Fire News Virginia, Dec.2023/Jan. 2024

VIRGINIA Dec./Jan. 2023/24

VOLUME 4, No. 6

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-Fire News photo by CFN Media

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

It’s That Time of Year Again On November 3, 2023, Little Fork Fire Rescue was dispatched for a reported brush fire off of Myers Mill Road.

See story on page 16

Gas Pipeline Incident in Strasburg Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue Companies spent a busy day responding to a gas pipeline incident in Strasburg.

See story on page 19

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Chesterfield Structure Fire Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 4800 block of Fordham Road for a reported structure fire.

See story on page 22

Roof Collapse at Prospect Fire Prince Edward Dispatch received a call on September 7, 2023, for a house fire in Prospect on Young Drive that was fully involved.

See story on page 24

Fatality at Farmville House Fire On September 22, 2023, Farmville was toned out for a house fire on Milnwood Road.

See story on page 26

ACFR Pins New Firefighters Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) was proud to introduce its newest firefighters during an recent graduation ceremony.

See story on page 33

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Page 4, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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5 Injured, Dog Extricated in Winterfield Rd. MVA Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Winterfield Road for a reported MVA. Engine 205 arrived to find a two-vehicle collision, and immediately went to check for entrapment and injuries. Crews soon determined they had five green patients and a dog trapped in one vehicle.

At that time, Engine 205 requested a truck company and an additional medic to the scene. Fire crews worked to extricate the dog out of the vehicle and transported the patients to local hospitals. All injuries were non-life-threatening.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Large Dump Truck Rolls On August 22, 2023, a large dump truck, traveling on Route 460 eastbound, tried to exit at the Farmville exit. The truck was fully loaded with gravel and was going too fast for the turns in the exit. The truck rolled onto its side but driver was able to exit the truck and was uninjured. Farmville Squad 1 and Prince Edward responded. The truck’s fuel truck ruptured spilling fuel on the exit ramp. Virginia DOT was called for the cleanup.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Page 6, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Cover Story

2 Displaced by Chesterfield Blaze Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Poinsetta Court for a structure fire. Fire crews arrived to heavy fire showing from the Charlie side of the structure. Crews then stretched multiple lines and began an offensive attack. Command soon advised that there was heavy fire involvement on all floors of the structure, pulled all crews out and switched to defensive operations. Command requested an additional medic, truck company and two additional engines, priority one. Firefighters worked for multiple hours to get the blaze under control. Crews remained on scene for for hours performing extensive overhaul operations. Two adults were displaced; one was transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat exhaustion.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Page 14, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Farmville House Fire

A call came in at about 2130 on September 16, 2023, for a possible mattress fire in a home on East Osburn Street in Farmville.

Farmville E1 and Tanker 1 were first on scene and Randolph District and Hampden-Sydney were second and third due. A search of the house found that it was unoccupied but found the floors on

the B C side of the house had been removed. The chief used the fire as a training event and had the firefighters re-check the house insuring to always check floors as you search.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Woodstock Gets Donation from Anheuser-Busch The Woodstock Fire Department (WFD) received a donation of canned drinking water courtesy of Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council on June 27, 2023. Pictured are WFD volunteers Danny Funkhouser and Zachary Hottel accepting the water from Virginia Eagle Distributors representatives.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

2 Injured in Chesterfield MVA Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to North Woolridge Road and Grove Hill Road for an MVA with entrapment. Truck 205 arrived to find a vehicle on its roof. Crews found two patients (green) trapped in the vehicle and performed a quick extraction. Both patients suffered minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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It’s That Time of Year Again

On November 3, 2023, at approximately 1430, Little Fork Fire Rescue was dispatched for a reported brush fire off of Myers Mill Road. Volunteers arrived to find a small brush fire, which also involved some tires and other debris. A containment line was quickly established. Due to a drought, firefighters extinguished all burning material, but soon discovered that fire had extended to the top of two entangled 30-foot-tall trees. They requested assistance from the Virginia Department of Forestry, who arrived and cut down the two trees, which were then completely extinguished. It is that time of year again. We ran a chimney fire the night before and this fire was started by dumping fireplace ashes near leaves. Please have your chimney cleaned and be careful where you place your ashes!

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FR

Page 18, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Farmville House Fire on Edmunds St.

Farmville, along with Prospect and Hampden-Sydney, were toned out at 0500 on September 15, 2023, for a house fire on Edmunds Street in Farmville. Farmville was first on scene to fire showing on the C and D sides butall occupants out.

- Fire News photo by Jacob Roebuck Farmville FD; submitted by Dan Pempel

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 19

Woodstock Gas Station Car Fire

Woodstock Fire Department and Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue crews extinguished a vehicle fire at a Woodstock gas station late on the evening of August 4, 2023. There were no injuries and a single vehicle suffered damage to the rear and undercarriage.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Lyn-Dan VFC at House Fire Firefighters from LynDan Heights Volunteer Fire Department in Campbell County operated at a recent residential structure fire.

- Submitted by Edwin Hall

Gas Pipeline Incident in Strasburg On July 25, 2023, Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue Companies spent a busy day responding to a gas pipeline incident in Strasburg. The Woodstock Fire Department (WFD) provided assistance with a truck and Brush 12 during the event. Pictured are WFD Lieutenant Adam Burner and Firefighter Anthony Johnson mopping up hot spots.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

A Race Driver You Aren’t On September 13, 2023, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Westchester Commons Way for a vehicle fire. While units were en route, reports began to come in that the vehicle was overturned and that there was possibly an occupant. At that time, Truck 205 and Medic 205 were added to the call. Fire crews arrived on scene to find a vehicle on its side, on fire. Firefighters then quickly stretched a line and marked water on the fire. Fortunately, a passerby pulled the driver out of the vehicle and nobody was injured. Witnesses on scene reported that the driver was doing burnouts before crashing.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Page 22, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

Lincolnia Townhouse Fire Stopped

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Car Fire in Midlothian

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Huguenot Springs Road for a vehicle fire. Engine 205 arrived to a vehicle with heavy fire showing. Firefighters quickly stretched a handline and marked water on the fire. Engine 205 requested an additional engine for water supply; Truck 205 was added at that time. Crews were eventually able to knockdown the fire and the incident was placed under control.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Rescues at Crowdy Blvd.

2-Alarmer Fairfax County Fire Rescue units responded to a townhouse fire in the 6000 block of Masefield Court in the Lincolnia area. Units arrived to fire showing. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded on October 29, 2023, to a commercial structure fire in the 4300 block of Crowdy Boulevard.

Engine 25 arrived to heavy smoke showing from a two-story apartment building. Multiple trapped occupants were jumping out of firstand second-floor windows. Ladder 11 successfully rescued one trapped occupant from the first floor of the building who was trapped by heavy smoke and fire. Crews aggressively attacked the fire on the first and second floor as well as performed search and rescue efforts. One occupant was transported to Norfolk Sentara Hospital. The American Red Cross was assisting those displaced. The Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office was leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. Responding units included Battalion 2, Battalion 8, Car 5, Car 6, Car 7, Engine 25, Engine 5, Engine 3, Engine 9, Engine 6, Ladder 3, Ladder 11, Ladder 6, Medic 10, Medic 5, Medic 6, EMS 2, Safety 1, Rehab 6, Chesapeake Ladder 10, Chesapeake Engine 12, and ire Marshals 3 and 6.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

Chesterfield Structure Fire Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 4800 block of Fordham Road for a reported structure fire.

The Chesterfield ECC began to receive multiple calls reporting a house on fire.

Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the Delta side of the structure.

Firefighters stretched lines and made an aggressive offensive attack on the fire. When crews made entry, they quickly located the fire on the second floor and marked water on the fire. Once the fire was knocked down, crews remained on scene for multiple hours preforming overhaul operations.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Roof Collapse at Prospect Fire

Prince Edward Dispatch received a call at 1455 on September 7, 2023, for a house fire in Prospect on Young Drive that was fully involved. Prospect, Pamplin and Farmville were dispatched, and there was a single lane drive. A tanker and engine were first in the lane and Farmville dropped 800-feet of four-inch line to the tanker. There was a roof collapse, but all personnel were out.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Quick Stop at Suffolk Shed Fire

Suffolk firefighters were dispatched to a commercial structure fire in the 1000 block of Cogic Square around 0200 recently. First arriving units found that the fire was contained to the attached storage shed and was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries and the occupants were not displaced.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Page 26, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Single-Wide Fire in Cumberland County

On September 27, 2023, Cumberland Dispatch received a call from the owner of a single-wide trailer that his trailer was on fire and he was able to get out. Randolph District and Farmville companies were toned out for the call. Randolph Engine 42 pulled two 1-3/4

inch lines and took one line to the C side and Farmville Engine 1 attacked the A side. Randolph Tanker 45 supplied Engine 42. The fire started in the middle of the trailer.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

Fatality at Farmville House Fire On September 22, 2023, Farmville was toned out for a house fire on Milnwood Road, along with Hampden-Sydney and Rice fire departments and Prince Edward Rescue at 1650, for a house fire. The house was occupied by a hoarder and the attack line could not enter the front door and tried the D-side door.

Firefighters were only able to get in about 10 feet before being blocked by clutter filling the room. Chief Clark had a second line enter through the window on the B side to extinguish the fire in that room. The fire had extended to the attic and the roof team cut holes and used a handline to extinguish the fire over the bedrooms. Searches discovered a victim in a room packed with cluter and removed the victim. The State Police were investigating the fire.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 27

1 Boy Drowns on the James River On September 7, 2023, just after 1430, Chesterfield Fire and EMS and the Henrico Fire Department responded to the James River near Dutch Gap for a water rescue. Reports came in that a group were out on a boat and swimming. One boy jumped off the boat but did not surface. When dive crews arrived they worked with Henrico Fire Department for multiple hours using sonar devices to locate the body. Once the boy was located, divers were deployed and crews worked to bring the body back to land.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

Lengthy Extrication at 1st Floor House Collapse On September 25, 2023, around 1100, the Petersburg Fire Department responded to the 1400 block of Halifax Street for a reported structure collapse. Reports came in that two men were doing construction inside of a home, with one working in the basement, when the first floor collapsed on him. Fire crews worked for hours with multiple different departments to get to the patient. At 1340 hours, crews located the worker and began to give advanced life support to the person, as crews continued to work on the best way to extricate him. A few hours after locating the patient, crews finally had the man extricated, who was then flown by Life Evac in stable condition to a local trauma center. Multiple departments in the region

assisted including: Crater Regional Technical Rescue Team, Prince George County Fire and EMS, Hopewell Fire and EMS, Colonial Heights Fire, EMS and Emergency Management, Central Virginia Tech Rescue Team, Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, and Henrico Fire Department.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

Page 28, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

Francisco Road MVA On August 23, 2023, Buckingham Volunteer Fire Department, northwest of Farmville, received a call for an overturned pickup on a curve in the 9800 block of Francisco Road. Buckingham Rescue, Toga and Randolph District were also dispatched. The pickup was westbound and was forced off the road by an eastbound car that went over the center line on a curve. The driver was able to get out of the pickup with minor injuries and was taken to the hospital by Buckingham Rescue.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Fatality at Chesterfield MVA On September 20, 2023, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Laurel Oak Road for a reported MVA and structure fire. Callers were stating that a vehicle had crashed near a house and was on fire. With those reports, a full structure fire assignment was given. Crews arrived to find a vehicle into a tree with heavy damage. Firefighters found one female in full trauma arrest, heavily entrapped. Crews began the extrication process. Once she was extricated, crews transported her priority to VCU Medical Center. Unfortunately, the female later passed away.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

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Farmville MVA with Entrapment Farmville and Hampden Sydney on October 5, 2023, at 0030, received a call for a car down an embankment on Parkviev Drive in Farmville with a person trapped.

Farmvill Squad 1 and HSFD responded, to find the car about 25 feet down an embankment against a tree and a log. They secured the car from going down any more and had to cut the roof and A-post to get the person out of the vehicle. The person was in good shape and transported to the hospital to be checked out - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Car into Building on Justice Road Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 14300 block of Justice Road at the Synergy Health Foot and Ankle for a reported vehicle into a structure. Fire crews arrived to find a vehicle into the structure with heavy damage. Firefighters then immediately went to check for injuries and entrapment. Crews soon found one patient still inside the vehicle but not trapped. Crews worked to remove that patient from the vehicle. A building inspector was contacted and they determined that occupants could not return to the building that day.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Page 30, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

New FF for Woodstock The Woodstock Fire Department celebrated newly released Firefighter Cayce Brown. Cayce completed her initial training program on July 20, 2023, and became a newly released exterior firefighter.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

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Woodstock Hose Training The Woodstock Fire Department conducted a handline and ground monitor training on August 3, 2023. Crews reviewed hose lays, pulls, and deployment of their portable monitors and deck gun.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Lynchburg Regional Airport ARFF Training

- Submitted by Capt. Edwin Hall

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 31

Page 32, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Ladder Training for Woodstock On July 20, 2023, the Woodstock Fire Department conducted an aerial and ground ladder training class at the W.O. Reiley Park in Woodstock. Crews of firefighters sharpened their skills throwing ladders, operating the aerial, and conducting ladder operations.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Boy Drowns at Falling Creek Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Falling Creek for a water rescue incident. The caller reported that a friend had gone under and had not surfaced. When dive crews arrived on scene, they quickly worked to get divers in the water. After an extended period of time, the operation was soon switched to a recovery operation. Crews located the deceased and worked to bring the males body to land. Chesterfield County Police Department said the deceased victim was a male juvenile.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Tree Falls on Radstock Road House Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Radstock Road for a reported structure collapse. Fire crews arrived to find a tree across a house. Crews determined nobody was trapped but there were two green patients, one of whom was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

HDFR Maintains Class 1 ISO Rating In late 2022, the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue (HDFR) underwent an external re-evaluation of its services and capabilities by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). As a result, the Division earned and maintained its Class 1 (01/1X) rating from ISO. A Class 1 rating is the highest score that a fire protection community can achieve. The division achieved its first Class 1 rating in 2015 after requesting a voluntary evaluation. The ISO evaluates fire protection efforts, in detail, in cities, counties, and districts throughout the nation.

The performance-based evaluation, with a rating scale of 1-10, examines every detail within four comprehensive areas. These areas include emergency communications, fire department performance (equipment, staffing, training, operations, and community risk reduction), community water supply, and needed fire flows. The prestigious Class 1 rating is held by only eight other departments in the Commonwealth.

Fire Chief Jason Monk stated, “Maintaining our Class 1 rating is the

product of many dedicated men and women creating and delivering service improvements to the community and is a testament to our continuous improvement expectations. This team effort wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Division members and city officials.” The renewed Class 1 rating went into effect November 1, 2023, and may continue to qualify homeowners and businesses for lower property insurance premiums. Since most insurance companies use ISO ratings to establish their rates, a lower ISO rating may pay dividends to many in the Hampton community. It makes sense that the better your fire protection, the less risk insurance companies must assume.

ISO has reviewed over 48,000 fire departments across the country of which only 388 have received the Class 1 rating. In the Commonwealth, Hampton is one of 23 agencies accredited by CPSE, one of nine agencies to hold a Class 1 rating, and one of three combination fire and rescue organizations to hold both titles simultaneously.

- Credit HDFR

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 33

ACFR Pins New FFs

Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) was proud to introduce its newest firefighters during an recent graduation ceremony. During a 24-week recruit school, the class of 20 recruits received training on emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat

installation, emergency vehicle operation, and various other skills necessary for success. A pinning ceremony was held on July 12, 2023, to celebrate the accomplishments of these new firefighters.

- Fire News photos by Larry Bouterie

Page 34, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Firefighter Cancer Support Network’s Virginia Golf Tournament

The Third Annual Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) Golf Tournament was held on September 19, 2023, at Lee’s Hills Golf Club in Fredericksburg, our second year with a complete sellout! The event was a huge success due to our generous sponsors, golfers and volunteers. This year we honored six Virginia firefighters who lost their lives to occupational cancer since our last golf tournament. Funds raised from the golf tournament support the FCSN’s mis-

sion to assist firefighters, EMS providers and their immediate families diagnosed with cancer. The FCSN provides badge-to-badge support and cancer awareness training at no cost. If you are interested in supporting our mission, please visit our website atwww.firefighter cancersupport.org. Save the date, next year’s tournament is scheduled for September 16, 2024.

- Photos courtesy of Firefighter Cancer Support Network

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 35

Poquoson LA at Hampton Conference Ladies Auxiliary to the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Company. These six ladies were pinned as Life Members of the Auxiliary to the Virginia State Fire Fighters Association as of age 70. They were also awarded the Mother Morgan Award for having the most members present at this year’s business meeting. A job well done by our wonderful auxiliary.

- Submitted by Patsy Insley

Woodstock Celebrates 200 Years The Woodstock Fire Department celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding with a parade and muster in downtown Woodstock. Over 60 pieces of emergency apparatus, antiques and other units, participated in the parade and displayed their equipment at our Court Street Station following the event.

- Photo courtesy of Mike Sanders; submitted by Zachary Hottel

ACFR Awarded $7.1 Million FEMA Grant to Hire 30 Firefighters Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) has been awarded a $7.1 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire, train, and deploy 30 full-time firefighters.

FEMA created the SAFER grant to provide funding directly to fire departments to help increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

“This grant allows Albemarle County to take a noteworthy step forward in fulfilling our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Chair Donna Price. “We are grateful to FEMA for the grant award and to the county staff for their successful application in this competitive process as they continually seek opportunities to ensure we are providing quality services.”

Pending acceptance of the grant, 14 of the 30 grant-funded positions will be used to implement 24/7 coverage in the southern portion of the county. The other 16 positions will staff a ladder truck based at the Monticello Station. This unit will be staffed with specially trained personnel to address more complex incidents that arise in our community including water and technical rescues. By basing this unit at a centrally located station, it allows for this company to respond quickly and efficiently to intricate incidents throughout the county.

“I want to thank the staff for their dedication and hard work which was instrumental in securing this significant funding opportunity,” added ACFR Fire Chief Dan Eggleston. “With the support from the Board of Supervisors and County leadership, our department is proactively identifying and addressing ways to deliver professional and consistent services to the people of Albemarle County.”

Beginning in January 2024, the new hires will attend a recruit school to receive the skills and knowledge needed for the job. Training will include emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation, emergency vehicle operation, and various other essential knowledge for success.

Page 36, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Poquoson Group A group made up of Poquoson Volunteer Fire Company, Poquoson Volunteer Rescue Squad and Auxiliary to the Poquoson Volunteer Fire Company.

Along with the group are the families of two of our deceased members Firefighter Paul F. Lindsay, Sr., and Auxiliary Member Susan D. Herring. We were honored to have their families join us for this occasion. This is a fine group of people.

- Submitted by Patsy Insley

Terrance Cole Appointed Next Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security On May 22, 20232, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the resignation of Secretary Robert P. Mosier and the selection of the Commonwealth’s next Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Terrance C. Cole.

“Secretary Mosier admirably led our public safety efforts across the Commonwealth, furthering our commitment to reduce violent crime and fight the dangerous influx of illicit drugs such as fentanyl. I thank him for his service to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Youngkin.

“Secretary Mosier, a dedicated public servant who previously served as Sheriff in Fauquier County, officially ended his state service on June 1, 2023.

Mr. Cole has over 28 years of law enforcement service, including over 22 years with the US DEA. Mr. Cole has experience managing complex police operations and federal task forces, delivering anticipative programs in multiple geographies, and directing teams involved in drug interdictions and enforcement actions across the United States and Latin America.

“I am excited to return to public service and have this incredible opportunity to work with Governor Youngkin and his senior leadership team,” said Mr. Cole.

- Submitted by McCaulay Porter

LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE ADVOCATE VICKIE PRITCHETT RECEIVES NFFF’S GLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has recognized Ms. Vickie Pritchett as the newest recipient of the Foundation’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Pritchett serves as the Vice President/Executive Officer at the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and is being recognized for her many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “Vickie is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “Her dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.”

Vickie is a long-time advocate for safety throughout the fire service and for NFFF, specifically. Her constant support of and participation in numerous NFFF events and activities, such as the Memorial Weekend, the Truman Fire Forums and Firefighter Life Safety Summits, and most recently the U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control and the subsequent “Fire Stop Tour.”

She is a key component of the Foundation’s national leadership efforts and strategic grassroots programming. Her impressive resume and influence throughout the fire service is well known, and her support of NFFF is constant.

“Vickie is the true embodiment of the spirit of the Glatfelter award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to support and further the mission of the NFFF. For many years, her innovative

thinking and great leadership have not only benefitted the Foundation but have promoted firefighter safety and amplified the voice of safety in the fire service overall. I am confident that her impact as a connector, liaison, spokesperson, and hands-on partner for the NFFF will continue for years to come,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service.

In 1969, Glatfelter created the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company of its kind to meet the insurance needs for volunteer firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its mission and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Pritchett was presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on September 27, 2023, during the opening session of Firehouse Expo in The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. “Vickie Pritchett represents everything that Art Glatfelter stood for,” Campisi said. “We are grateful for leaders who carry the standard for the fire service, and it’s a privilege to present Vickie with this award.”

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Fire News, December 2023/January 2024, Page 37

Members of Albemarle County Fire Rescue and Charlottesville Fire Department Honor Victims of September 11th with Stair Climb Event As our country unites to commemorate the September 11th terrorist attacks, Albemarle County Fire Rescue and Charlottesville Fire Department came together to honor and remember the lives lost with a stair climb event at Monticello High School. Career and volunteer firefighters from both departments, their families, and community members began climbing stairs promptly at 0846 to memorialize the first tower being struck. Throughout the morning, they recognized significant time points from that day in 2001 with moments of silence.

“On September 11, 2001, we witnessed the courage and bravery of first responders who, without hesitation, rushed in to save those in need,” said Albemarle County Fire Rescue Chief Dan Eggleston. “Their acts compel our community to reflect and honor the memory of those who tragically perished and those who heroically sacrificed their lives.”

Each year, stair climb events are held across the country to honor and

pay respect to the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11/2001. These events are memorials to the trek those first responders made into and up the World Trade Center buildings.

“This year, we ascend for those who will never be forgotten. By making the climb, first responders are able to demonstrate their reverence for those who sacrificed their lives to protect and serve the people of our country,” added Charlottesville Fire Department Chief Michael Thomas.

The attacks on September 11 took 2,977 lives.

Since that time, countless first responders have faced post-traumatic stress, cancer, respiratory disease, and long-term pain. The fire service was forever changed on that day and continues to make strides in cancer risk reduction, mental health and wellness, and improved personal protection equipment. The lessons learned from the attacks and the two decades that followed are improving firefighters’ lives now and into the future.

- Photo courtesy of ACFR

Chad Stanley: Division 4 VDFP Chief Chad Stanley was named Division 4 Chief by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) on February 25, 2023.

Chad joined the fire service in 1993 as a member of Fries Fire and Rescue in Fries, VA. He has served in different capacities as EMS Captain, Fire Captain, Assistant Chief, and, for eight years, as Fire Chief. He continues to serve as a Life Member at Fries.

Before joining VDFP, Chad was a US History teacher for

Galax City Schools for over 28 years and an adjunct instructor for VDFP for seven years. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Radford University and is a Nationally Registered EMT. Chad looks forward to promoting VDFP’s training initiatives in Division 4.

- Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Page 38, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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Well, We Do Look Scary in our PPEs! Recently Engine 404 (FS 04, Herndon) visited St. Joseph’s School in Herndon to give the kindergartners an engine tour and demonstrate firefighter’s gear. One of the goals of this type of event is to familiarize children with firefighters, their gear, and apparatus, hoping it will help them not be afraid in an emergency.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Axemen MC Donates $4Gs to FCSN On September 9, 2023, the Axemen Motorcycle Club of Virginia held their annual 9/11 charity ride. The rain didn’t hold back the solidarity and enthusiasm of the riders, and it was a great turnout. Steve Weissman, Virginia State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) received a check from Axemen-VA President Tim Schaak for $4000. This generous donation to the FCSN will provide continued support to firefighters battling cancer.

- Submitted by Steve Weissman

Cumberland Valley VFA-We Are Changing Our Name Not Our Mission During the Cumberland Valley VFA Fall Meeting in Odenton, MD, members unanimously adopted a resolution stating that the organization will be known as Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (CVVFA) going forward.

This change is largely ceremonial to reflect the dedication and operations of that CVVFA displayed for the last 122 years. According to our Constitution and By-Laws the legal change to our name must take place at the Annual Convention. Because we are forward thinking, we decided to begin calling ourselves a “Firefighters” Association now reflecting the makeup of our membership.

What once began as a collaboration between four neighboring states, CVVFA is now a nationwide organization, comprised on men and women who not only are members of fire and EMS departments but also law enforcement agencies, tow operators and more. We started with a mission to standardize hose couplings in 1901 and have further expanded our focus on responder safety at roadway incidents, community risk reduction and reputational risk management.

Over the next months, CVVFA will continue to enhance our brand under the new name as we head to our 123rd CVVFA Convention in Halfway, MD in August where the official name change will take place.

- Submitted by Steve Austin

Page 40, Fire News, December 2023/January 2024

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