Virginia Task Force 2 is part of the National Urban Search and Rescue System and is able to be deplo
Virginia Task Force 2 is a specialized rescue organization comprised of highly trained Firefighters, Technical Rescue Technicians, Medical Professionals, Canine Handlers, Engineers and Physicians from various cities and departments located throughout the region; such as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Franklin, James City County, Navy Regional, Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton, Williamsburg, Henrico County, York County, and Suffolk.
Operating as usual
Today we take time to honor all the brave, courageous and dedicated service men and women who have, and continue to selflessly serve our country to help protect and preserve our freedom. We also want to thank those who continue to serve their communities as first responders. We are fortunate to have you as members of the VBFD and are eternally grateful to you and to your families that support you.
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Congratulations Chief Pravetz!
Deputy Chief Kenneth Pravetz Selected as Chief of the Virginia Beach Fire Department
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Nov. 2, 2022) – After a nationwide search, Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney announced today the appointment of veteran Virginia Beach Fire Department employee Kenneth Pravetz as the new fire chief. Pravetz has been with the Virginia Beach Fire Department since February 1999.
Chief Pravetz has 35 years of career fire experience. He is an U.S. Air Force Veteran. Chief Pravetz has worked for Virginia Beach for 23 years. As he progressed through the ranks, Chief Pravetz held many challenging assignments. His current assignment is the Deputy Chief of Services responsible for personnel, finance, training, logistics, planning, and community risk reduction. As a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search & Rescue Virginia Task Force 2, homebased out of Virginia Beach, Chief Pravetz has deployed to several National Disasters as a planning team member and task force leader.
"Pravetz has the proven leadership and communication skills needed to be successful across our organization, in collaboration with our community partners and through a wide range of public safety emergencies," City Manager Patrick Duhaney said. "His decades of diversified management experience will help Virginia Beach continue to be a national leader in public safety for many more years to come."
Chief Pravetz holds an associate degree in fire science, a bachelor's degree in health and safety, and a Master of Public Administration Degree. In 2019, Chief Pravetz completed a master's degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He has a certificate from the Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Chief Pravetz is nearing completion of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Service Executive Development Institute.
“It is an honor and to be selected to serve the City of Virginia Beach and lead this world class fire department,” said Pravetz. “The VBFD has a rich history. This department supplies exceptional fire, medical, and emergency services. I am truly proud to be part of this organization. The staff is mission focused and driven by our core values of Service, Caring, Integrity, Trust, and Honesty. I look forward to the transition into the new role as Fire Chief.”
Chief Pravetz is very active in the fire service; he serves on three NFPA technical committees and the IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee. He also represents the IAFC on the Department of Homeland Security Emergency Services Sector Coordinating Council Executive Committee.
His appointment is effective January 1, 2023.
Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency Fire Rescue TV Training and News - A First Responders Network
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We want to thank our working partners during this time that had our back. Force Pro escorted us through many areas and had our back and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue members were constantly on standby and interacting with us for any services we may need. We are grateful for that partnership and their impact on our team.
WELCOME HOME Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team
Here’s a bird’s eye View of Convoy Homecoming…
How many vehicles does it take to support a deployment?
* 3 Tractor Trailers
* 2 Box Trucks
* 7 Light Duty Trucks/w Trailers
* 5 Vans and
* 1 Coach
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
IIN CASE YOU MISSED IT - VA-TF2 HOMECOMING
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/virginia-task-force-2-returns-home-florida-hurricane-ian-virginia-beach/291-05d95fcb-ea74-4275-abfd-fecb19069984
The team was part of the search and rescue mission after Hurricane Ian decimated parts of Florida.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - VA-TF2 HOMECOMING https://www.wtkr.com/news/virginia-task-force-2-returning-today
FEMA’s Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team returned home Monday after helping with hurricane-ravaged Florida.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...VA-TF2 HOMECOMING
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-beach/virginia-task-force-2-returns-from-deployment-to-help-in-aftermath-of-hurricane-ian/
Virginia Task Force 2 received a heartfelt homecoming after spending almost two weeks in Southwest Florida helping with search and rescue efforts following Hurricane Ian.
VATF2 was honored to post overnight in Florence, SC. Close to the site is a memorial honoring 9-11 with posts from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The four members standing alone were deployed to the Pentagon as VATF2: Dr. Charlie Graffeo, Jon Rigolo, Scott Prentice, and Daryl Funaiock.
Wrapping up this deployment has been emotional. Our hearts remain with the Floridians as they continue to deal with the aftermath of such destruction. We were honored to come and serve the community and gave everything we had. Thank you for the warmth that your community has given us and we look forward to your strong return.
K-9 Handler Karen Meadows with her dog Jax, K-9 Handler Laura Tocke with her dog Pike, and Medical Specialist Ciera Fenske stood by at the pile, prepared for work. Hazmat Material Specialist Darrell Denton and a Force Pro member were honored to fold a flag found in the rubble.
We continue to stand by in Florida for the needs of the citizens. We are honored that our task force was able to help.
We will continue to highlight team members that were behind the scenes during the deployment, but vital to our success.
Mental health and wellness are important aspects of public safety and especially on deployments. We were honored that FGCU Athletics invited our group to release some stress on the mound with wiffle ball and then projected the Colts vs. Broncos game on the big screen. Thank you for your support.
From hazmat to search to decontamination to logistical support, our team is working hard!
VA Task Force 2 joined up with Pasco County Fire Rescue boat operators and swift water rescue members to cover the large waterways that hold debris from the storm.
Water operations bring more challenges that the task force has trained and prepared for. The heat outside was a warm 84 and members are stressed into a dry suit for concerns about hazardous materials in the water. Work is always hard on the boat.
Members continue operations during high heat conditions and are determined to dedicate all they have to the search area.
Heavy duty equipment is required for removing larger debris to assist in the search.
VA Task Force 2 working on October 5th. High heat conditions forced members to rotate frequently and rest as needed.
We are wishing Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist Chris Fultz a Happy 51st Birthday on this deployment! Interesting fact: This is Chris's 4th deployment where he celebrated a birthday! We are happy to be here with him!
Meet more members of the task force and see what their job responsibilities are.
October 4th was a busy day for Task Force 2. Serving the Florida area has been hard work and worth every moment.
FEMA teams (VATF2 and IN-TF1)
FEMA teams from Virginia and Indiana used dogs to look for human remains among the debris around Fort Myers Island, Fla., and San Carlos Island, Fla. Rescuers say it will take weeks before the search operation is complete.
The task force has been busy work in Fort Myers Beach. Newer technology and software allow task members to report findings back to the command staff and help identify areas of interest.
Thank you to Zak Dahlheimer WTKR News 3 for helping to share the efforts to support VBFD Capt. Matt Chiaverotti and his battle with and to promote fundraisers and donations to help Matt's family.
https://www.wtkr.com/news/virginia-beach-community-raising-money-for-firefighter-battling-rare-aggressive-form-of-cancer
Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
A Virginia Beach community is coming together to raise money for a beloved firefighter and his family after he was recently diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer.
https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-task-force-two-volunteers-in-florida-october-3-2022?fbclid=IwAR3qWmVRh4ssyx81yL4pzEOCsNuPDKXO0s78Fo3i9f2OeN_zIA4Vms3bjU0 Henrico County Division of Fire Virginia Beach Fire Department
Henrico Fire Captain Mark Cumashot is in Florida with Virginia Task Force Two, an urban search and rescue team.
VATF2 continues to conduct search operations at Fort Myers Beach, Fl.
Firefighting community fundraising for captain with aggressive, rare cancer
Virginia Beach Fire Department Captain Matt Chiaverotti is a one-of-a-kind hero, according to his friends and colleagues.
Photos from National Disaster Search Dog Foundation's post
The City of Virginia Beach will move to essential operating conditions at noon on Monday, Oct. 3. City facilities, offices, libraries, recreation centers and the Virginia Aquarium will close at this time. More information is available at https://emergency.vbgov.com/hurricane-ian
Although we were fortunate to have been spared the wrath of , we still are susceptible to flooding. This is some great information to keep on hand in case you ever need it.
VA-TF2 has been working on search and rescue missions in Charlotte County, FL, since Thursday morning. The Task Force has been augmented from a Type III to a Type I with the arrival of an additional 35 members. VA-TF2 has helped numerous citizens with medical assistance, evacuation, and provided information on humanitarian assistance. All members are well and working hard to provide any assistance we can.
UPDATE: More on Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team
More photos of VA-TF2
Additional Members Of FEMA VA-TF2 Departs Virginia Beach For FL.
In response from the damages made by Hurricane Ian, on September 29th just after 12:00 pm, 35 additional members of FEMA VA-TF2 departed to Florida to join up with the FEMA VA-TF2 Type III group that left on Saturday September 24th. By joining both groups, they will now make up a full FEMA Type I Team.
Photos by the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department/Multimedia Services Unit © 2022 - All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the expressed prior written permission of the copyright holder. FMI: [email protected] - Permissions to use: [email protected].
VATF2 UPDATE: 35 additional Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team members will be leaving today around noon from the Harry E. Diezel Training Center to meet up with the rest of the team in Punta Gorda. WAVY TV 10 WTKR News 3 13News Now - WVEC The Virginian-Pilott John A. Doucette
Chesapeake Fire Department Hampton Fire Rescue Henrico County Division of Fire James City County Fire Department Newport News Fire Department Norfolk Fire-Rescue Portsmouth Fire Rescue & Emergency Services City of Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue Williamsburg Fire Department
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
VATF2 UPDATE: 35 additional Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team members will be leaving today around noon from the Harry E. Diezel Training Center to meet up with the rest of the team in Punta Gorda. WAVY TV 10 WTKR News 3 13News Now - WVEC The Virginian-Pilott John A. Doucette
Chesapeake Fire Department Hampton Fire Rescue Henrico County Division of Fire James City County Fire Department Newport News Fire Department Norfolk Fire-Rescue Portsmouth Fire Rescue & Emergency Services City of Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue Williamsburg Fire Department
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
Photos from National US&R Response System's post
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23452
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| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
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| Saturday | 8am - 4pm |
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We are wishing Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist Chris Fultz a Happy 51st Birthday on this deployment! Interesting fact: This is Chris's 4th deployment where he celebrated a birthday! We are happy to be here with him!
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