In Memoriam: Lieutenant Brad Clark
On October 11, 2018, we lost our fire services brother, Lieutenant Brad Clark of Hanover County Fire-EMS, Station 6.
In Memoriam: Lieutenant Brad Clark
On October 11, 2018, we lost our fire services brother, Lieutenant Brad Clark of Hanover County Fire-EMS, Station 6.
VDFP Early Closing
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs is closing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 11 due to inclement weather. The impacts of Tropical Storm Michael may result in flash floods, tropical storm force winds, tornadoes, and power outages in Virginia.
Virginians should visit www.VAemergency.gov to learn about how to prepare for hurricanes, tornadoes and flood threats. Remember to “turn around and don’t drown.” Do not drive across any flooded roadway, as it only takes six inches of water to move a vehicle and roads may be washed out beneath the floodwaters. Visit www.511Virginia.org or call 511 for real-time road conditions.
To learn more about what a state of emergency declaration does and does not do, visit http://www.vaemergency.gov/what-we-do/state-of-emergency/.
To read the text of the Governor’s Executive Order declaring this state of emergency visit https://www.governor.virginia.gov/executive-actions/.
October 5, 2018
Next week is Fire Prevention Week, and local officials want to remind residents to be prepared.
The Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue and the Charlottesville Fire Department are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s campaign, which is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” Read more from CBS19.
October 4, 2018
Under a new county government program, Fauquier homeowners who lack working smoke detectors can get replacements at no charge.
Homes without smoke alarms also qualify for the program. Read more from Fauquier Now.com.
In Memoriam: VDFP IT Manager Andrew Brodie
On September 28, 2018, we lost our brother and colleague, Andrew Brodie of Hanover, Virginia.
Andrew joined the VDFP in 2008. In his decade-long tenure, he rose to the IT Manager position and kept the technology engine running at Fire Programs along with his staff.
Andrew was extremely dedicated and stayed on top of deadlines, oftentimes rallying colleagues and resources. Andrew also provided IT and audio-visual support of behalf of the VDFP at conferences in the state. He was an efficient and reliable member of the VDFP family.
Andrew will be missed at Fire Programs. He left such an indelible impression on us all.
View the obituary of Andrew Brodie, provided by Bliley’s in Richmond, Virginia.
VDFP Encourages Virginia to Look. Listen. Learn. During Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13
October 1, 2018
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), a leader in enhancing public safety in Virginia, encourages residents in the Commonwealth to “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” which is this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13.
One person is killed by fire every four days in Virginia. As of October 1, there have been 48 total fire fatalities statewide, a 14 percent increase from this time last year.
“It’s tough for firefighters to console victims after a fire has ravaged their homes and communities. The prevention muscle suddenly goes into high gear. By then, it’s too late,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “Virginia firefighters respond to an average of 1,800 incidents daily. Prevention and awareness is crucial to seeing a decline in that figure.”
Look. Listen. Learn.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme highlights three steps that people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
Cooking and heating in homes continue to be the leading causes of fires in Virginia, and accounts for a large percentage of the $1.7 million dollar loss due to fires in the Commonwealth last year.
“One of the best times to prepare is now, before the winter months approach. Identify hazards in and outside of your homes and offices, test your smoke alarms, and create safety escape plans,” Reilly added. “It’s a message that has meaning, year-round.”
Fire Safety Tips and Resources
Visit the VDFP website for resources on Virginia fire and data statistics and safety tips for non-residential facilities such as day care centers, public and private schools, and hospitals.
Fire Prevention Week is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Visit the NFPA website for additional fire safety information.
About the VDFP
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs provides training, support services, and resources to more than 700 fire and emergency service organizations, and approximately 44,000 fire service personnel in the Commonwealth. Support areas include funding, professional development, research, operational support, technical assistance, and fire prevention inspections through its State Fire Marshal Office.
VDFP Media Contact
Vanessa Copeland – Marketing & Communications Manager
(804) 249-1986
Vanessa.Copeland@vdfp.virginia.gov
In Memoriam: Lieutenant Charles W. Davis, Jr.
Retired Alexandria Fire Department Lieutenant Charles W. Davis, Jr. of Alexandria, Virginia passed away on September 17, 2018 from pancreatic cancer. He served with the City of Alexandria Fire Department for 30 years and retired in 2011, and was also a member of the IAFF 4th District Local 2141.
2018 Governor’s Fire Service Awards Nominations Now Open
September 19, 2018
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs, a leader in enhancing public safety, in conjunction with the Virginia Fire Services Board, are seeking nominations for the 2018 Governor’s Fire Service Awards, which honors and recognizes excellence in Fire Services in the Commonwealth.
The annual Governor’s Fire Service Awards is presented in eight categories during the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium held in February at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Nominations can be submitted through an online form on the VDFP website through December 10, 2018.
About the Governor’s Fire Service Awards
The Governor’s Fire Service Awards were established in 2002. In partnership with the Virginia Fire Services Board, the VDFP facilitates the awards. The Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security presents the Governor with award recommendations, at which the final recipients are then selected. Award categories:
Among the 2017 recipients were the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department, and the Charlottesville Fire Department, who were recognized for Excellence in Community Risk Reduction and Outstanding Fire Department Response, respectively. Read more about the additional 2017 recipients.
About the Virginia Department of Fire Programs
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs provides training, support services, and resources to more than 700 fire and emergency service organizations, and approximately 44,000 fire service personnel in the Commonwealth. Support areas include funding, professional development, research, operational support, technical assistance, and fire prevention inspections through its State Fire Marshal Office.
In Memoriam: Captain Anthony R. Whetzel
Retired Rockingham County Fire and Rescue Captain Anthony R. Whetzel of Broadway, Virginia passed away on September 15, 2018 from cancer.
Read the obituary in the Daily News-Record.
Published 11:05 a.m., Friday, September 14
Governor Northam lifts the mandatory evacuation order for Coastal Virginia, effective 11 a.m. The VDFP Division 5 office remains closed through Sunday.
Agency Closings
Published 4 p.m., Thursday, September 13
Training
Emergency Operations
Agency Closings
Published 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 11
Updates per VDFP Senior Leadership. **Remember that safety is paramount. Stay aware and be prepared.**
Training
Emergency Operations
Agency Closings
Events
Published 10:50 a.m., Tuesday, September 11
VDFP Senior Leadership will meet at 1 p.m. today to discuss the action plan for the agency and training in preparation of Hurricane Florence. Further information for VDFP instructors and students will be provided here on the VDFP website, the VDFP Facebook and Twitter social media platforms, and via the VDFP email list.