex Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 200 block of Pine Street for reported residential structure fire. A bystander walked into Suffolk Fire Station 1 and reported the fire. Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Rescue 1, Medic 1 and EMS 1 arrived to find a singlestory duplex with smoke showing from the front door and eaves. Crews made entry and located and extinguished the fire. Three occupants were home and were displaced. The room where the fire was located and isolated sustained heavy damage and the rest of the duplex sustained moderate smoke damage. The three adults who were displaced were being assisted by the American Red Cross. The fire was under investigation by the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office with Fire Marshal 4 leading the investigation. - Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

Shockoe Bottom Residents Displaced by 3-Alarmer

Richmond firefighters operated at a three-alarm fire at a business in the 1700 block of east main street in Shockoe Bottom. Crews were called to the area for a reported fire at the Daily Menu. The chief said that the fire spread to three other residences, from which all the

Springfield

2-Alarmer

occupants had been displaced, and one other business on 17th Street. Firefighters worked in extreme heat and humid weather. While no civilians were hurt, two firefighters experienced heat exhaustion while battling the blaze. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn

Fairfax County Fire crews operated at the scene of a two-alarm house fire in the 5900 block of Amherst Avenue in Springfield. Crews arrived to heavy fire throughout the house. Units quickly began working to extinguish the fire and conduct search operations. One civilian was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Va DOF Crew Assists in PA Wildfires

The Virginia Division of Forestry (DOF) recently sent three firefighters and a Type6 engine to help Pennsylvania suppress the Thompson Hollow and Hammonds Rocks wildfires on the Michaux State Forest. Over their 10-day assignment, the DOF crew conducted burnout, mop-up, and snagging operations on both fires.

- Photos courtesy of Virginia DOF

Sanders Creek Road Garage Fire

Hendon

Buckingham Dispatch received a call at about 1620 on June 30, 3025, for a two-car garage on fire, near a single-wide mobile home on Sanders Creek Road off Route 636. Dillwyn, Toga and Arvonia departments were dispatched along with Randolph Dist for a tanker. Two 1 3/4 inch lines were used to control the fire, but the garage was metal frame and a total loss.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Attached Garage Fire Stopped

Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews operated at the scene of a house fire in the 3000 block of Jeannie Anna Court in Herndon. Crews arrived to fire showing from an attached garage. Crews began an aggressive interior attack and were able to contain the majority of the fire to the garage. One civilian was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. Fire investigators were on the scene. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Dunn Loring Fire

Held to Attic

Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews operated at the scene of a house fire on the 8500 block of Stonewall Drive in Dunn Loring. Units arrived to smoke showing from the second floor of the home, and a fire in the attic. Crews worked to quickly contain the fire to the attic.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Chatham Fire Stopped

At 1803 hours on June 11, 2025, Chatham Rescue Squad, Chatham Fire Department, Dry Fork Fire Department, Climax Fire Department, Blairs Fire & Rescue, and Pittsylvania County Public Safety were alerted to a residential structure fire in the 200 block of Woodlawn Heights, located within the Town of Chatham. Units responding reported a column of smoke as they approached the scene. Upon arrival, a member of Blairs Fire and Rescue reported heavy smoke and flames showing from the A and D corner of a single-story residential structure. Heavy fire conditions were noted in the garage section of the house, where partial structural collapse had occurred. Rescue 127 (Chatham Rescue) and Medic 2 (Pittsylvania County Public Safety) arrived and began sizing up the scene and locating possible patients. All three occupants of the home had evacuated and were evaluated by EMS. Engine 212 (Chatham FD) began primary searches and offensive attack. Command 21 (Chatham FD) assumed command and the fire was knocked down within 15 minutes.

- Submitted by Elizabeth Durham

8 Displaced by Woodridge Fire

On July 20, 2025, units were dispatched to the 2300 block of West Longview Drive in Woodbridge for a reported house fire. Crews arrived to fire showing from the front of the home. All occupants were out of the residence after being alerted by smoke detectors. Two of the occupants were transported to a local medical facility for treatment. The home sustained moderate damage with the fire originating in the basement and was declared unsafe to occupy by the building official. The incident displaced five adults and three children. The adults injured resided in the basement. The Red Cross was assisting the displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office was attempting to determine the cause of the fire.

- Photo courtesy of Prince William County FR

Roanoke Kitchen Fire Snuffed

Crews were dispatched by the E-911 Center to a structure fire in the 30 block of Market Square SE, which was reported by an alarm company. Roanoke Police quickly arrived and confirmed there was fire and began assisting with evacuations. Crews on Engine 1 C-Shift arrived and reported heavy smoke showing from the side of the building and went to work. Battalion Chief 1 reported a loss stop indicating the fire was extinguished and no additional property was expected to be lost or damaged. The fire was contained to the kitchen hood system and crews stayed on scene to ventilate the entire building. The origin of the fire was determined accidental in nature by the Fire Marshal’s Office. - Photos courtesy of Roanoke Fire & EMS

5

Little Fork Assists Culpeper County

Little Fork was dispatched to assist Culpeper County Volunteer Fire with a three-story apartment fire near the hospital on June 30, 2025. Volunteers responded with Wagon 9. After arriving at the fire, Little Fork was dispatched for an injury from a fall in the Quail Ridge subdivision. Little Park Ambulance 9-2 and Utility 9 responded to this incident and transported one person to Fauquier Hospital. We thank the five volunteers that responded to the fire and the other four volunteers that responded to the EMS incident. - Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR

Displaced by Suffolk House Fire

On July 5, 2025, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 1700 block of Macedonia Avenue for reported residential structure fire. Suffolk’s Emergency Communication’s Center dispatched the incident at 2300 hours. Battalion 2 and Engine 9 arrived to find a three-story residential structure with heavy fire and smoke showing from the front. Heavy fire conditions progressed into the attic and knee walls above the fire and at 2345 all interior operations were suspended and a second alarm was called. After the fire was controlled by a ladder pipe and exterior handlines, crews re-entered the structure. Two adults and three children were displaced and the American Red Cross was assisting them. The structure sustained heavy fire and smoke damage. - Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

Downtown Training for Portsmouth

Crews from Station 4, Rescue 1 and Engine 4, headed downtown recently for a joint training session with Station 1 crews: Truck 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Medic 1 and Battalion 1. The focus of the training was Stokes basket operations, using Truck 1 as an artificial high directional. After reviewing and familiarizing themselves with the equipment on Rescue 1 and Truck 1, crews ran a scenario involving the attachment of the Stokes basket to Truck 1 for the simulated movement of a manikin patient to a safer location. Station 4 is home to Portsmouth’s Technical Rescue Team, with members specially trained in a wide range of rescue disciplines including passenger and heavy vehicle extrication, rope rescue, confined space, trench, water, tower rescue, structural collapse, and Man vs. Machine incidents. These ongoing trainings ensure our teams are always ready to respond with skill and confidence. - Photo courtesy of Portsmouth FR

VA-TF1 Annual

Full-Scale

VDFP Extrication Weekend

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations was proud to collaborate with Riner Volunteer in Montgomery County for a passenger vehicle extrication weekend. Students successfully completed the VDFP Passenger Vehicle Awareness, Operations Technician. The Riner Fire Ladies Auxiliary provided hot lunches each day. Thanks to Total Car Care and Towing & Tannahill Towing and Repair for the logistical support. - Photo courtesy of VDFP

Exercise

Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue (VA-TF1) conducted its annual full-scale exercise, simulating an international earthquake response from activation to demobilization. Congratulations to the rostered members, exercise controllers and all the support staff that enabled the success of this drill.

- Photo courtesy of VA TF-1 and Fairfax County FR

It May Be Old, But

It’s Ready to Go

Crews on C-Shift at Station 5 took some time to wash and wax their 2004 Pierce reserve ladder. Even the older trucks deserve some TLC. While it may not be front-line every day apparatus, reserve vehicles like this one are vital when our regular rigs are in for maintenance, upgrades or unexpected repairs. Crews rely on these trucks to get them where they need to go, safely and efficiently, so keeping them clean, functional and ready at a moment’s notice is part of the job.

- Photo courtesy of Roanoke Fire & EMS

Lightning Strike Causes Fire on Liberty Springs Rd.

Herndon House Fire

Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews operated at the scene of a house fire in the 900 block of Vine Street in Herndon. Units arrived to smoke showing from the roof of the home. The fire was swiftly brought under control. The cause was under investigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

On July 18, 2025, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 100 block of West Liberty Springs Road for a residential structure fire. Suffolk Emergency Communications Center dispatched the incident at 2110 hours. Engine 8 arrived to find a two-story residence with heavy fire and smoke showing from the second floor and roof. Lightning struck the house and the occupants were alerted by smoke alarms. Due to the heavy fire conditions, the IC transitioned to a defensive-operations and the fire was placed under control at 2225. The home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage throughout the second floor and attic. The fire’s cause was determined to be due to the lightning strike.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

MVA Tractor vs Car on Holman Mill Rd.

Randolph District Volunteer Fire Department was toned out on June 26, 2025, for an MVA on Holman Mill Road with a tractor and car with no injuries. Holman Mill Road, a winding, back county road. The tractor with a brush hog was cutting the side of the road when the MVA happened. One tow truck hooked up to the tractor to as an anchor to prevent it from going down a 20-foot ditch, as the other tow truck pulled the car out from under the tractor. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Removal of Injured Driver from Ravine

Galax Fire Department (GFD) crews were activated for a reported MVA on Skyline Highway. Arriving units found a single-passenger vehicle that had left the right side of the roadway and went down a steep embankment into a ravine. The R4 crew as well as GFD EMTs evaluated the patient and began extrication. Based on the severity of injuries, the door was removed to allow access and the patient was placed into a Stokes basket. Tower 11, a Pierce 100-foot Ascendant, performed a crane lift of the Stokes and lowered the patient directly onto the Galax-Grayson EMS gurney for transport to an LZ, set up by additional GFD volunteers on standby at the station. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist transferred the patient to a trauma center. We cannot say enough about this GFD crew and it was the first save for Tower 11. Special thanks to the Asplundh Tree Expert crew who professionally shut down Highway 89 in both directions. Thanks for the assist. Thanks also to the Virginia State Police and Twin County E-911 center for their assistance.

- Photos courtesy of Galax FD

Galax Handles Extrication in Head-on MVA

Louisa and Mineral Handle

On June 5, 2025 Louisa County Fire and EMS, along with Mineral Volunteer Fire Department operated at an MVA with entrapment on Jefferson Highway.

- Photo courtesy of Louisa County Fire & EMS

Recently, Galax Fire Department (GFD) crews responded to a head-on MVA on Mallory Road. Arriving units found a head-on collision with one patient heavily entrapped. Pipers Gap Rescue began patient assessment, while GFD units began a door removal and dash roll, completing extrication in seven minutes. Care was turned over to Pipers Gap Rescue and the patient was flown to a trauma center. The single occupant in the second vehicle self-extricated and was transported to TCRH with nonlife-threatening injuries.

- Photos courtesy of Galax FD

FEMA Activates VA-TF1

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue (VA-TF1) to support the response to the recent Texas floods. The team sent three canines and a search manager. The search canines worked diligently in their assigned area. Each day they got a quick med check by a veterinarian and a well-deserved bath.

- Photos courtesy of FEMA, Fairfax County FR, and VA-TF1

Fairfax Assists ‘Teenage Ninja’ Turtle

The crew from FS25, Reston, A-shift were a bit ‘shell-shocked’ to see a turtle trying to cross Sunset Hills Road near Reston Parkway. Acting quickly, the crew stopped and helped the turtle safely cross the road. FF Ben Welty posed with the grateful reptile before each continued on their way. Fairfax’s Bravest are always ready when you need us!

Norfolk to the Duck Rescue

Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Engine 10 and Rescue 2 crews, with help from Norfolk Police Department, were able to rescue 12 ducklings from a storm drain this morning. All ducklings were in good spirits and will be relocated to a much nicer waterway. That’s great Norfolk teamwork!

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Flooding Incident on North Arch Rd.

Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to a flooding incident on North Arch Road. Crews arrived to find water rushing across the roadway and multiple nearby side-streets. Several homes and vehi-

Drowning at Chesterfield’s Swift Creek Reservoir

cles were affected. One family had to shelter in place on their front porch as water flowed through their property. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Carter Killorn

Chesterfield Police are investigating a drowning that occurred at the Swift Creek Reservoir on July 12, 2025 at 1653 hours, Chesterfield Fire and EMS SCUBA Rescue Team responded to the scene and began searching for the 18-year-old victim. Hours later the victim was located and pronounced dead at 1917. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn

2025 North American Water Rescue Conference

Special Operations Division Chief Chad Riddleberger, along with current and former adjunct instructors Ben Roadruck, Larry Mullin and Carlos Carrillo were invited to speak. The three-day conference provided presentations and practical workshops to stu-

dents from 25 states and eight different countries. The Commonwealth had faculty and students from Loudoun, Arlington, Fairfax, Stafford, and Goochland.

- Photos courtesy of Virginia Department of Fire Programs

ACFR Paramedic Graduation

ACFR Paramedic Graduation was held on May 29, 2025. The ACFR paramedic program trains selected firefighter/EMTs in advanced life support (ALS) education, covering cardiac monitoring, invasive airway management, and administration of medications, to become paramedics, the highest level of pre-hospital care.

- Submitted by Reagan Whitlow

Roanoke’s Todd Reighley Calls it a Career

After 25 years of service, Captain Todd Reighley of Station 4 A-Shift is retiring, leaving behind a legacy built on perseverance, humility and mentorship.

Firefighting was always in the back of his mind. Even his high school yearbook said, “Good luck being a firefighter!” He made it a reality as a graduate of Recruit School 15.

From his first assignment at 13A with Captain Yearout to Ladder 2 with Lt. Wells, Todd learned from those who expected excellence. “Know your job. Do your job,” his Captain told him. He took that advice seriously and passed it along to others for two and a half decades.

He trained hard, led by example, and pushed his crew to keep up — often outpacing even the youngest. “Pound for pound, I want to

take people on for task,” he said. “This is the greatest job in the world. You’re not going to be rich monetarily, but you’ll have a rich life.”

Some of his hardest days were defining. He recalls a shift with two pediatric fatalities after just losing a family member. “That was a hard day. We all reach our breaking point … It’s important that we take care of each other.”

Captain Reighley credits many mentors: Lt. Jim Hilton (“taught me more about pumping than my head could hold”), Capt. Trussler (“ladder ops”), BC Riddleberger (“gave me a home in water rescue”), and Chief Cole, who drove from Atlanta to be at his retirement celebration.

On his last shift, his wife brought their food truck to Station 4, offering lunch to anyone who stopped by—a perfect reflection of the

family spirit he’s known for. He also passed his hose pick to Firefighter/EMT Levette and explained: “It’s tradition. You have to earn it. It’s meant to be passed on.”

In his retirement, he plans to support his wife’s career, focus on his family, and continue to give back to the fire service. What he’ll miss most is simple and heartfelt: the kitchen table, where bonds are formed, stories are shared, and the heartbeat of the firehouse lives.

His advice: “Smile, listen, work hard—but smile. It’s easier to do this job when you’re tired and hungry if you’re surrounded by people who can still smile.” Congratulations, Captain Reighley. Your impact will last for generations!

- Photos courtesy of Roanoke Fire & EMS

Tune in for the Ringdown Podcast

Tune into the newest episode of the Ringdown Podcast, where Firefighter/EMTs Collin Lasek and James Fritsch from Station 5 B Shift highlight what it means to be aggressive in the fire service. These two leaders take pride in the signature on their work and show up every day as the type of first responders they would want to show up for their family. Whether you’re a firefighter who loves the job or someone aspiring to become a first responder, this episode is for you! - Submitted by Roanoke Fire & EMS

Louisa Fire Get Closeup Look at LKU

Members of Louisa-Fire Station 1 received tours of the Louisa County Airport-Freeman Field (LKU). Airport personnel were able to provide crews with important information that will better prepare them in an emergency.

- Photo courtesy Louisa County Fire & EMS

Warrenton’s Chief Christopher Ross Awarded Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Legacy Award Baldwin Honored with 2024 President’s Award

Warrenton’s Chief Christopher Ross was Awarded the Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Legacy Award recently This annual award recognizes an individual for superior leadership and actions that have elevated the fire service profession within the Commonwealth of Virginia through mentoring, teaching ND sharing outstanding contributions. Any current career or volunteer firefighter up to and including a chief officer within the Commonwealth of Virginia is eligible to compete for this award.

After being nominated by the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company, Chief Christopher S. Ross was selected for this year’s prestigious VFCA Chief Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Award. It was presented at the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company’s 101st Annual Awards Banquet on April 26, 2025, at the WVFC Station 1.

Chief Christopher Ross, whose distinguished 45-year career in the fire service, including 31 years with the federal government, exemplifies unparalleled dedication, technical expertise, and leadership. Chief Ross’ legacy of service to his agency, his community, and to the broader fire service is one that has not only shaped countless careers but has also had a profound, lasting impact on the profession itself. His exemplary leadership, mentorship, and commitment to professional development make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award.

Congratulations Chief Ross! - Submitted by William Smith

ANNE MARIE JUDGE AS CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER FOR NFFF

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is honored to welcome Anne Marie Judge as its new Chief Advancement Officer. With decades of experience in fundraising, major gift strategy, campaign development, and donor engagement, Anne Marie brings both professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission.

As the wife of a 32-year veteran of the Troy, New York Fire Department and a 9/11 first responder, Anne Marie’s connection to the fire service runs deep. Her personal and professional journeys converge in this role, bringing added meaning to her leadership and dedication to supporting the families and communities we serve.

Prior to joining the NFFF, Anne Marie held several senior fundraising positions and built and revitalized advancement offices for a variety of organizations, including the American University in Rome, Franklin University Switzerland, Albany Law Schools, and the Albany Symphony, delivering record-setting results and driving long term growth.

On March 22, 2025, at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Awards and Recognition Ceremony, outgoing VFCA President, Vance Cooper, named Chief Allen Baldwin, as the recipient of the 2024 VFCA President’s Award. Chief Baldwin was selected based on his incredible commitment to Virginia’s fire service.

Allen Baldwin was chosen for the VFCA President’s Award because he is an excellent relationship builder. This is paramount for an association like ours to succeed through leadership, advocacy, and education. The most impactful relationship he started was joining forces with Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. As a result, we began participating in Lobby Day and aligning Virginia’s Fire Service priorities. By combining our efforts we became stronger and generated impactful legislation, connected resources and sent meaningful messages. Allen knows to go far you can’t go alone. This exemplifies the meaning of the President’s Award and I am very proud to present him with this honor.

The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association W.C. ‘Bill’ Smith President’s Award has been awarded by the VFCA President since 2009. This award is chosen by the president for an individual who has provided some type of influence and support to the president during his term in office.

Congratulations Chief Baldwin! - Submitted by William Smith

FIRE RESCUE SYSTEMS UNVEILS MOBILE MANPOWER READER: A GAME-CHANGING TOOL FOR REAL-TIME PERSONNEL ACCOUNTABILITY

Fire Rescue Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge software solutions for fire departments nationwide, proudly announced the launch of its latest innovation: the Mobile Manpower Reader. This robust, real-time accountability tool is designed to revolutionize how fire departments track, monitor and manage personnel while on the scene.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Personnel Tracking: View who is on-scene, their status and their qualifications from any mobile device.

• Automated Accountability: Instantly update and share manpower rosters across units and command.

• Easy Integration: Works with Fire Rescue Systems’ Dispatch and Roster & Attendance modules.

• Mobile-Optimized: Designed for tablets and smartphones, providing operational agility during critical incidents.

The Mobile Manpower Reader is not just an enhancement-it’s a force multiplier. Whether for career or volunteer departments, the application is built to scale and adapt.

Fire Rescue Systems will be showcasing the Mobile Manpower Reader at upcoming industry expos and offers demos by request.

ACFR Recruit School Graduation

RS 25 graduation on June 26th, 2025. ACFR held a recruit school for a total of 22 recruits, all of whom received training on emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation, emergency vehicle operations, and other skills necessary for success.

-Submitted by Reagan Whitlow

Little Fork Large Animal Rescue Team

On June 14, 2025, the Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team gave a presentation to the Virginia Horse Council at their annual legislative trail ride. The event was held in Gordonsville and was well attended. The presentation included discussing past rescues and displaying some of our specialized equipment. We would like to thank the hosts and our volunteers who attended. This also includes the volunteers who covered our fire and EMS area while we attended.

-Photos courtesy Little Fork Volunteer Technical Large Animal Rescue Team

First Annual Captain George L. Sisson Memorial 5K Race to Extinguish Cancer

The Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) held its first annual Captain George L. Sisson Memorial 5K Race to Extinguish Cancer, on May 24, 2025 in honor of a beloved family man, firefighter and cancer warrior who inspired so many throughout his life and career. Held at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County, the race brought together hundreds of participants from across the region, including firefighters, families, community supporters, and cancer survivors. The event was more than just a run; it was a powerful tribute to Captain Sisson’s legacy and a rallying call to support those facing occupational cancer in the fire service. Thanks to the tremendous turnout and generous support of sponsors and donors, the event raised significant funds for FCSN’s mission: to provide assistance and education to firefighters and their families battling cancer. Local fire departments, businesses, and community groups played a vital role in the event’s success, with many forming race teams and fundraising in honor of fallen and surviving heroes. The FCSN extends its deepest gratitude to Captain Sisson’s family, the planning team, volunteers, sponsors, and every participant who made this inaugural event a meaningful and memorable experience. Plans are already underway for next year’s race, with the goal of growing even stronger in Captain Sisson’s name. Together, we ran for a cause. Together, we continue the mission to extinguish cancer in the fire service.

- Submitted by Steve Weissman

We’ll Miss You…But, ahh, Not that Much

Norfolk Fire Rescue placed the brand-new Engine 16 into service recently. The crew performed the traditional push in service ceremony. The old Engine 16 still lives on to serve as a backup truck. Your crew will miss you but not that much. The new engine has cold air conditioning! - Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Agencies Get Outstanding Fire Department Response Award

On July 17, 2025, Virginia Department of Fire Programs had the pleasure of presenting the Governor’s Fire Service Award for Outstanding Fire Department Response.

On August 24, 2024, multiple agencies provided a coordinated response to rescue an injured hiker in mountainous terrain.

The agencies involved in this response included Augusta County Fire Rescue, Augusta County Emergency Communications Center, City of Staunton Fire-Rescue, City of Waynesboro Fire Department and Virginia State Police MedFlight 1. -Photos courtesy VDFP

Medic Amber Hamel

Promoted to Capt.

We are incredibly proud to announce the promotion of Medic Amber Hamel to the rank of EMS Captain with the City of Hopewell Fire & EMS! This is a historic milestone — Captain Hamel is now the first female Operational Captain in our department’s history since it was founded in 1916.

With over a decade of service, including serving with Southside Emergency Crew in Petersburg, VA since 2013, Captain Hamel has been a driving force in our progress. She was one of the first ALS Firefighters hired when Hopewell launched their Medic Program five years ago — a moment that reshaped our EMS capabilities.

In her new leadership role, Captain Hamel will oversee: EMS Training; Equipment & Service Billing; Medication Management Program.

She’s already looking ahead with a commitment to strengthen both our firefighters and EMS providers, ensuring we continue to provide the highest level of care to the citizens of Hopewell.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Amber Hamel on this wellearned promotion and for blazing a new trail in Hopewell Fire & EMS history. - Photo courtesy of Hopewell Fire & EMS

NFR FF Christopher Rogers Retires

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk

Norfolk Fire Rescue (NFR) wishes to congratulate Firefighter Christopher Rogers on his retirement after 24 years of dedicated service. Good luck in your new adventures. Your NFR family will miss you!

Tradition Carried on by Graduated Recruits

Tradition runs deep in the Fire Service, Class 25-1 just started one of their own that will be carried on by recruit academies that follow. On their final day of Recruit Academy, 16 recruits took one last walk together – a 5.2-mile journey – that passed the Training Center through downtown Roanoke, passing historic Station 1, the Municipal Building, and the Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Transportation Museum. They paused for a moment of silence to honor fallen firefighters before being presented their probationary

Firefighters from the Galax Fire Department.

-Photo courtesy of Galax FD

shields by Deputy Chief Foley, who shared words of wisdom for the road ahead. Their final stop was Station 1 where Chief Hoback personally presented each of them with their helmet, officially marking the end of recruit school. This walk is more than just a tradition. It is a reflection on the journey they’ve taken, the pride they carry, and the brotherhood and sisterhood they now belong to. Congratulations, Class 25-1!

-Photos courtesy of Roanoke Fire & EMS

helmet

Memorial Service for the Fallen

On June 7, 2025, 12 fire, EMS, and forestry personnel were honored at the 28th annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service. Governor Glenn Youngkin attended the service and presented state flags to the honoree’s fam-

ilies. Thank you to all of the fire departments and organizations that provided apparatus and supported this service. -Photos courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs