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VDFP Performance Management Evaluation Cycle 2017-2018

VDFP Performance Management Evaluation Cycle: 2017-2018

Performance evaluations for classified employees must be conducted as required by DHRM Policy 1.40, Performance Planning and Evaluation.  Supervisors and reviewers should monitor employees’ evaluations to ensure their consistency and reliability.

The 2017-2018 Performance Management Evaluation Cycle is October 25, 2017-October 24, 2018.

Performance Management Evaluation Documents

Supplemental Evaluation Documents

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

In Memoriam: Chief David Creasy, Sr.

In Memoriam: Chief David Creasy, Sr. 

On October 15, 2018, we lost our fire services brother and mentor, retired Richmond fire marshal Chief David ‘Chico’ Creasy, Sr.

In 1968, Chief Creasy began his career in the fire service as a volunteer with Chesterfield Fire and EMS and in 2008 accepted the Fire Marshal position in the City of Richmond. In the summer of 2014 Chief Creasy was diagnosed with cancer. Even after his diagnosis he continued to serve as Richmond’s Fire Marshal for three years before retiring in 2017. Read more about Chief Creasy’s career in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Chief Creasy was an advocate for taking action against cancer in the fire service and throughout the years his words and actions have touched the lives of many.

Visitation will be held on October 21 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd. N. Chesterfield, VA 23234. The funeral service will be held on October 22 at 11:00 am at Victory Tabernacle Church of God, 11700 Genito Rd. Midlothian, VA 23112.

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.