Fire & EMS Memorial Week, June 2-8, 2019

June 2-8, 2019 is recognized as Fire and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Week in Virginia. Take a moment this week to acknowledge Virginia’s fire and EMS personnel who devoted their lives and careers to protecting the Commonwealth.

Fire and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Week — Proclamation

WHEREAS, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel play essential roles in saving lives and protecting property in communities throughout Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of Virginians is important to the prosperity of Virginia’s families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Virginians value the courage and devotion of our Commonwealth’s fire and emergency medical services professionals who put their lives in danger in order to safeguard the lives and property of Virginians; and

WHEREAS, on the first Saturday of June, a statewide memorial service is held to pay tribute to firefighters and emergency medical services personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, seven valiant individuals who gave their lives to protect the people of the Commonwealth in 2018 will be recognized at the 2019 Virginia Fallen Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service; and

WHEREAS, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Memorial Week is an opportunity for Virginians to stand with firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, honor their tremendous sacrifices, and continued devotion to serving the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize June 2-8, 2019, as FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES MEMORIAL WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

 

 

 

Students asked to review transcripts in FSTRS

Students asked to review transcripts in FSTRS March 14, 2019 VDFP is currently preparing student data in order to transfer it to the new learning management system — Cornerstone OnDemand — scheduled to launch this summer.

Students are encouraged to review their existing transcripts in FSTRS before Friday, March 22, 2019 to ensure information is accurate. If you have questions or concerns, contact your respective VDFP Division Chief.

VDFP 2019 Closings

VDFP closings through the end of 2019:

  • Friday, January 18 – Lee-Jackson Day
  • Monday, January 21 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Monday, February 18 – George Washington Day
  • Monday, May 27 – Memorial Day
  • Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day
  • Friday, July 5 – Additional State Holiday
  • Monday, September 2 – Labor Day
  • Monday, October 14 – Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day
  • Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day
  • Wednesday, November 27 – closing at noon – Day Before Thanksgiving
  • Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving
  • Friday, November 29 – Day After Thanksgiving
  • Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
  • Wednesday, December 25 – Christmas

VDFP Holiday Closings

VDFP Closes at noon on Wednesday, November 21

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Headquarters and Division offices are closed beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 21 through Friday, November 23 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The agency will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, November 26.

VDFP closings through the end of the year:

  • Monday, December 24
  • Tuesday, December 25
  • Monday, December 31

 

VDFP Divisions 4 & 6 Opening on a 2-Hour Delay, November 15

VDFP Divisions 4 & 6 Opening on a 2-Hour Delay, November 15

VDFP Division 4-Chilhowie and Division 6-Roanoke are opening on a 2-hour delay on Thursday, November 15.

Both localities are under a winter storm warning from 7 p.m. tonight until 1 p.m. Thursday. Up to 1 inch of sleet and snow is expected with the potential of ice accumulation, possibly resulting in hazardous conditions for the Thursday morning commute.

VDFP Closed November 6-8 for Planning and Professional Development Training

VDFP Closed November 6-8 for Planning and Professional Development Training

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Headquarters and Division offices will be closed for business November 6-8, 2018 for the agency’s annual all-staff planning and professional development training. If you need assistance regarding VDFP matters during this time, please call 804-612-7273.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Governor Northam Announces $343,000 Federal Grant for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Governor Northam Announces $343,000 Federal Grant for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs
October 25, 2018

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) has been awarded $343,000 in federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 2017 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be used to purchase new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for technical rescue and structural firefighting gear and a mobile training tower.

“Our fire services personnel risk their lives every day to protect our communities and it is vital that they have proper equipment and quality training facilities to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Governor Northam. “These federal dollars are essential to our ability to support firefighters across the Commonwealth, and I commend the Department of Fire Programs for its consistent effort in securing federal funding for three consecutive years.”

The mobile training tower will be utilized for remote training throughout Virginia, an advantage for localities that cannot afford their own training building. The tower will be at least three-stories and equipped with apparatus and simulation capabilities for self-rescue, firefighter rescue, rescue from confined spaces, and elevated rescues with fire trucks and various lengths of ground ladders. The tower can be taken apart and reassembled as needed.

“Ensuring our fire fighters are equipped with the latest gear is critical to the safety of these brave first responders,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “Proper equipment will not only further allow our firefighters to train more effectively and efficiently as they prepare for the ever-evolving threats faced daily, but ensure safer outcomes in the performance of their duty to protect our Commonwealth’s citizens.”

VDFP has obtained a total of $927,640 of federal funding during the past three AFG program cycles, beginning in 2016. In this time, VDFP will replace a total of 321 sets of turnout gear, exceeding the initial commitment of 314 sets of turnout gear announced in 2016.

“Securing this funding aligns Fire Programs with Governor Northam’s mandate to provide training and education, and the purchase of products to reduce cancer risks among firefighters in the Commonwealth,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “The work on this grant is a testament to our persistent and unwavering commitment to remain innovative and advance our training curriculum forward.”

VDFP is to provide $51,450 in matching funds and has 12 months to complete the purchases under the grant.

Contacts

Office of the Governor
Contact: Ofirah Yheskel
Email: Ofirah.Yheskel@governor.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Contact: Vanessa Copeland
Email: Vanessa.Copeland@vdfp.virginia.gov

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.