Virginia Department of Fire Programs

08/31/2026

A New VDFP is here! 🔥 🎤

This month, we're spotlighting VDFP’s new facility dog, Chas.

Chas is helping support mental health within the fire service, including responding alongside professionals to fire departments that have experienced tough calls. Chas has already responded to a department, and his handler, VDFP Division Chief Chad Stanley, says he was well received.

Chas is already .

In addition to Chas, listeners can expect an 'Agency Update,' including the latest courses, classes, and career opportunities.

Plus, our 'Firehouse Archives.'

This month, we're chatting with Walt Bailey, who shares decades of experience with VDFP and the Virginia Fire Service Board and offers a firsthand look at history, evolution, and impact on Virginia’s fire service.

🔥 Three segments. One podcast. A fresh take on the stories, people, and history behind Virginia’s fire service.

08/30/2026

Virginia Department of Fire Programs Special Operations Division coordinated with Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover counties on instructor development with the newly updated Confined Space Awareness, Operations, and Technician program.

This train the trainer program was hosted at the Chesterfield Training Center on August 17-20. Fourteen instructor candidates successfully completed the three-day train the trainer process, which included instructional teach backs.

The program prepared the new instructors to deliver course topics, including identifying confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces, state and federal regulations, components of an operations and technician level rescue operation, hazard recognition/risk assessment, atmospheric monitoring, preparation for entry, entering both vertical and horizontally oriented confined spaces, packaging a victim(s) and safe removal of the victim(s) and all entrants.

Way to go!

08/28/2026

EMS continuing education classes will take place at the Wise Regional Fire School.

Students are encouraged to book their rooms now. A block of rooms at the Best Western in Wise and the Hampton Inn in Norton have special rates for students attending the Wise Regional Fire School. The block of hotel rooms will be released on September 1.

The following courses will be offered September 12-13:

A National Traffic Incident Management (TIMS) course will be held September 12 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

A National Traffic Incident Management (TIMS) course will be held September 13 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Geriatric Education for EMS will be held September 12 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Airway Management will be September 13 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sports Injuries for EMS will be September 13 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

All classes are listed on Cornerstone and all EMS/Fire personnel are invited to attend.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3SBg8MD

08/27/2026

Community Risk Reduction Coordinator Sarah Kenny shared that VDFP was proud to award 38 departments across the Commonwealth with a grant for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. That resulted in the agency providing more than 1,100 smoke alarms and 500 carbon monoxide detectors for those departments to get installed in residences.

"VDFP is proud to support locality-led canvassing efforts with alarms that reduce fatality and injury risk across the Commonwealth,” Kenny said.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors need to be installed by the end of the calendar year. You could have as little as two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called “the invisible killer.” CO gas can be fatal to people and pets.

08/26/2026

Happy International Dog Day, Chas! 🐕

is 's new facility dog, and he's already making a big difference for the fire service across . He responds to departments that have experienced tough calls to bring smiles and mental health support.

Good work, Chas. Enjoy your day! 🐾

08/26/2026

Heavy Technical Rescue (HTR) Rope Operations courses were held across the commonwealth the week of August 17th.

Students learned how to utilize an artificial high directional to help with the edge transition. They had the opportunity to tend to a stokes basket while being lowered down a rock face at Wintergreen Resort in Nellysford.

The Rope Operations class photo was taken on top of Dominion Energy's Safety and Emergency Response Training Facility in Chester.

Great work everyone!

08/25/2026

He’s got 4 legs, a wagging tail, and a very important job.

Meet Chas — our new facility dog through 🐾🦮

Chas, along with his handler, Division 4 Chief Chad Stanley, will travel to departments across — helping them through tough calls.

It was an initiative from Former VDFP Executive Director, Brad Creasy, who said facility dogs can often be an entry point for firefighters to get the counseling they may need.

Please give a great big ‘good boy’ to Chas in the comments!

08/24/2026

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs is pleased to announce Rebecca “Becky” Smith as the new Division Chief of the Virginia Fire Marshal Academy (VFMA).

In this role, Smith will oversee the VFMA and its efforts to provide high-quality professional training and development opportunities, including Basic Law Enforcement for fire marshals, fire inspectors and investigator programs across Virginia.

Smith brings 23 years of fire service experience to VDFP, with the majority of her career spent serving the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department at Stations 1 and 4. She’s also served in the Fire Marshals Office starting 2018 and ended her career as Battalion Chief Law Enforcement Fire Marshal.

08/20/2026

The VFPA - Virginia Fire Prevention Association Conference will be held at Liberty University September 28-29. The Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office will be presenting as well as Warren County FMO and the ICC.

Click the following link to register: https://bit.ly/4hKFcLC

The fall conference is coming up!

Note the location change for this year. Thanks to Liberty University for hosting us!!!

We can't wait to see you there!

Conference Location:
Liberty Mountain Conference Center
3700 Candlers Mountain Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Conference Hotel:
Fairfield Inn & Suites
3777 Candlers Mountain Rd, Lynchburg, VA

Hit the link below to register!

https://vfpa5.wildapricot.org/event-6708398

08/20/2026

VDFP recently recognized Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department for 75 years of Service!

In this video, Acting Executive Director Jamey Brads presented a 'Certificate of Recognition' to the department.

Thank you, Brandy, for your continued role in fire prevention, education, and training efforts throughout the region.

Good work!