Western Virginia EMS Council, Inc.

06/09/2026

EMS Educator updates have been planned in Region 2 as follows:

Friday, June 19th - 08:00 - 12:00 - The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Latham Hall
Registration link is: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/virginia-office-of-ems/educator-update-the-inn-at-virginia-tech-and-the-skelton-conference-center

Monday, July 27th - 13:00 - 17:00 - Central Virginia Community College, Merritt Hall. Registration link is: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/virginia-office-of-ems/educator-update-central-virginia-community-college-merritt-hall-room-5118t-hall-room-5118

Future updates are also scheduled and will be posted by OEMS in the near future. The next scheduled will be in September at the ODEMSA office in Richmond.

Educator Updates will meet the requirements for recertification for Education Coordinators and re-endorsement of ALS-Coordinators and EOI's.

06/09/2026

📣 Your Voice Matters – Join the Region 2 EMS Town Hall Meetings! 🚑

Virginia Office of EMS Region 2 invites all EMS providers, agency leaders, educators, partners, and stakeholders to participate in one of our upcoming Region 2 EMS Town Hall Meetings.

These meetings provide an opportunity to:
✅ Share your ideas, concerns, and challenges
✅ Learn about regional EMS initiatives and priorities
✅ Strengthen partnerships across the EMS system
✅ Help shape the future of EMS services in Region 2
✅ Connect directly with EMS leadership and fellow providers

📍 Lynchburg Town Hall

🗓 Monday, June 15, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Central Virginia Community College
3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

📍 Salem Town Hall

🗓 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Salem Civic Center
1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153

💻 Unable to attend in person? Virtual participation is available through Microsoft Teams.

These discussions are designed to be open, collaborative, and focused on the future of EMS in our region. Whether you're a frontline provider, administrator, educator, volunteer, or community partner, your perspective is important.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient EMS system for the communities we serve.

06/08/2026

The WVEMS NRV Training Center will be conducting an in-person AEMT Program starting this fall and ending in Spring of 2027.

06/08/2026

New Senior Field Coordinator Selected!

Western VA EMS Council (OEMS Region 2) is pleased to announce that Mr. Brandan Arthur has been selected to fill the position of Senior Field Coordinator effective June 22, 2026.

Brandan brings more than 15 years of experience in emergency medical services, with a background spanning hospital-based care, interfacility transport, and both career and volunteer 911 systems. Beginning his EMS career locally in Rocky Mount, he has developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing providers and agencies across the profession.
A paramedic, educator, and EMS leader, Brandan has dedicated much of his career to strengthening provider education and professional growth. He currently serves as a Paramedic and Education Coordinator in Virginia and is widely recognized for his commitment to mentoring clinicians and advancing EMS education.

Throughout his career, Brandan has remained focused on building a stronger future for EMS through leadership, workforce development, and meaningful educational initiatives. His work emphasizes supporting providers both in training and in practice while fostering the next generation of EMS professionals.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve in this role,” said Brandan. “The future of EMS will be built through a collaborative investment in education and provider development. By strengthening our clinicians today, we not only improve the quality of patient care, but also prepare the next generation of EMS leaders.”
"We are excited to have Brandan joining our staff and look forward to his contribution to our region and the future of EMS", states Executive Director Debbie Akers.

Please join us in welcoming Brandan to the WVEMS/OEMS Region 2 Tea

05/22/2026

Check out the upcoming VILT series provided by the Virginia Association of First Responders!
http://vafr.org/vilt

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

After a distinguished career of dedicated service, we would like to congratulate Chief Janet Blankenship on her retirement!

Chief Blankenship has been a tremendous leader in our region and her commitment to Public Safety, professionalism, and collaboration has made a lasting impact on both her department and the broader emergency services community. Over the years, we have greatly valued the partnership, support, and shared mission to better serve our communities and region.

Please join us in thanking Chief Blankenship for her many years of service and wishing her the best and a well-deserved retirement.

Thank you, Chief, you will be missed, but your legacy will continue to guide and inspire.

Today marks the final day in the office for Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue Chief Janet Blankenship as she announces her retirement after decades of public service.

Blankenship was sworn in as chief in April 2022 following more than 20 years with the department in a variety of leadership roles. Before joining Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue, she served the community for 17 years as a nurse at Bedford Memorial Hospital.

During her tenure as chief, the department achieved several major milestones, including the implementation of the in-house pharmacy, expansion of the Fire Marshal’s Office, improved funding formula for volunteer agencies and apparatus, and completion of the countywide Fire & EMS study.

Reflecting on her retirement and her team, Chief Blankenship shared: “God has led me to turn to the next chapter in my life and focus on supporting my family and valuing our time together. But I will truly miss my team. Working together, our career personnel and dedicated volunteers have truly transformed our system. What made this possible was the incredible array of unique talents, diverse skills, and passion that each member brought to work every single day.”

Deputy Chief of Operations Abbey Johnston will serve as interim chief.

Please join us in thanking Chief Blankenship for her years of service, leadership, and commitment to Bedford County, and wishing her all the best in this next chapter!

05/21/2026

2026 Regional Awards – Nominate Today!

The nomination period for the 2026 WVEMS Regional EMS Awards and Scholarship is open.
Deadline to Nominate: July 31, 2026

Help us recognize the heroes who make a difference every day. Click on each award to access the nomination form. Any questions contact [email protected].

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🏆 REGIONAL EMS AWARD CATEGORIES

• Excellence in EMS – Capstone award for long-time service and dedication to EMS
• Outstanding EMS Telecommunicator/Dispatcher
• Outstanding EMS Educator
• Outstanding EMS Leadership
• Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS
• Outstanding EMS Provider
• Outstanding EMS Agency
• Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children
• Scholarship for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior
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Special Regional Award

The WVEMS Benny Summerlin Award for Service to Local Government
This award honors the legacy of Benny Summerlin, a dedicated public servant who devoted 40 years to EMS before his passing in 2012. Nominate someone who embodies his commitment and service.

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Submit your nominations and help us celebrate excellence in EMS across our region!
http://vae.ms/r2emsawards