Heavy Vehicle Program
VDFP Special Operations held a heavy vehicle program in Mecklenburg County, Jan 24-26
Admin Spotlight: Deshaun Steele
Our employee spotlight this month is Deshaun Steele, Grants Analyst. Through a series of questions, Deshaun explains what he loves about his job, his interests outside of work, and a few extra questions for good measure:
Can you tell us a bit about what you do and your position?
As the Grants Analyst of the Department of Fire Programs, I am responsible for ...
Employee Spotlight: Deshaun Steele, Grants Analyst
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administering grant funds, communicating with localities concerning grant opportunities and tracking the progress of grant awards from initiation to closeout.
What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy engaging with stakeholders and supporting localities in acquiring resources and assets that are needed for their fire service personnel to operate in the field.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy collecting vintage vinyl albums, hiking, exercising and traveling.
Where do you think you can have the biggest impact in your role?
In my role, I believe my greatest impact has been providing resources and a high level of customer service to localities. Often, localities reach out to the Grants Management Unit for guidance on acquiring and properly utilizing grant funds. Without the clarity that my team and I offer, many stakeholders could misinterpret the policies, procedures, and processes associated with our grant programs.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?
Honolulu, Hawaii has been my favorite trip. Between the beautiful landscape, the culture and hospitality Honolulu gives you the sense of welcoming and serenity that I have not experienced anywhere else in the world – the closest thing to heaven on earth.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
I would like to experience Tokyo, Japan to sightsee and enjoy the cuisine.
Goddard School Visit – Community Helpers Series
Marketing and Communications and Community Risk Reduction recently visited The Goddard School as part of the community helper speaking series. Jenese Thomas, VDFP’s multimedia graphic designer, discussed her role at VDFP and how it benefits the public. Ken Brown, community risk reduction coordinator, talked to the kids about fire safety and Sparky the Fire Dog also made an appearance and celebrated as the kids shared fire safety tips to earn a Junior Firefighter sticker.
IT Corner
Greetings, VDFP! Please be very cognizant of all emails you’re receiving from inside and outside the organization, especially outside.
Over the past month, we’ve seen an increase in malicious email traffic across the Commonwealth and security incidents are on the rise. When in doubt, click the Phishing button or delete the message. PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD TO IT SUPPORT, this only increases the chances of an attack.
Remember that DeepSeek AI has been banned on all COV devices, including computers, phones and tablets.
If you’re having any IT questions, concerns or issues, please remember to send inquiries and reports to itsupport@vdfp.virginia.gov, please do not email members of the IT Support staff individually regarding these matters. The IT Support box is monitored all day.
Robert Steele VDFP IT Manager | Deputy ISO
CommonHealth Routine Preventative Maintenance Campaign
Hit the road to health and wellness with tips and information on employee benefits that can help us thrive in four key areas: medical, physical, emotional, financial, and occupational. Think of it as a routine tune-up that can help us discover ways to boost well-being and steer towards better health and greater happiness! Buckle up and join CommonHealth as we take charge of our health and wellness journeys together!
CommonHealth has put together a PDF with many resources including medical, physical & emotional, financial and occupational. Access the PDF at this link: RPM Handout
VDFP is on Social Media
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