James City County Fire Department

Home
United States
Williamsburg, VA
James City County Fire Department

Please do not use this site to report emergencies, call 911.

We provide fire protection, prevention, emergency medical, emergency dispatch (911) and emergency disaster protective services to the citizens and visitors of James City County.

09/21/2026

JCCFD recently completed two sessions of Rope Operations, with 16 students successfully completing the 32-hour course.

Through classroom instruction and hands-on practical training, students learned to operate safely in low- and high-angle rescue environments. Training included scene size-up, knots, anchor systems, mechanical advantage, lowering systems, tensioned two-rope systems, fixed-rope systems, equipment maintenance, safety checks, and litter operations.

Congratulations to our students, and a big thank you to the instructors who made this valuable training possible!

09/12/2026

Yesterday, members of our department joined firefighters and first responders across the country in remembering the 343 FDNY firefighters and all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Our 12 JCCFD recruits currently attending PRFA 26-2 participated in a memorial stair climb at the fire academy alongside members of the U.S. Coast Guard; climbing in remembrance of the firefighters who entered the World Trade Center that morning and never came home.

Closer to home, members of James City County Fire Department joined firefighters from Williamsburg and York County for a stair climb at Zable Stadium at William & Mary.

For our recruits, many of whom were not yet born on September 11, 2001, traditions like these are especially important. They connect a new generation of firefighters to the history, sacrifice, courage, and sense of duty that are deeply rooted in the fire service.

We climb to remember.

We remember the 343. We remember all who were lost. And we honor the first responders, military members, families, and communities whose lives were forever changed by that day.

Never Forget. 🇺🇸

#343

08/31/2026

Please help us congratulate Firefighter Danielle Hannuksela on her recent release as a Driver Aerial Operator (DAO)! Danielle is now cleared to operate both Ladder 31 and Tower 1.

Danielle participated in the JCCFD DAO Boot Camp in March and has spent the months since working diligently at her station to complete her task book and demonstrate proficiency on both JCCFD aerial apparatus. She then successfully completed the required testing and release scenarios, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and competence needed to serve as a released aerial operator.

Congratulations, Danielle, on a job well done! And a big thank you to her mentor, officer, crew, and the DAO Committee for the time and effort they invested in helping her reach this milestone.

08/28/2026

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Chief Robert Craft!

Today, we had the honor of celebrating the retirement of Chief Robert Craft Jr. and recognizing a career dedicated to the fire service, leadership, and the development of others.

Chief Craft joined James City County Fire Department in June 2018 after retiring from Newport News Fire Department, where he spent many years making an impact on the next generation of firefighters, including serving as Assistant Chief of Training. His influence on recruits and firefighters throughout our region has extended well beyond the walls of any one department.

During today’s ceremony, Chief Ashe presented Chief Craft with a retirement plaque, a photo signed by our members, and a special flag that was flown over every JCCFD fire station as well as the Newport News Fire Training Center; a fitting tribute to a career that has touched both departments and so many people along the way.

Above all, Chief Craft is a devoted family man, and as he begins this next chapter, we hope retirement brings him plenty of time with the people who matter most.

Chief Craft, thank you for your years of service, leadership, mentorship, and dedication. Your impact will continue long after your final shift.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Robert Craft on a well-earned retirement!

08/19/2026

🚒 Ever wonder what it’s really like behind the scenes at your fire department?

Here’s your chance to find out!

The James City County Citizens Fire Academy is a 6-week, hands-on experience that gives community members an inside look at the people, training, equipment, and operations that make up James City County Fire Department.

🔥 Get hands-on with fire and EMS equipment
🚑 Learn how we respond to emergencies
👩‍🚒 Meet the firefighters and medics who serve your community
🚒 See what goes into the training and preparation before the call ever comes in

The academy begins September 28, and there’s still time to sign up!

If you’ve ever been curious about what happens when the tones drop, this is your opportunity to step behind the scenes and experience JCCFD for yourself.

📅 6-week course beginning September 28
📍 James City County Fire Department

Come see what we do, and why we love doing it!

08/14/2026

EMT Graduation Alert!

Congratulations to our newest EMT graduates on completing an intensive 12-week EMT program! We are proud of the hard work and dedication they put in over the past three months.

A special congratulations to Mariah Lawson, who earned the highest overall average in the class!

Also pictured are three already-certified EMTs and one Paramedic who joined the group and are ready for the next step.

Next up for all of them: Peninsula Regional Fire Academy 26-2, which kicks off next week!

Congratulations to everyone, and good luck as you begin the academy! And a big thanks to all of the instructors that got them to this point!

08/07/2026

In partnership with Duke Health, a new VCU-led study is taking emergency response to new heights. Drones equipped with AEDs will be dispatched to 911 cardiac arrest calls in James City County. The project is the first of its kind in the U.S. to test how drones can be used to help EMS response for cardiac arrests in rural areas. Read more: https://bit.ly/4wfqyzA

Video by Will Sidaros, Enterprise Marketing and Communications

08/05/2026

🚨 August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month 🚨

Emergencies can happen anytime; from hurricanes and severe storms to flooding, power outages, and other unexpected events. Taking a few simple steps now can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

This month, challenge yourself and your family to:

✅ Build or update your emergency kit
✅ Create a family emergency communication plan
✅ Know your evacuation routes
✅ Sign up for JCCAlert to receive emergency notifications about severe weather, evacuations, road closures, and other critical information in James City County.
✅ Review your insurance and safeguard important documents

Prepared communities are stronger, safer, and more resilient.

James City County Fire Department encourages everyone to take a few minutes this month to prepare before an emergency happens. The best time to prepare is before you need it.

📱 Don't wait for an emergency—sign up for JCCAlert today:
www.jccalert.org

Be informed. Make a plan. Build a kit. Stay prepared.

08/04/2026

🚒 Ever wondered what it's really like to be a firefighter? 🚑

Now's your chance to find out!

Applications are now open for the James City County Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy. This FREE six-week program gives participants an inside look at the training, equipment, and people who serve our community every day.

You'll learn about:
🔥 Fire suppression
🚑 Emergency medical services (EMS)
🌊 Water rescue operations
🛠️ Technical rescue
🚒 Fire apparatus and equipment
…and much more through hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning.

📅 Mondays | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Begins September 28 (6-week course)

Requirements:
✔️ Must be 18 years or older
✔️ Must pass a criminal history background check

📝 Register by September 18 at jamescitycountyva.gov/2430

Whether you're curious about the fire service, want to become more involved in your community, or simply enjoy learning something new, we'd love to have you join us!

Tag someone who would make a great Citizens Fire Academy participant! 👇🚒

08/03/2026

Join us on August 6th or 8th to learn hands-only CPR and AED use. You could save a life!

Address

5077 John Tyler Highway
Williamsburg, VA
23185

Website

https://jamescitycountyva.gov/fire

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when James City County Fire Department posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to James City County Fire Department:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Williamsburg?