Virginia Association of First Responders

06/15/2026

The First Few Days of the Virginia First Responder Symposium Have Been Incredible!

From hands-on training and certification courses to leadership development, networking, and countless moments of learning, the energy at the 2026 Virginia First Responder Symposium has been outstanding.

We’ve welcomed first responders from across Virginia and beyond who have come together to learn, share experiences, and strengthen the profession. These photos capture just a few of the moments from the first several days of training, collaboration, and camaraderie.

A huge thank you to our instructors, volunteers, sponsors, host agencies, and attendees who are making this event a success.

Take a look through the photos and see what we’ve been up to so far—and if you’re here with us in Blacksburg, tag yourself, your agency, and your friends!

📍 Blacksburg, Virginia
🚑🚒🚓📞⛪

06/15/2026

Join Us Tonight for the Virginia First Responder Symposium Networking Social!

After a full day of training and learning, it’s time to relax, connect, and enjoy an evening with fellow first responders from across Virginia.

📅 Monday, June 15, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Mellow Mushroom – Blacksburg

Whether you’re EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Communications, Rescue, Chaplaincy, or a public safety supporter, this is a great opportunity to build new relationships, reconnect with old friends, and strengthen the network that makes us all stronger together.

🍕 Great food
🤝 Great networking
🎯 Great conversations

Don’t forget to check the Symposium app for details and be sure to bring your Symposium badge.

06/15/2026

SYMPOSIUM SCAVENGER HUNT IS ON!

Think you’ve explored everything the Virginia First Responder Symposium has to offer? Put your observation skills to the test with our official Symposium Photo Scavenger Hunt!

Throughout the week, find the listed items, snap a photo, and post it on Facebook or Instagram. Every qualifying photo submission earns you an entry for prizes and bragging rights!

This is a great way to:
✅ Explore the Symposium venues
✅ Meet fellow first responders
✅ Visit sponsors and exhibitors
✅ Discover hidden gems around Blacksburg
✅ Have some fun between classes

Whether you’re attending EMS, Fire & HazMat, Law Enforcement, Technical Rescue, Telecommunications, Chaplaincy, Mental Health, or Leadership courses, everyone can participate!

View the scavenger hunt list in the Symposium App:
Symposium Scavenger Hunt⁠

Don’t forget to tag your photos and use:


Ready… Set… HUNT!

06/15/2026

The National Registry changes are intended to clarify continuing education (CE) requirements and create more consistency for recertification, reentry and state-licensed entry certification pathways.

06/15/2026

06/14/2026

Check out the upcoming EMT class.

06/14/2026

Dear EMS Agency Leaders, EMS Providers, Local Government Officials, and Healthcare Partners,

This is a friendly reminder that the Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and the Southwest Virginia EMS Council invite you to participate in one of the upcoming EMS Region 1 Town Hall Meetings.

These meetings provide an important opportunity to hear directly from OEMS leadership, receive updates on regional EMS initiatives, ask questions, and share your perspectives on the future of EMS in Southwest Virginia.

Why Attend?


Hear firsthand information from senior leadership at the Virginia Office of EMS

Receive updates from EMS Council staff

Participate in a live Question & Answer session

Share concerns, challenges, and opportunities affecting your agency, locality, and community


Meeting Options

Option 1 – Virtual & In-Person

Wednesday, June 17
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Virginia Higher Education Center

Join Virtually via Google Meet:
Meeting Link: https://meet.google.com/iib-ifxz-weg
Dial-In: (US) +1 732-588-8968
PIN: 403 090 759 #

Option 2 – In-Person

Thursday, June 18
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Norton Rescue Squad

Intended Audience


EMS Agency Leadership

EMS Providers

Local Government Leaders

Healthcare Facility Leaders

Emergency Management and Public Safety Partners


This is an excellent opportunity to ensure that the voices of our region are heard not only at the regional level, but also at the state level. Your participation helps shape the future of EMS services throughout Southwest Virginia.

Submit Questions in Advance

To help maximize discussion time during the meetings, attendees are encouraged to submit questions beforehand.

Please email your questions to: [email protected]
Subject Line: Town Hall Question

We hope you will join us and help strengthen EMS across Region 1.

Stronger Together. Better EMS for Our Communities.

Sincerely,

Bryan Kimberlin
Executive Director
Southwest Virginia EMS Council
[email protected]

06/13/2026

‘Shift Day’: Augusta Co. Fire-Rescue, EMS recruits get real-world experience >>>
https://www.29news.com/2026/06/10/shift-day-augusta-co-fire-rescue-ems-recruits-get-real-world-experience/

06/13/2026

A tent collapsed as a thunderstorm passed over an outdoor event at Eastlake Community Church in Bedford County on Friday evening, resulting in multiple people injured, and least one critically.