In Memoriam: Lieutenant Brad Clark

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.

Lt. Clark was among four Fire-EMS personnel who were providing assistance involving a two-vehicle crash on southbound I-295, just north of exit 38B in Hanover County, when a tractor trailer struck the engine in the rear. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Lt. Clark was a member of Hanover County Fire-EMS, Station 6 in Mechanicsville since 2005.

VDFP closing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 11

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/.

 

In Memoriam: VDFP IT Manager Andrew Brodie

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

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:

  • Look for places that fires could start
  • Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm.
  • Learn two (2) ways out of every room.

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.

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

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:

  • Governor’s Award for Excellence in Virginia Fire Service
  • Governor’s Award for Excellence in Virginia Community Risk Reduction
  • Governor’s Award for Excellence in Virginia’s Fire Service Training
  • Governor’s Award for Outstanding Fire Department Response
  • Governor’s Award for Private Sector Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Support
  • Governor’s Civilian Excellence in Virginia Fire Service Support
  • Governor’s Virginia Firefighter of the Year
  • Governor’s Virginia Fire Chief of the Year

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.

 

VDFP Hurricane Florence Preparations

VDFP Hurricane Florence Preparations

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

  • VDFP is open for business on Friday, September 14. Division 5 – Hampton remains closed.

Published 4 p.m., Thursday, September 13

Training

  • The VFMA Basic Law Enforcement Academy is canceled Thursday and Friday.

Emergency Operations

  • Four (4) state-managed shelters are now open at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, and Virginia State University in Ettrick/Petersburg.

Agency Closings

  • VDFP is open for business on Friday, September 14. Division 5 – Hampton is closed.


Published 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 11

Updates per VDFP Senior Leadership. **Remember that safety is paramount. Stay aware and be prepared.**

Training

  • All VDFP courses on Thursday-Sunday are canceled; rescheduling will occur next week.
  • VDEM has canceled all of its courses through the end of September.

Emergency Operations

  • Six (6) VDFP personnel will staff the Emergency Operations Center in Chesterfield, starting Wednesday, as part of the statewide preparation and response effort.
  • The State Fire Marshal’s Office has completed inspections of state shelters in Virginia.
  • All of VDFP trailers and resources will be staged at the Public Safety Training Center.

Agency Closings

  • VDFP will follow closing protocol that is declared by the Governor’s Office.
  • Check the DHRM website, DHRM Facebook and Twitter, and local media for closing information. Subsequently, we will share that information on the VDFP website and VDFP social platforms.
  • Division 5 – Hampton is in the mandatory evacuation zone and is currently closed for customers; will close at noon on Wednesday for VDFP staff.

Events

  • The Virginia Hazmat Conference is cancelled as of Monday evening, September 10.
  • Sound the Alarm on September 17 is cancelled.

 

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.

VDFP Senior Leadership Gains New Members

VDFP Senior Leadership Gains New Members
August 31, 2018

Fire Programs is adding two new members to its Senior Leadership staff who will fill the roles of Virginia Fire Marshal Academy Chief and Chief of Training and Operations.

Garrett Dyer – Virginia Fire Marshal Academy Chief

Effective September 10, Garrett joins VDFP with over 30 years of public safety experience. Throughout his career, Garrett has been involved in many facets of managing emergencies, developing training programs, and fire code enforcement.

In his role as the Acting Deputy Fire Chief in Fairfax County in 2006, Garrett provided oversight of several sections to include: Fire Investigations, Inspections, Revenue and Records, Hazardous Materials, and Technical Support Enforcement. He also served as the Public Safety Liaison for the World Police and Fire Games, a 10-day sporting event hosted by Fairfax County with 10,000 athletes from 67 countries.

Garrett has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, in addition to studying Pre-Hospital Clinical Medicine at George Washington University. He is also certified as an EMT by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and COV, fire & explosive investigator, and paramedic.

John Caussin – Chief of Training and Operations

Effective October 10, John joins VDFP with an extensive background in Fire Services and EMS. As a former Fire Marshal for Fairfax County, John provided leadership and necessary support to address emergency trends in the National Capital Region.

In the last 12 years, John served as the Assistant Fire Chief of the Business Services Bureau in Fairfax County where he led the Fire Prevention, Support Services, Fiscal Services, and Planning Section divisions, and legislative initiatives.

John has a bachelor’s degree in Communications, with a minor in Psychology from James Madison University, and an Associates of Applied Science degree in Fire Administration from Northern Virginia Community College. John studied under the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and National Registered Paramedic Program. He also completed the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at UVA.

John is certified as a NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I and II, recently achieved the Advance Code Official designation, and maintains a secret clearance with the Department of Homeland Security.