Fire News Virginia, June/July 2024

Suffolk FRto a Technical Rescue Incident

Suffolk FR responded on May 30, 2024, to a reported technical rescue in the 1100 block of Audubon Road.

See story on page 4

Davisfield Lane Blaze

Firefighters from Fairfax County and Alexandria responded to the 7600 block of Davisfield Lane for a structure fire.

See story on page 12

Suffolk Responds to Commercial Fire

Suffolk FR responded on May 21, 2024, to commercial fire on Factory Street.

See story on page 22

Duck...Duck... Rescue!

Recently, Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Engine 4 and Rescue 2 crews performed a confined space rescue of two ducklings from a storm sewer.

See story on page 26

Gravel Trailer Rollover in Farmville

Farmville Fire was toned out for a gravel trailer being towed, which had rolled over on Route 15.

See story on page 28

Tough Terrain for Wild Fire

Woodstock Fire Department firefighters operated at the scene of a wildland fire on Hunter Road.

See story on page 32

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Suffolk Fire & Rescue Responds to a Technical Rescue Incident on Audubon Road

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded on the afternoon of May 30, 2024, to a reported technical rescue in the 1100 block of Audubon Road.

Emergency Communications was contacted at 1617 for a reported technical rescue. Upon arrival of Engine 9 and Medic 9, crews found an adult male that fell in a large hole that was being excavated by a large excavator. The operator of the excavator stepped out of the machine and fell approximately 30 feet into the pit. The pit was about 20-foot wide and the fall caused injury to the excavator operator. Engine 9’s and Medic 9’s crew entered the pit using a ground ladder and administered emergency medical care while the technical rescue team and Ladder 6

set up an overhead anchor and rigged a haul system to raise the operator from the bottom of the pit. Once the operator was raised, Medic 9 transported the operator with moderate injuries to a local hospital. The operator was removed at 1706.

Responding units included Car 1, Car 6, Car 7, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Battalion 9, Engine 9, Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 6, Rescue 1, Medic 9, Medic 1, Tech Trailer, EMS 1, Fire Marshal 8, Safety 1, and SPD. - Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Richmond Trench Rescue

Richmond Fire Department responded to E 21st Street and Ingram Avenue fora reported trench rescue. Fire crews arrived on scene to find a patient down inside of a trench box at a construction site. Crews quickly worked to make contact with the patient. Once contact was made, crews determined they were working one red

patient. Firefighters worked to setup the aerial and begin a technical rescue. Crews had the patient removed from the trench within about 45 minutes. The patient was then transported priority to an area hospital. Theircondition was unknown.

- Fire News photos by CFN Media

House Fire forBristol

At approximately 1322 on April 9, 2024 the Bristol Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire in the 400 block of Washington Street. All three Bristol fire stations responded. While responding to the scene, fire crews were advised that the house might still be occupied. Amutual-aid request was made for Bristol (TN) FireRescue Department to respond to assist and an additional ambulance was requested from the Bristol Life Saving Crew.

First arriving fire personnel reported smoke and flames were visible from a single-family dwelling. Fortunately, all occupants and two animals had escaped the fire and were not injured.

Fire crews stretched hoselines into position to conduct an interior attack on the fire. Crews worked inside the burning house for several minutes trying to extinguish the fire. The fire had already burned

through the ceiling and into the attic space and was found to be burning overhead. The fire had become well advanced and had spread throughout the entire house. At one point all firefighters were ordered to evacuate the burning house to facilitate the transition from an offense attack to a defensive attack.

Once outside the burning house all personnel were accounted for. Crews placed large caliber hoselines into operation and set up an aerial master stream. The large volume of water being applied to the burning structure gave firefighters the upper hand. Crews continued to work to extinguished pockets of fire throughout the house to ensure all fire was extinguished.

- Submitted by Mike Armstrong

Chesterfield House Fire

Recently, Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 2100 block of Early Settlers Road fora reported structure fire. While units were en route, a smoke column could be seen. At that time, a working fire was declared. The first arriving fire crews arrived within three minutes to find heavy fire showing from the rearof the structure. Fire crews then quickly stretched lines and made an attack. Once crews had a knock down from the exterior, they moved into the interior. Firefighters were able to have the fire undercontrol within about an hour. While crews were performing theirsearches, unfortunately they discovered two deceased dogs. One person was transported to a local hospital with minorinjuries. And the cause of the fire remains underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by CFN MEDIA

Davisfield Lane Blaze

Firefighters from Fairfax County and Alexandria responded to the 7600 block of Davisfield Lane fora structure fire. Crews battled the two-alarm fire and extension to a neighboring home. No firefighterorcivilian injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze was under investigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Little Fork, Salem and COES Join Forces to Locate Missing Person

May 26, 2024 - Little Fork’s Gator9 was dispatched to assist Salem VolunteerFire and Rescue and COES with an injured person on a mountain biking trail. The individual was approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from the roadway, Dutch Hollow Road. The terrain is hilly and had some difficult areas that were traversed by the Gator. Little Fork responded and assisted with bringing the person out to the EMS transport unit. Thanks to all the volunteers who responded to assist with the incident and provided seamless coverage forourarea.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FD

Getting Soaked at Gladeville Elementary

It was a perfect day fora WaterDay at Gladeville Elementary. Engine 2 got the pleasure of soaking the students, and even a few teachers. Thanks forthe invite!

- Photos courtesy of Galax FD

RoasterOven Fire Albemarle County Public Safety Responds to Domestic Incident Resulting in Fire

On May 2, 2024, at approximately 1038, careerand volunteer units from Albemarle County Fire Rescue and officers from Albemarle County Police Department responded to the 1800 block of Secretarys Road fora domestic incident. That incident resulted in a vehicle crashing into a single-family home and starting a fire. The home’s occupants were evacuated safely with no injuries. The single-family home is considered a total loss due to the fire damage. Fouradult residents and one juvenile resident of the home were displaced by the fire. Officials identified a suspect in the incident, 26-year-old of no fixed address, who was last seen leaving the scene on foot with a baseball bat. Asearch followed in the immediate area. The man was apprehended at approximately 1447 in a vehicle located on Interstate 64 westbound nearmile marker121. He has been charged with three felonies: Attempted malicious wounding, child endangerment and arson. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact ACPD at 434296-5807. Forthose who wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000 orCrimestoppers@albemarle.org.

- Courtesy of ACFR

At 1211 on April 13, 2024, Franklin Fire and Rescue received a 911 call fora fire alarm at a commercial processing facility on General Thomas Highway in Franklin. Upon investigation, it was determined that the facility had a working fire in a roaster(oven). The roasterwas shut down and the employees of the business were evacuated. The conditions were extremely harsh, which complicated the extinguishment of the fire. The fire was contained to the roasterand the exhaust system. Mutual aid was called from Boykins, Carrsville, Courtland, Courtland Rescue, Hunterdale, Isle of Wight, Newsoms, Sedley, Ivor, Suffolk and Windsor. There were no injuries reported. - Submitted by Kimberly Gaskins

Albemarle Fire Rescue Responds to Structure Fire on Stagecoach Road

Gas Leak on Bradock Road

Fairfax County Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of a gas leak at the intersection of Braddock Road and Cranoke Street in Centreville, recently. Afour-inch gas line was struck. Crews were on scene foran extended period of time. Braddock Road was shut down at Cronake Street in both directions.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

On April 15, 2024, at approximately 1512, careerand volunteerunits from Albemarle County Fire Rescue were dispatched fora report of a structure fire in the 400 block of Stagecoach Road. The first apparatus arrived on scene within eight minutes afterdispatch to discoverheavy smoke conditions. The residents were not home at the time. The two residents have been displaced by the fire and are being assisted by the family and the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office.

- Photo courtesy of Albmarle County FR

Fatality on Spring Trace Lane

Galax Fire Department tones activated 0735, fora structure fire on Spring Trace Lane. Arriving units found smoke showing from a singlewide mobile home with neighbors indicating one person was trapped inside. Firefighters initiated rescue efforts removing one 60-year-old male from the structure. Life saving measures were immediately initiated. AirCare Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist was requested to do a scene landing. Despite the extensive efforts of Carroll County Fire/Rescue paramedics and the AirCare flight crew, the victim did not survive his injuries. Galax firefighters completed extinguishment and overhaul and cleared in 90 minutes. The cause was determined to have been improperly discarded smoking materials.

- Photo courtesy of Galax FD

Massive Blaze in Bristol

Bristol Fire crews were dispatched at 0550 recently fora large structure fire. Callers reported a multi-story building fully engulfed in flames. The first arriving fire crew confirmed the building was well involved and there was also a second building on fire as well. The structure was an old school building on Oak Street. Due to the large size of the building and the amount of fire involved, a mutual-aid call went out to Bristol, (TN) Fire-Rescue forassistance. Crews had to connect to multiple fire hydrants to supply the suppression operation on the massive blaze.Crews worked to control the fire and keep it from spreading. They searched the area forvictims as soon as the fire was knocked down. The cause of the fire was likely caused by homeless individuals using a warming fire inside the building that got out of hand.

- Submitted by Mike Armstrong

Shenandoah Wildland Fire

On March 17, 2024, crews from the Woodstock Fire Department (WFD) assisted with a wildland fire involving several outbuildings and otherstructures on Maple Lane in the southern portion of Shenandoah County. Asimilarsize incident also occurred at the same time in anotherarea of Shenandoah County, which crews from Woodstock also assisted on. Photograph shows WFD FirefighterTrey Reynolds and the Virginia Department of Forestry dozerworking on containment lines.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Little Back River House Fire

Hampton Fire & Rescue and Hampton Police Division personnel responded to a residential structure fire in the 700 block of East Little Back RiverRoad. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of Lynn Cherry for Hampton Fire & Rescue

TractorTrailerFire on I-64

C-Shift crews battled an intense tractortrailerfire on Interstate 64 today. Three-engine relay pumping was established due to water supply issues. Two handlines flowed foam and a portable master stream was used. OurHazMat team was also deployed to contain

runoff. As you can see in one picture (left), an impatient motorist drove overa supply line which interrupted theirwatersupply. Certainly not appreciated. This incident lasted forseveral hours. Great job C-Shift crews. - Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Suffolk Responds to a Commercial Fire in Downtown Factory

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded on May 21, 2024, to commercial fire in the 300 Block of Factory Street. Crews arrived at 2130 to find a multi-story factory with a fire in the processing area. Crews worked between the second and third floorto find and suppress a fire that involved a conveyorbelt and the duct system. Some fire was also found in the second story roof. The fire was contained to the duct work and the roof area. No injuries to factory workers or

firefighters. The fire was placed undercontrol at 2209. The fire was underinvestigation by the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office. Responding units included Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Engine 3, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 4, Ladder3, Ladder6, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Safety 1, EMS 1, FM1, and FM 3.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Rose Hill House Fire

Fairfax County Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene of a fire in a single-family home in the 4300 block of Upland Drive in the Rose Hill area. Units arrived to smoke and fire showing from the roof. Crews worked to extinguish the fire. All occupants were accounted for. No firefighterorcivilian injuries were reported. The fire was underinvestigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR

Woodstock Garage Fire Extends

The Woodstock Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Summit Avenue in the Town of Woodstock on April 22, 2024. The fire spread from a parked motorvehicle into an attached carport and residence. Crews from Wagon 12 were able to quickly extinguish the fire afterone resident self-evacuated. Assistance was provided by Toms Brook, Edinburg, Shenandoah County, and the Town of Woodstock. Pictured is Wagon 12 on the scene.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Barn Fully Involved on Arrival

On May 24, 2024 at 2045, crews were dispatched to a report of an abandoned barn on fire off of Ryland Chapel Road. Chief 9 arrived and advised that the building was fully involved with fire with no exposures. There was nothing to save – the building was beginning to collapse. All additional fire stations were placed in service and

Little Fork units continued in. Wagon 9, Engine 9, Ambulance 9-1, Chief 9, Utility 9 responded with 22 of ourvolunteers.

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FD

2-Alarm Commercial Structure Fire on North Main Street

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 700 block of North Main Street fora commercial structure fire. Suffolk Emergency Communications Dispatch Centerdispatched the incident at 2204. Engine 1 and Medic 1 arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing from a large commercial building. Fire was visible from the roof and heavy smoke was showing from the interior. Aftera coordinated interiorattack to search forany occupants that were believed to be inside the building, an evacuation orderwas given by command. At the time of this release, defensive operations continue. No injuries were reported at the time of this release. Virginia Department of Emergency Management was contacted due to hazardous materials present in the building and to contain run-off.

Portsmouth Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team responded to assist with controlling the run-off. The Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause and origin of the fire with Fire Marshal 1 leading the investigation. Responding units included Car 1, Car2, Car5, Car7, Battalion 1, Battalion 2, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 4, Engine 5, Engine 6, Ladder3, Ladder6, Ladder 11, Chesapeake Ladder10, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 6, Rehab 6, EMS 1, Safety 1, Fire Marshals 1,3,4,5,6, VDEM, Portsmouth HazMat Team, and Suffolk Police.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Duck…Duck…Rescue!

Recently, Norfolk Fire Rescue’s Engine 4 and Rescue 2 crews performed a confined space rescue of two ducklings from a storm sewer. Both were quacking happily and were turned overto Norfolk Animal Control forfurthercare and evaluation.

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Structural Collapse Displaces 3

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded on May 19, 2024, to a reported building collapse in the 300 block of East Washington Street. Emergency Communications was contacted at 2205 and fire crews arrived on scene at 2209 to find a three-story middle-ofthe-row taxpayerthat had collapsed in the interiorand also had debris on the front sidewalk and in the rearof the building. The building was not occupied and due to the damage, the adjacent apartments were deemed unsafe and the occupants of the adjacent buildings were displaced. The City of Suffolk’s building official is working with the ownerof the building to have it demolished. There were no injuries as a result of this incident. Three adults were displaced and the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced. Responding units included Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Ladder3, Rescue 1, Medic 3, and Safety 1.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

2 Injured in Chesterfield MVA

Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Collington Drive fora reported motorvehicle accident with overturn. The callerreported that a person was possibly ejected from the vehicle and they were allegedly going in and out of consciousness. Medic 219 arrived on scene to find a vehicle on its side. Fire crews then quickly went to check forinjuries and entrapment. Crews got an all clearon the vehicle and determined that they were working one patient with serious injuries and anotherpatient with minor injuries. The patient with serious injuries was transported to an area hospital. Chesterfield County Police Department is investigating this incident.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Good Save in Cardiac Call

Little Fork was dispatched fora chest pains call in the Quail Ridge subdivision. Units arrived, assessed the patient, finding that they were having a STEMI (cardiac pain). Chief 9 summoned a helicopterfora med flight to the cath lab at Fairfax Hospital. Heart muscle is progressively damaged by a blockage. Ourvolunteers along with COES paramedics began treatment during transport to the LZ located at the Jeffersonton Baptist Church. Ambulance 9-1 transported and Rescue Engine 9 along with the Chief set up the LZ. Othervolunteers staffed Ambulance 9 while these units were committed. The family has advised that the patient had a stent placed in the heart upon arrival at Fairfax and was in recovery. This was a true emergency. Due to theirquick actions, the crews probably saved this person’s life. We thank the 12 volunteers and the COES crew forthis successful operation! - Photo courtesy of Little Fork FR

Gravel Trailer Rolloverin Farmville

On May 1, 2024, Farmville Fire was toned out at 1410, fora gravel trailerbeing towed which had rolled overon Route 15, the main road southbound out of Farmville. Chief 1 Clark was first on scene. Farmville SQ1 responded to keep a lane open fornorth and southbound traffic. It took about 90 minutes to remove the trailerand gravel in the road.

- Fire News photo by Dan Pempel

1 Serious in Chesterfield MVA

Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to Old Buckingham Road fora reported MVA. Fire crews arrived on scene to find a single vehicle crash. Firefighters then determined they were working one patient with serious injuries. That patient was transported to a local hospital. Theircondition at this time is unknown.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Almost a Car into House

Chesterfield Fire and EMS responded to the 2400 block of Dovercourt Drive fora reported vehicle into structure. Truck 205 arrived on scene to find a vehicle on its side, not effecting the structure. Aftercrews preformed patient care, stabilized the vehicle, and accessed forhazards, the incident was able to quickly be placed undercontrol. One person was transported to an area hospital with minorinjuries.

- Fire News photo by CFN Media

Good Save by Woodstock

Woodstock’s Engine 12 responded to the scene of a wildland fire on March 17, 2024. The fire occurred on Back Road in Shenandoah County at approximately 2330, with initial reports indicating a one-acre fire threatening several structures including a residence. Crews fully extinguished the fire at around 0330 afterit had consumed just undertwo acres and several outbuildings. Crews successfully protected a residence and fourotherstructures. Assisting were Edinburg, Toms Brook and Conicville along with Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue and Virginia Department of Forestry.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

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

TWO PROVEN LEADERS IN EMERGENCYRESPONSE LEVERAGE DECADES OFINDUSTRY EXPERIENCE TO DELIVER THE BEST-IN-CLASS, CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (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 better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid 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 recordsresponders 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 forContinuous 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 forEmpowered Response: Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time 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 awareness in 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.

Detached Garage Fire on Holland Road

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded on May 20, 2024, to a detached garage on fire in the 2200 Holland Road. Emergency Communications was contacted at 0637 and fire crews arrived on scene at 0645 to find a three-bay detached garage well involved in fire. Crews attacked the fire and there was no extension to any otherstructures. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

The fire was underinvestigation by the Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office. Responding units included Battalion 1, Engine 4, Engine 1, Engine 7, Ladder6, Rescue 1, Medic 1, and FM 3.

- Photos courtesy of Suffolk FR

Drowning Subject Recovered

Recently, Richmond and Henrico Fire Departments responded to the Westhampton Lake at the University of Richmond fora reported waterrescue incident. When crews arrived on scene, an eyewitness reported that a subject went underand had not resurfaced. Richmond and Henrico fire crews worked togetherto quickly get boats in the waterand attempt to locate the victim. Crews soon located the victim and confirmed that he was deceased. Both departments then worked to bring the victim to land. The victim was a sophomore student from Newark, New Jersey. Police say that detectives have determined this was an accidental drowning. At this time, no foul play is suspected.

Six Displaced

by

- Fire News photos by CFN MEDIA

Residential Structure Fire

Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 400 Block of St. James Avenue forreports of a residential structure fire. Emergency communications received the initial call at 1957 and fire crews arrived on scene at 2004 to find a small fire in the kitchen. Crews searched the structure and found that all residents made it out of the home safely priorto their arrival. The fire damaged the stove, and extended to the cabinets in the kitchen. The American Red Cross assisted two adults and fourchildren displaced as a result of the incident. There were no firefighterorcivilian injuries as a result of the fire. The fire was determined to be accidental in nature. Responding units were Battalion 1, Engine 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Ladder3, Medic 1, Rescue 1 and Safety 1.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

Tough Terrain forWild Fire

Woodstock Fire Department firefighters operated at the scene of a wildland fire on HunterRoad. This fire, on April 22, 2024, was ignited by embers from a controlled burn and extended to approximately a quarter-acre. Crews from Woodstock and Toms Brook battled the fire among difficult terrain foroveran hour.

- Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel

Up Close & Personal

Huntley, winnerof the TVshow “The Voice” was the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Apple Blossom firefighters parade in Winchesteron May 3, 2024.

NFFFHosts 2024 High School Fire & EMS Cadet Symposium

To Be Held in Detroit, MI on July 13 and 14

Join us on July 13 - 14, for this year’s National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation (NFFF) High School Fire & EMS Cadet Program Symposium.

Learn from and be among colleagues specifically interested in sharing general information and effective practices with their peers from across the nation. This is the fifth event in a series dating back to 2019. Stakeholders from 22 states and the District of Columbia have joined us, spending two days learning from and networking with learning professionals, subject matter experts, and leaders of successful programs. Outcomes were impressive:

The NFFF is returning to Detroit, Michigan after a successful 2023 event. There is no registration fee to attend!

Attendees will experience a highly interactive agenda. Topics will address:

• The fire service culture and what it means to cadets; First person success stories and why they matter; Expanding your program to make the students more marketable; Supporting a program from an administrator’s view; Mental health considerations for building resilient emergency workers; Strategies to reduce bullying; Reflecting society in today’s fire service; and NFFF training resources;

And many more informative topics! For more information and to register, please go to https://www.firehero.org/event/2024-highschool-fire-ems-cadet-program-symposium/.

Funding for this program has been provided through FEMA's Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Sports great Rocky Blierat the 2024 Apple Blossom parade in Winchester, on May 3, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Suffolk Supports Harborfest

Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue Fireboat 1 supported Harborfest operations in Norfolk on June 9, 2023. Fireboat 1 is a 34-foot all-hazard emergency response vessel.

- Photo courtesy of Suffolk FR

FirefighterCancerSupport Network’s 4th Annual Virginia Golf Tournament

Registration in now open for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network’s (FCSN) 4th Annual Virginia Golf Tournament on September 16, 2024, in Fredericksburg. Enjoy a great day of golf while supporting the fight against cancer. At this year’s tournament we will honor the seven Virginia firefighters who lost their life to occupational cancer and recognize the 59 firefighters that are battling cancer.

The FCSN assists firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families cope with cancer. We also provide cancer awareness and prevention training to your department at no cost. For information on how the FCSN can assist your department please contact Steve Weissman at sweissman@fcsn.net.

To register a team or be a sponsor, please follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/djs9kscw. - Submitted by Steve Weissman

An EMSCareerforChristopherPayne

Christopher Payne serves as the Fire Chief for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services. Chief Payne has over 33 years of fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency management experience. In 1990, he began his passion for fire and emergency services as a volunteer in Virginia. He is a US Army and Army Reserve veteran, having served in Bosnia and the Middle East with HHB 6-52 Air Defense Artillery as a Combat Medic and then at Fort Bragg (NC; now Fort Liberty), with the 28th Combat Support Hospital.

After his active duty service, he began his professional career with Madison County EMS. Next, Payne was hired by Loudoun Couty Fire and Rescue, where he attended a fire academy, Recruit Class 6, in 2002. He left Loudoun County to become a Captain for the County of Orange Fire and EMS before transitioning to the Department of Defense. He served 10 years as a Firefighter/Paramedic at Quantico Fire and Emergency Services. While at Quantico, he served on the Rappahannock EMS Council Protocol Committee, was the team leader of the Quantico Rescue Task Force and was sent to Tactical Medic Training in Niagara (NY). As the team leader, he was responsible for organizing and providing training to personnel in preparation for an active shooter event. He also established the foundation for the installation STOPTHE BLEED program. In 2017, he accepted the Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services position at Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services (NRMAF&ES). He managed CNRMA’s 10-state

operating area EMS program.

During his time as EMS Chief, he led NRMAF&ES to be the first DoD Fire Service recognized by the American Heart Association for the Mission Lifeline Bronze Award. While at NRMAF&ES Fire Headquarters, Chief Payne also served as the Acting Deputy Chief of Operations and the Division Chief of Technical Services. In late 2019, he was promoted to the NRMAF&ES District Fire Chief for Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Weapons Station Yorktown and Cheatham Annex, NRMAFire District 2. In June 2023, he was laterally selected to the position of Deputy Fire Chief of Administration at NRMAFire Headquarters and in September 2023 was selected for the position of Fire Chief.

Payne received an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology (Paramedicine) from Northern Virginia Community College and became a Nationally Registered Paramedic in 2000. He continued his education by receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management in 2017 and his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Public Administration in 2018, both from Waldorf University. In addition, he is pursuing post graduate studies in Public Administration at Liberty University, part-time.

In his non-work time, Chris spends time visiting local community events and spending time outdoors with his adult children and grandson.

- Fire News photo provided

Little Fork at Annual Parade

On May 23, 2024, Little Fork volunteers participated in the CulpeperCounty VolunteerFire Department’s annual parade. They received a trophy forthe best appearing CulpeperCounty Fire and EMS Company. Fourteen volunteers took Wagon 9, Ambulance 9-2, Chief 9, Rescue 9 and Equine 9 tro the event. We thank all of the participants along with the numerous volunteers who covered ourstation while we were out of the area!

- Photos courtesy of Little Fork FD

Portsmouth Promotions

Please join Portsmouth Fire Chief NestorMangubat with celebrating the promotions of Fire Captain Kurt Detrick and Fire Captain Bill Marshall. Theirpromotions were made effective February 17, 2024.

- Photos courtesy of Portsmouth Fire Rescue

Norfolk FR’s New

Bn.

Chiefs

Congratulations to Norfolk Fire Rescue’s 4 new Battalion Chiefs!!

From left to right, Battalion Chiefs David Mangus, Stephanie Lenhart, Stacy Himes and Scott Murphy were all officially sworn in today. Again, congratulations and good luck in yournew assignments. YourNFR family is proud of you all!

- Photos courtesy of Norfolk FR

Woodstock Annual Awards Banquet

On March 23, 2024, the Woodstock Fire Department held its annual awards banquet to recognize the work of its volunteers in 2023. These individuals donated over8,000 collective hours to theircommunity in 2023. Members were awarded service plaques for between five and 50 years of service and for being Top 10 Call Responders. We also recognized the hard work of the Woodstock Fire Department Auxiliary who raises funds to support ouroperations.

- Fire News photos by Zachary Hottel