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:
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Shares Fire Safety Tips for Back to School
August 29, 2018
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), a leader in enhancing public safety in the Commonwealth, reminds Virginians of a few simple actions that could reduce fire-related risks and property loss as the new school year ramps up.
VDFP will promote tips on its social media platforms from September 1-7, 2018 for organizations to share and retweet.
“When students in the Commonwealth return to school, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves with helpful tips about fire prevention. We’re all primed for learning and retaining information right now,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “Planning for the worst is unsettling, yet it matters most when the worst happens. We want Virginians to be just as knowledgeable as our firefighters.”
In 2017, more than 23,000 fires occurred in Virginia with about 300 civilian fire-related injuries and 50 civilian fire-related deaths. The total in fire dollar losses was over $177 million dollars. As of May 29, 2018, the Commonwealth experienced 39 fire fatalities, or about one civilian killed by fire every four days in Virginia.
Take action today with prevention tips
In the home/apartment/college suite
For homeowners/families/roommates
Stay vigilant year-round
In addition to training and resources, VDFP provides inspections of state-owned buildings in Virginia through its State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO). The SFMO also develops and presents education materials for college administrations, fire service organizations, building official groups, inspectors, school teachers, and other client groups. Visit the VDFP website for additional publications on fire safety tips for facilities.
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 Media Contact
Vanessa Copeland – Marketing & Communications Manager
(804) 249-1986
Vanessa.Copeland@vdfp.virginia.gov