Fire News Virginia, April/May 2024

In this issue... PLUS:

2 Injured at Clinton House Fire

Fairfax County firefighters responded to the scene of a two-alarm house fire on Whetstone Manor Court in Clifton.

See story on page 4

Richmond Structure Fire

On February 11, 2024, the Richmond Fire Department responded to East Franklin Street for a structure fire.

See story on page 14

Albemarle Brush Fires

On March 20, 2024, career and volunteer units from Albemarle County responded to 19 brush fires across the county

See story on page 16

3 Injured at Drayton Landing Ct. 2-Alarmer

On February 16, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 5600 block of Drayton Landing Court for a structure fire.

See story on page 19

Fast Extrication in Galax

Galax units responded to an MVAon Cranberry Road. Arriving units found a single vehicle on its top with the occupant still inside.

See story on page 26

2023 Govenor’s Fire Service Awards

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the award recipients as part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium.

See story on page 33

2 Injured at Clinton House Fire

Fairfax County firefighters responded to the scene of a two-alarm house fire in the 13900 block of Whetstone ManorCourt in Clifton. Units arrived to heavy fire and reports of two trapped occupants. Crews removed two occupants from the home, both with lifethreatening injuries. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Suffolk Stops Vehicle Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue units responded

vehicle fire in the 2300 block of William Reed Drive recently. Engine 1 and Battalion 1 were on scene and the fire was brought undercontrol.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

to a

Cover Story

Vacant House Goes in Farmville

On March 9, 2024, the Farmville Fire Department responded to a house fire at 0405. The structure was fully involved and vacant upon arrival. Farmville dispatch also called out Hampden-Sydney, Prospect and Randolph District of Cumberland. The house was

starting to collapse on the arrival of Farmville and the fight went exterior. Randolph and Hampden-Sydney helped with the overhaul.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Brush Fire Quickly Stopped

On February 22, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Lucks Lane and Evergreen Parkway fora brush fire. Fire crews arrived to find an approximately 50- by 50-foot brush fire. Crews quickly developed a plan on how to access the fire and waterwas then marked on the fire. Fire crews were able to have the fire undercontrol within 20 minutes. - Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

TransformerFire Snuffed

Recently, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and City of Fairfax Fire Department responded to the 11200 block of Waples Mill Road fora reported building fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find an outside transformeron fire. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire preventing any exposure to the building.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Shed Fire in Rice

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Prince Edward Dispatch on March 14, 2024, at 1500, received a call of a shed fire next to a house on Gulley Tavern Road in Rice (Prince Edward). Dispatch toned out Rice and Farmville. Dispatch received a second call the shed was a circa 1840s, log, ice house being used as storage. They toned out Hampden-Sydney and Meharrian fortankers perChief Clark. Farmville was first in and dropped two lines, one forthe shed and one to cool the house. The house’s siding was starting to melt, but the outside wall of the log building had concrete panels on the outside that slowed and helped contain the fire.

Hampton Commercial Fire

Hampton Fire crews responded to a commercial structure fire recently on the 1100 block of West Pembroke Avenue. No injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy of Lynn Cherry for Hampton FR

Fire in 100+ YearOld Townhome

Woodstock Stove Fire Out

- Submitted by Captain Benjamin P. Gomes

On March 7, 2024, the City of Hopewell Fire and EMS was alerted for a building fire in the City Point District. The structure dated back to the founding of the city in 1613 and the area has a numberof houses that date back to the mid1800s and has large ties to the Civil Warera, as well as numerous buildings that are still standing from then and older.

Richmond Structure Fire

On February 11, 2024, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 500 block of East Franklin Street fora structure fire. Crews arrived to find smoke showing from the second floor. Firefighters quickly stretched a line and marked wateron the fire and brought the fire undercontrol. It is believed that the cause of the fire was due to a warming fire.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Woodstock Fire Department, Toms Brook Fire Department, Edinburg VolunteerFire Company, and Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue responded to a reported residential structure fire in the town of Woodstock on January 13, 2024. First arriving responders found light smoke coming from a residence, which was determined to be from a stove fire that had been extinguished before arrival. Units ventilated the structure.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Galax Handles Brush Fire

The Galax Fire Department responded to a brush fire with a structure threatened on the 200 block of Crackers Neck Road. B14 pulled a line to protect the structure, then worked the left flank as Engine 3 took the right flank. Tanker10 deployed theirboosterline to extinguish fire nearthe road. Brush 13 took the point of origin at the bottom of the hill. All units cleared in 30 minutes.

- Photo courtesy of Galax FD

Shed & Woods Fire in Cumberland

3 Displaced by Riverpark Dr. Fire

Cumberland Dispatch toned out Randolph District and Cumberland VolunteerFire Department fora shed and woods on fire on 1600 block of Cumberland Road at 1755, on March 19, 2024. Randolph was first on the scene with Engines 41 and 42 and Tanker45. After size up, Cumberland was told to stand by in quarters. The fire was out in about 20 minutes. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

Happy Heart Lane Fire

Fairfax County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of a house fire in the 3300 block of Happy Heart Lane in the Woodburn area. Units arrived to smoke showing. There were no reported civilian orfirefighter injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

On March 6, 2024, around 1930, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 11700 block of Riverpark Drive fora structure fire. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor. Firefighters quickly stretched multiple lines and made an offensive attack. Crews worked to extinguish the fire on the second floorand fire that had extended into the attic. Firefighters were able to have the incident placed undercontrol within an hour. No injuries were reported but one adult and two children were displaced and were being assisted by neighbors. The callerreported that a candle allegedly started the fire. - Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Richmond 2-Alarm

Commercial Fire

Recently, the Richmond Fire Department responded to the 1800 block of Commerce Road at the Sonoco PaperRecycling Plant fora structure fire. First arriving units found a large commercial building with heavy fire and smoke showing. Soon after, command declared a second alarm. Firefighters began an offensive attack. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from furtherspreading via the exhaust duct. Once fire crews got the fire undercontrol, crews spent additional hours on overhaul. - Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Albemarle Brush Fires

Between noon and 2000 on March 20, 2024, careerand volunteerunits from Albemarle County responded to 19 brush fires across the county, three of which evolved into majorincidents on March 21, 2024. At 1323 on March 20, 2024, crews were dispatched to Taylors Gap Road. This brush fire impacted approximately 250 acres. As of this writing, the fire was 50-percent contained. Two outbuildings were being considered total losses. No residential structures were impacted and an estimated 15 to 20 residential structures were successfully saved. At 1340 on March 20, crews were dispatched to Backberry Hill. This brush fire impacted approximately 20 acres. Crews successfully contained the fire at approximately 1937. The cause of this brush fire was determined to be an open-airburn violation, and the property ownerwas issued three summonses. At 1504 on March 20, crews were dispatched to Piney Mountain. This fire impacted approximately 180 acres. No residential structures were impacted. Crews successfully contained the fire at 0159 on March 21. ACFR requested statewide mutual aid from the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Red Cross, Cumberland County, Amelia County, Pulaski County and Carrollton. At 1723, an evacuation alert was issued to addresses on Taylors Gap and the side roads. The evacuation orderwas lifted at approximately 2200 on March 20. In addition to these large brush fires, 49 fire rescue calls were received during the same time period. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors issued a Declaration of Local Emergency, on March 20, 2024, at approximately 1730, in response to the brush fires. - Courtesy of ACFR

ATough Half-Acre of Fire

Recently, Galax crews operated at a brush fire on the 200 block of Overlook Lane in Galax. Arriving units found a half-acre in very steep terrain involved off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Crews partnered with Cana VolunteerFire Department to quickly bring the fire undercontrol. All units cleared in an hourafterpulling containment lines and putting out hotspots.

- Photos courtesy of Galax FD

Residential Structure Fire on Lincoln Ave.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 900 block of Lincoln Avenue fora residential fire. Battalion 1 arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing from a single-story detached residence. Crews entered and performed an aggressive attack on the fire. Searches were all clearand the fire was placed undercontrol at 0205. No injuries were reported, but two occupants were displaced. The Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Responding units included Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 4, Ladder3, Rescue 1, Medic 1, EMS1, Safety 1, Fire Marshal 7, and Suffolk Police. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

3 Injured at Drayton Landing Ct. 2-Alarmer

On February 16, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 5600 block of Drayton Landing Court fora structure fire. While units were responding, a smoke column could be seen. Fire crews arrived to find a fully involved home with multiple exposures. Asecond alarm was transmitted and crews quickly stretched multiple lines and began a defensive attack. Three people were transported to VCU Medical Centerforsmoke inhalation and burns. Aneighborwitnessed those three individuals jumping out of a window, just before the room they were in ignited. Fire crews were able to bring the fire undercontrol around 0800, but the house suffered significant damage and was deemed a total loss. Two other neighboring houses were also affected by the fire. The Chesterfield County Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire. - Fire News photos by CFN MEDIA

1 Displaced by Webb Street House Fire

Louisa Brush Fire

On March 20, 2024, Louisa County Fire and EMS along with multiple otherneighboring departments responded to the West Old Mountain Road and Yanceyville Road area fora large wildfire. Firefighters worked from the afternoon on March 20 until the morning of March 21 to get the blaze undercontrol. Once crews got the incident undercontrol, they remained working the scene throughout the day of March 21 chasing hotspots. During the incident, a mandatory evacuation orderwas put into effect forresidents in the area. In addition, a state of emergency was issued in Louisa county due to the fire. Louisa County leaders opened an evacuation centernearthe Louisa County Middle School, forthose residents who were evacuated. By the morning, residents were able to return to theirhomes. It was reported that about 450 acres were burned. Multiple structures and vehicles were eitherdamaged ordestroyed by the fire. Fortunately, Louisa Fire and EMS reported there were no fatalities orinjuries. The cause of the wildfire was underinvestigation.

- Fire News Photos by CFN MEDIA

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 300 block of Webb Street fora residential structure fire. Engine 3, Ladder3 and Medic 3 arrived to heavy fire and smoke showing from a single-story, detached, residential structure. The house next to the home was also on fire. Crews performed an aggressive attack on the fire and prevented the home next to the residence from receiving additional fire damage. Crews performed searches of the residence and the fire was placed undercontrol at 0301. One occupant was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The American Red Cross was assisting one occupant who was displaced. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Brush Fire off Perry’s Mtn. Road

On March 16, 2024, Little Fork Fire Department was dispatched to assist on a brush fire on Perry’s Mountain Road. This occurred as units were just clearing anotherbrush fire off Lee Highway. Arriving units found a fastspreading fire that was encroaching on a residence. Crews extinguished the fire nearthe home, saving it from becoming a total loss. The fire was stopped and the Department of Forestry provided a dozerto complete a fire line around the perimeter.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FD

Alleged Arson in Chesterfield

On March 8, 2024, around 1330, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 9300 block of Chesswood Circle fora structure fire. The callerreported they were passing by the house and saw what looked like fire and smoke coming from the home. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing and quickly stretched lines and went into the offensive mode. When firefighters made entry into the home, they found the fire had spread to several rooms. Crews were able to have the fire marked undercontrol in just over20 minutes with no injuries reported. Sources said that a female allegedly started the fire and was apprehended on scene. The Chesterfield County Fire Marshals Office is continuing to furtherinvestigate this incident.

- Fire News photos by CFN MEDIA

Virginia Statewide CancerSurvey

Did you know that occupational cancer is the leading cause of firefighter line of duty deaths? According to the CDC, firefighters have a -percent higher rate of a cancer diagnosis and a 14-percent higher mortality rate than the general population of the United States.

The Virginia Firefighters for Lifelong Health (VA-FLH) was established to study and generate data to identify cancer prevention strategies among Virginia Firefighters. The VA-FLH is a cohort and collaboration between the Virginia Chapter of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richmond Firefighters IAFF Local 995. It is supported by the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and the Virginia Professional Firefighters.

To advance our goal to gather data, the VA-FLH has established an online cancer registry. We need your participation in the survey and are asking every Virginia firefighter to visit our website, log into it and complete the survey. From the data we collect, we aim to develop targeted and tailored cancer prevention health communication materials, state-wide strategic cancer prevention planning and accelerated cancer education and prevention.

Please visit our website at: www.firefightersforhealth.org. For additional information email us at: valfh@vcuhealth.org or 804628-4649.

FCSN and Spotsylvania Fire Host CancerSymposium

The Virginia Chapterof the FirefighterCancerSupport Network and the Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management Department will host a one-day CancerAwareness and Health Symposium at the John F. Fick Centerin Fredericksburg on May 23, 2024. This free event will bring togethernational leaders that will discuss the rising concerns of cancer among fire and EMS providers. We have invited vendors to discuss the latest in early detection health screenings and ways foryou to reduce toxins on yourPPE. You will leave with important takeaways that will improve you and yourdepartment to battle against occupational cancer! Registerforthis free event at: http://tinyurl.com/y6pe6nrt.

Woodstock MVA

On January 26, 2024, the Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched foran MVAat the Woodstock Family DollarStore. Upon arrival, Rescue Engine 12 found a carthat had crashed through the store’s front entrance and was resting midway into the structure. Store occupants were evacuated and hazards were secured. One occupant was transported to Shenandoah Memorial Hospital. Crews from Rescue Engine and Truck 12 remained on the scene with building officials until the vehicle was removed from the structure. - Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

3 Injured in James River Boat Crash

On March 18, 2024, , Chesterfield Fire and EMS and Henrico Fire responded to Dutch Gap and Osbourne Landing fora waterrescue. It was reported that a boating accident had occurred and multiple people were injured. Chesterfield responded to Dutch Gap, while Henrico responded to Osbourne Landing. Both departments worked to quickly launch boats and locate the injured. Once the patients were located, Chesterfield and Henrico worked togetherto transport one yellow and two green patients back to Osbourne Landing, where Henrico transported those patients to local hospitals. Once the patients were transported, waterrescue crews worked to secure the crashed boat. Conservation Police handled removing the boat. - Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Fast Extrication in Galax

Galax units responded to an MVAon Cranberry Road. Arriving units found a single vehicle on its top with the occupant still inside. The crew from Rescue 4 cut the dooroff of the vehicle and worked with Pipers Gap Rescue Squad members to backboard and remove

the patient who was transported to Twin County Regional Healthcare (TCRH) with non-life-threatening injuries. All units cleared in 15 minutes. Thanks to Carroll County Sherriff’s Office and Twin County E-911 as well. - Photos courtesy of Galax FD

Farmville MVA

On February 7, 2024 at 0915, Farmingville Chief Clark and other firefighters were in the firehouse, when they heard a loud crash. The chief pulled the chief’s carout to close the road fora two car and gravel truck wreck and had dispatch tone out Prince Edward Rescue, Hampden-Sydney and a med flight fora person trapped in

a rolled overpickup. Farmville Squad 1 started extraction and charged a handline, stabilizing the truck with airbags. Prince Edward Rescue took a patient to an LZ where the patient was transported to Centa Hospiltal.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

2 People, 1 Dog Injured, in Centralia Rd. MVA

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 5500 block of Centralia Road foran MVAwith entrapment. Fire crews arrived to find a two-vehicle crash with one of the vehicles overturned. Firefighters quickly determined that they were working on one patient heavily entrapped i and anotherwho had self-extricated. Crews transported both patients to local hospitals. One of the patients was reported to have possible life-threatening injuries and the otherone was transported with serious injuries. One dog was also transported to a nearby emergency vet. Sources said the dog lost one of its legs from the crash. The Chesterfield County Police Department was continuing to investigate this incident.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Fatality at Mechanicsville MVA

Recently, Henrico Fire and Police responded to Mechanicsville Turnpike and St. Claire Lane fora reported MVA. Fire crews arrived to find a three-vehicle crash with heavy damage. Crews determined one of the adult drivers was dead. Asecond adult driverwas treated on scene fornon-life-threatening injuries and a third adult was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both westbound and eastbound lanes remained closed into the early morning hours. The crash was underfurtherinvestigation by the Henrico Police Crash Team.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

MVAon Route 460

Prince Edward Dispatch received a call on February 6, 2024, fora logging truck rolloveron Route 45 westbound with possible entrapment.

Farmville Squad 1, Prince Edward Ambulance, Pamplin Fire and Prospect Fire responded. Farmville was returned to quarters as there was no entrapment. The driverwas taken to Centra Hospital. Prospect and Pamplin moved some of the logs to open one lane and the Virginia Department of Transportation was called to remove the logs and truck. The road was closed and re-routed forabout three hours. The Pamplin chief was in charge.

- Fire News photos by Dan Pempel

2-Vehicle MVAWith Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue and Suffolk Police responded to the 2800 block of Pruden Boulevard (nearthe intersection of Northfield Drive) fora two-vehicle crash with one vehicle on fire. Medic 3 arrived to find one vehicle well involved and a second vehicle in a field. The vehicle on fire left Pruden Boulevard and hit a tree and then caught fire. The two occupants (drivers) of the vehicles were injured, and both were out of their vehicles upon arrival of fire and rescue. Engine 6 put the vehicle on fire out while Medic 3 provided advanced life support treatment to the drivers of the two vehicles until additional medics arrived. Due to the critical nature of one of the occupants, Nightingale AirAmbulance was requested forair-transport. That driversustained serious injuries and was in critical condition at an area hospital. The otherdriverwas ground transported by Medic 6 to an area hospital with serious, yet nonlife-threatening injuries. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Small Plane Crash at County Airport

On February 10, 2024, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the Chesterfield County Airport foran aircraft emergency. It was reported that a small Piper Cherokee, coming from Pennsylvania, was attempting to land and was experiencing problems with its landing gear. The plane was able to circle the airport while the pilot worked to troubleshoot the issue. During that time, Chesterfield Fire and EMS crews remained on standby on the runway, ready to react. Once the pilot believed the problem was fixed, he attempted to land the aircraft. Fortunately, the plane was able to land safely. The plane was occupied by two people and none were injured.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Carin Water in Richmond

Recently, Richmond Fire Department responded to the 7900 block of Riverside Drive fora vehicle in the water. Fire crews arrived to find a vehicle in the wateralong the shore. The first arriving crews believed that nobody was in the vehicle. To ensure that the vehicle was clear, Boat 3 launched from the Meadows and responded to the scene. Once Boat 3 arrived, they confirmed that the vehicle was unoccupied. Richmond Police Department found the driverlateruninjured.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Pedestrian Dead in Hull Street MVA

On February 14, 2024, at about 1848, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Hull Street and Speeks Drive fora report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. While units responded, callers were reporting that CPR was in progress. Fire crews arrived on scene to find a body lying in the westbound lane of Hull Street nearSpeeks Drive. Afterfurtherinvestigation, crews determined that the victim was dead. The driverremained on the scene and cooperated with police.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDINGTEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENTREPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS

IamResponding today announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, EMS, hospitals and state and federal agencies.

IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make betterinformed decisions swiftly and efficiently.

Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights for Rapid Response: With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection records - responders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies,

improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes: By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

• Closed Feedback Loop for Continuous Improvement: The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions for Empowered Response: Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and realtime tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance. When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more

for first responders.

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.” “This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awarenessin an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.” The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base.

AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEM EXPANDS THE MATHENYFIRE & EMERGENCYTERRITORY FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OFVIRGINIA

AMKUS Rescue Systems is pleased to announce the expansion of Matheny Fire & Emergency into the entire state of Virgina as the Exclusive Distributor for all Sales, Service, Warranty and Training of the AMKUS Rescue Systems product line.

Matheny Fire & Emergency will now provide First-Class customer service to all 95 counties of Virginia from multiple service centers throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Sales Staff has strategically been assigned in Western, Central and Eastern portions of Virginia. With multiple service centers located throughout the State, they will offer training and maintenance, mobile service, and have readily available parts to minimize down time and keep customer Rescue Systems in service.

“Matheny Fire & Emergency has repre-

sented the AMKUS Rescue Systems product line since 2015 in Northern Virgina and West Virginia territories. They have proven themselves in Customer Service, Sales Growth and we are excited to introduce this level of performance into the new territory.” says Bob Linster, Regional Manager, AMKUS Rescue Systems. “The Fire Departments in the southern half of Virginia will certainly benefit and see a whole new side of what AMKUS has to offer. With its growing sales and service teams, Matheny Fire & Emergency will only continue to excel in organic growth in representing the AMKUS ION products in this new region.”

Matheny Motor Truck Company was established in 1922. It has served

the transportation needs of businesses, along with local and state government agencies for over 100 years. Tim and Monica Matheny are the fourth-generation owners of Matheny Motor Truck Company and lead a team of 420 employees in 13 locations within the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

Matheny Motor Truck Company consists of four Divisions; Automotive Dealerships, Commercial Truck Dealerships, Towing & Equipment Dealerships, and Fire & Emergency Dealerships. For more information about Matheny Fire & Emergency, please call 877-378-2781 or visit www.mathenymotors.com.

HanoverCompletes High/Low Angle Rope Course

Recently, members of HanoverFire-EMS completed the VDFPRope Operations High/Low Angle course. This course marks a unique training milestone forthe department as it was taught by internal instructors!

- Photos courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS

CulpepperHonors

Five forOver

50 Years Service

Chairof BOS, Paul Bates, Wayne Grimsley, Chaplain R. E Deane, President Steve Corbin, M.O. McAllister(‘P’nut’) Jackie Griffin (Treasurer) and past Chief.

- Submitted by Larry Gwaltney

IAFC’s Recruitment and Retention CoordinatorCourse

The Woodstock Fire Department (WFD) hosted the IAFC’s Recruitment and Retention CoordinatorCourse on January 20 and 21, 2024. This course is designed to improve the department’s ability to recruit and retain volunteerfirefighters and is funded by a SAFER grant. Three WFD firefighters were joined by 14 otherstudents from throughout Virginia and the MidAtlantic forthe two-day, 16-hourcourse.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

GovernorYoungkin Recognizes Recipients of 2023 Governor’s Fire Service Awards

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Fire Service Awards as part of the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach. Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards honor excellence in Virginia’s fire service and are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in collaboration with the Virginia Fire Services Board. “We join together in celebration and gratitude for the incredible contributions made by these first responders and support staff. In the midst of recent tragedy, we are grateful for these fearless heroes who run towards danger to protect and serve their fellow Virginians every day,” said Governor Youngkin.

The 2023 Governor’s Fire Service Awards Recipients are as follows:

VIRGINIAFIRE CHIEFOFTHE YEAR: Melvin Carter, City of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services and Monty Coleman, Forest VolunteerFire Department

VIRGINIAFIREFIGHTER OFTHE YEAR: Henry Spencer, Arlington County Fire Department.

EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIAFIRE SERVICES: Micah Kiger, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue.

EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIACOMMUNITYRISK REDUCTION: City of Lynchburg Fire Department.

EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIAFIRE SERVICE TRAINING: Adam Still, Winchester Fire and Rescue; and Mike Musser, Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department.

CIVILIAN EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIAFIRE SERVICE SUPPORT: Metro Richmond Flying Squad.

PRIVATE SECTOR EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIAFIRE SER-

VICE SUPPORT: Joe Pack, Atlantic Emergency Solutions.

OUTSTANDINGFIRE DEPARTMENTRESPONSE: Engine Company 17, Virginia Beach Fire Departmentand Blairs Fire and Rescue. - Submitted by Will Merritt

Phoebus VFC Holds its 131st Annual Awards Dinner

Phoebus VolunteerFire Company held their131st Annual Awards Dinneron March 9, 2024, at the Hampton Yacht Club. Congratulations to Phoebus Fire Company Firefighterof the Year

Bryant Holland and Chief’s Award recipients Scott Doggette and Doug Smith. Thanks to all fora great evening.

- Photos provided

Firefighters from the Norfolk Fire Department

- Photo courtesy of Norfolk FD

Students Thank Louisa County Fire Rescue

Louisa County Fire Rescue would like to thank the Second Graders of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, forsending the department thank you cards afterthe recent wildfires.

- Photo courtesy of Louisa County FR

46th Annual ValorAwards

responders who have gone above and beyond through theirremarkable actions and achievements.

-

Congratulations to all those honored at the 46th Annual Valor Awards, hosted by GreaterReston Chamberof Commerce. The Fairfax County ValorAwards recognize Fairfax County first

Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Virginia Fire Programs Awarded Grant

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs was proud to be in attendance as Dominion Energy awarded $75,000 to the Virginia State Firefighters Association (VSFA). The grant is in support of volunteerfire departments.

- Photo courtesy of Virginia Department of FP

Fire Alarms Save Lives

Recently, the State Fire Marshal’s Office partnered with the American Red Cross Virginia Region on two “Sound the Alarm” events to install smoke alarms in homes. Between the two events (one in Elliston and one in Wytheville), more than 170 smoke alarms were installed and nearly 250 people were educated on fire safety. Pictured is the team of volunteers at the event in Wytheville hosted by the Wytheville Fire and Rescue Department. Thank you to all the Red Cross volunteers, community groups and businesses that made these events possible.

- Photo courtesy VDFP

ODHFSat 2024 Fire-Rescue Conference

The Old Dominion Historical Fire Society (ODHFS) had the honor of setting up their display booth at 2024 Fire-Rescue Conference held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The display booth was operational from February 21, 2024, through Saturday February 24.

The conference is Virginia’s largest fire service educational and expo event with over 2,200 attendees this year. ODHFS’s display booth was located in the main lobby of the convention center alongside Virginia Beach Fire Department’s Monster Fire Truck a 1944 Seagrave. The ODHFS exhibit was designed to showcase the fire service’s many decades of historical firefighting tools, helmets, SCBAs, nozzles, vintage photographs, memorabilia and apparatus. The display booth was

visited by firefighters ranging from the newest recruits, to senior firefighters, company officers, chief officers and numerous retired firefighters, all who shared their experiences, memories and stories associated to the equipment displayed or marveled on the advances the fire service has achieved in both equipment and apparatus.

Partnering with the ODHFS display was the Freedom Flag Foundation which trailered a “Steel Beam of Remembrance” recovered from the World Trade Center. The steel beam was positioned outside the convention center near the main entrance and served as a reminder to all those attending the conference to “Never Forget - Always Remember.”

- Photos courtesy of Dennis Keane

MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH

Firefighters

the Fairfax County Fire Rescue Department.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Firefighters

the Galax Fire Department.

- Photo courtesy of Galax FD

Fairfax and Red Cross Install Alarms in 67 Homes

Recently, Fairfax County Fire Rescue partnered with the American Red Cross of the National Capital and GreaterChesapeake Region and SupervisorJames Walkinshaw fora “Get Alarmed” event in

Patches

RinerFire Department

Barren Springs Fire Department

City of Falls Church VolunteerFire Department

the Waples Mill Mobile Home community. Volunteers installed 150 smoke alarms and made 67 homes within the community safer.

- Photos courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Annual Pinewood Derby Race

The Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company participated in the annual Pinewood Derby race with the Cub Scouts (550). The event has a public safety class that included Little Fork VFRC, Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement. We are happy to report that all of the cars finished the races.

We are also happy to report that Little Fork VFRC finished first (again!) in the Public Safety class. We congratulate Dave Hagen for the design and build that enabled our vehicle to place the best time in all heats.

We greatly appreciate those in the community that donate their time supporting youth programs such as this!

- Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR

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