Monelison Volunteer Fire Department

05/29/2026

County Swiftwater Training On The James

Members of the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department, Amherst Fire Department, and Amherst County Fire & EMS recently completed a Swiftwater Certification Course and joined the Amherst County Swiftwater Team for a training session. Following recent heavy rainfall, the James River provided suitable conditions for the event.

The training was held at Monacan Park, where the team began with boat operations before focusing on victim retrieval exercises. The session was an important opportunity for the Amherst County Swiftwater Team to strengthen their skills and preparedness for water rescue situations.

Pictures by: Monelison Fire Member Mark Luther

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/141/County-Swiftwater-Training-On-The-James

05/27/2026

Amherst County Agencies Attend Swiftwater Training

Over the past two days, several members from Amherst County emergency response agencies attended the USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician course. This training is designed for rescue professionals aiming to become technicians in swiftwater and flood rescue operations.

The course took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Monelison firefighter Jeff Hilty commented, "Great time with great people, and I even got to meet some incredible new people. Thank you to all the instructors."

Across Amherst County, responders are continually training and expanding their skills to provide the highest level of service to visitors, businesses, and residents. This recent training is another example of teamwork and the successful collaboration of multiple agencies working toward a shared goal.

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/140/Amherst-County-Attends-Swiftwater-Training

05/18/2026

Busy 3 Days For Monelison Fire

The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department responded to an unusually high number of emergency calls over the past three days. The activity began on Friday, May 15 at 10:41 am with a motor vehicle accident and continued through the weekend, concluding Sunday, May 17 at 11:00 pm. In total, personnel handled 15 calls, including motor vehicle accidents, lift assistance, a structure fire, and several fire investigations.

During this busy period, several members of the department also completed an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course while continuing to respond to emergency calls.

This level of response was made possible through strong collaboration and teamwork among county agencies, including Amherst Fire, Pedlar Fire, Amherst Fire & EMS, Amherst County Dispatchers, and the Sheriff's Office. All agencies involved contributed to the department's ability to manage and cover these incidents effectively.

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/139/Multiple-Calls-Over-3-Days

05/18/2026

Please avoid Winesap Road near Fairfax Circle due to an ongoing accident scene. Crews are presently on scene; kindly seek an alternate route and avoid the area if at all possible.

05/04/2026

Sunday, May 3 at 1200 Hours, Amherst Fire Department Archivist Fred Loving sounded the House Siren in Honor and Memory of Monelison Vol. Fire Department Chief Mack Mays, Jr. Chief May's was honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Ceremony the same day in Emmitsburg Maryland.

05/03/2026

2026 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Roll Call

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service concluded in Emmitsburg, Maryland with the Roll of Honor for the 97 firefighters who lost their lives in 2025.

The service provided an opportunity for reflection and tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Deputy Chief Miller, Firefighter Hilty, and Honorary Member Campbell attended the ceremony to recognize Assistant Chief Mays, former Chief Cash, Aaron Coppedge, and other fallen firefighters.

The foundation’s mission is to honor America’s fallen fire heroes, support their families, colleagues, and organizations, and work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones, friends, and departments represented. Gone but never forgotten. 🇺🇸

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/138/2026-National-Fallen-Firefighters-Memorial-Roll-Call

05/03/2026

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, remembers 97 firefighters who died in 2025.

Our very own Assistant Chief Mack Mays was honored. Gone but never forgotten 🇺🇸

05/03/2026

2026 National Fallen FireFighters Memorial

Each year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation carries out a responsibility entrusted to it by Congress: to honor America’s fallen firefighters at the national level and to stand with the families they leave behind. This event is held annually in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year includes two newly honored firefighters from our area.

Our very own Assistant Chief Mack Mays of Monelison Volunteer Fire Department.

Andrew Wade Jenks of Lynchburg Fire Department, master firefighter at Station 1 on C Shift.

“The loss of these 204 fallen firefighters is felt most deeply by the families and loved ones left behind. They were parents, partners, colleagues and friends who will forever be remembered for their bravery and their devotion to duty,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “During the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we will add their names to the National Memorial, ensuring they are remembered by a grateful nation.”

This year’s honorees, known as the Roll of Honor, include 97 lost in 2025 and 107 from previous years.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones, friends, and departments. Gone but never forgotten!

To watch the Memorial Service tomorrow May 3rd at 9:45 am follow this link https://www.youtube.com/live/Bing-q8PrDw?si=RSpj4yT8Vp5a_QS4

https://www.monelisonvfd.com/news/137/2026-National-Fallen-FireFighter-Memorial--

05/02/2026