VIRGINIA Serving VOLUME 7, No. 4
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Story on pages 22 & 23. - Photo courtesy Fairfax County FR & VA TF-1
Fire, Rescue The Magazine Serving Fire, Serving & Rescue EMS &Fire, EMS Heroes Rescue Heroes Since 1973 & Since EMS Heroes 1973
August/September 2026
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Fire News, August/September 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Culpeper Blaze Guts Building on East Davis St. Culpeper police and firefighters from multiple area departments were dispatched to Zandra’s Taqueria. See story on page 4
2 Displaced by Residential Fire Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 500 block of Osceola Avenue for a residential structure fire. See story on page 13
3 Displaced by Honey Locust Way Fire Chesapeake Fire Department goes to defensive fight as conditions deteriorate. See story on page 14
Newport News Residential Fire Newport News Fire Department responded to Dimmock Avenue for a residential structure fire. See story on page 16
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES, Graphic Artists DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Total Loss at Pine Crest Lane Blaze Company 13, Appomattox VFD and Squad 4 were dispatched for a residential structure fire on Pine Crest Lane. See story on page 18
Hanover County House Fire Hanover Fire-EMS units were dispatched to Elletts Crossing Road, for a residential structure fire. See story on page 24
PLUS: The Virginia Firefighter . . . . . . . . . . . pages 7-10 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 30-31 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 35 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 36
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Page 4, Fire News, August/September 2026
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Culpeper Blaze Guts Building on E. Davis St.
On May 30, 2026, Culpeper police and firefighters from multiple area departments were dispatched to Zandra’s Taqueria on East Davis Street. Crews arrived to find heavy fire from the second floor. The fast-moving blaze gutted the building. No injuries were reported in the 10-hour fight, and the cause of the fire remained under investigation by officials. - Photos courtesy Little Fork FR
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Accidental Fire Displaces Round Hill Family The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office (LCFR-FMO) is offering fire prevention tips after an accidental fire heavily damaged a home on Tedler Circle. Just after 1130 hours on May 23, 2026, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a structure fire in the 17000 block of Tedler Circle in Round Hill. Fire and rescue units from Purcellville, Hamilton, Philomont, Mount Weather, Leesburg, Clarke County, and command officers responded. Firefighters arrived to a two-story single-family home with fire visible from the front and sides of the structure. Fire crews quickly deployed lines to attack the fire and requested an RIT to bring additional resources. Searches of the home confirmed all occupants out. Crews worked to extinguish the fire that had extended into the living spaces. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters remained on scene for an extended period overhauling the structure. The LCFR-FMO investigation determined the fire was accidental, caused by the improper disposal of recently used wood chips from a smoker into a plastic container in the garage. Two adults, three juveniles, four cats, and two dogs were displaced and are staying locally. - Photo courtesy Loudoun County FR
Alexandria, Mutual Aid Stop Residential Blaze The Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential fire on Randolph Avenue. Crews extinguished the fire with mutual aid from Fairfax County Fire Department and Arlington County Fire Department. The Red Cross responded to the scene to assist. - Photo courtesy Alexandria FD
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2 Displaced by Residential Fire
Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 500 block of Osceola the cause and origin. Two occupants were displaced due to heavy Avenue for a residential structure fire at 1125 hours on May 26, fire damage to the kitchen and smoke damage throughout the struc2026. Engine 3 arrived to find a single-story residential structure ture. The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents. - Photos courtesy Suffolk FR with heavy fire showing. Crews entered the structure to find active fire in the front. The Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating
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1 Serious, 5 Displaced at Hampton Fire At 1555 hours, Hampton Fire Rescue crews on B-Shift were dispatched by the E-911 Center to reports of a duplex on fire in the 2600 block of Dorchester Drive NW. Initial reports indicated there was a patient in the front yard with critical injuries who had self-extricated. Engine 3 arrived to heavy fire showing and a partial structural collapse. and the call was upgraded to a second alarm. Firefighters and medics quickly went to work extinguishing the flames and providing medical care and transport to a local hospital for the injured patient. Due to the structural collapse, downed wires, and continued explosions from the home, firefighters initiated a defensive attack. The fire was quickly knocked down. Five people were displaced and one patient was transported with life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy Hampton FR
Three Displaced by Early Morning House Fire on Honey Locust Way The Chesapeake Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 0629 hours in the 300 block of Honey Locust Way after neighbors reported seeing smoke and flames coming from a two-story residence. Firefighters deployed multiple lines and initiated an offensive attack. However, due to rapidly deteriorating conditions within the structure, crews were forced to withdraw and transition to a defensive operation. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, firefighters transitioned back to an offensive attack to complete extinguishment. The fire was declared under control at 0810. The homeowners were not at the residence at the time of the fire; a family dog did not survive. Three adults were were displaced and the cause of the fire remained under investigation by officials. - Photo courtesy Chesapeake FD 0153 hours on May 18, 2026, Concord Company units were dispatched 1 Pinned AtTerrace for a single vehicle MVA rollover with confirmed entrapment in the area of in Thomas Terrace. Chief 13 found one vehiwith heavy damage on its roof in the Concord clemedian with one patient pinned inside by the steering wheel. Rescue 13 (with four) MVA initiated extrication. Command 13 and Engine 13 responded and provided a buffer zone for traffic. Extrication took approximately 12 minutes. Firefighters freed the driver from the steering wheel and removed the passenger side B post to remove the driver on a backboard. Upon completion, the patient was transferred into M8-6 and transported with non-lifethreatening injuries. - Submitted by Ryan Davis
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Woodstock Assists at Commercial Fire On May 1, 2026, Woodstock Fire Department’s Truck 12 responded to Mount Jackson to assist with an industrial fire at Merillat Industries in Mount Jackson. Truck 12 and its crew assisted with extinguishing a fire in the mechanical components of one of the plant’s silos. - Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
Apartment Fire Doused in Norfolk Norfolk Fire Rescue responded to reports of a smoke odor in an apartment in the 6700 block of E. Tanners Creek Drive. Fire crews arrived within three minutes and located smoke in the attic. After an extensive search, firefighters located and extinguished a smoldering fire concealed within the structure. No injuries were reported and the cause was under investigation. - Photo courtesy Norfolk FR
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Fairfax Firefighters Respond to House Fire Just before 0100 on July 1, 2026, units responded for reports of a house fire. Arriving crews found a single-family home with fire showing from an attached carport and extending into the attic. The fire was brought under control in under 25 minutes. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. There were three occupants home at the time of the fire. They were alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms and self-evacuated prior to firefighters arrival. The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced occupants. Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the carport and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy Fairfax County FR
Newport News Residential Fire Newport News Fire Department responded to the 00 block of Dimmock Avenue for a residential structure fire. Crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire throughout the interior of the home. Crews quickly deployed multiple handlines for an aggressive interior attack while other firefighters simultaneously conducted a primary search. Additional crews performed vertical ventilation. Due to extreme ambient heat, a full first-alarm assignment was implemented with four additional units to ensure firefighter safety and allow for the rotation of crews operating in the challenging conditions. Fortunately, the residents heard their smoke alarms, discovered smoke, and safely evacuated before firefighters arrived. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. - Photo courtesy Newport News FD
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Working House Fire in Chesterfield County Firefighters are currently on scene of a working house fire in Chesterfield County. The incident unfolded on the 7400 block of Silver Mist Avenue, where crews arrived to find smoke showing from the residence. Firefighters quickly stretched multiple hoselines and knocked down the bulk of the fire. - Fire News photo by Carter Killorn
Strip Mall Fire in Virginia Beach On June 16, 2026 at 2028 hours, Virginia Beach Fire Department and EMS units were dispatched for a commercial structure fire in the 4600 block of Pembroke Boulevard. Crews arrived to white smoke and flames from the exterior of a storefront at a single-story strip mall. Crews quickly had water on the fire, and the fire marked out at 2137. The business was vacant. The fire was determined to be accidental and caused by improperly discarded smoking material. - Photo courtesy Virginia Beach FD
Munitions Exploding at Cumberland House Fire Cumberland Dispatch received a call for a house fire in the 1200 block of Stoney Point Road. Cumberland, Randolph District, Cartersville and Farmville were all toned out as the house was fully involved. The first arriving units found a large amount of munitions going off. Cumberland used a 2-1/2 inch line to knock down the fire and used two 1-3/4 inch lines for the interior attack from Farmville and Randolph. Each department sent an Engine and Randolph District, Cumberland and Cartersville also sent a tanker. - Fire News photo by Dan Pempel, Randolph District
Total Loss at Pine Crest Lane Blaze At 2001 hours on April 29, 2026, Company 13, Appomattox VFD (AVFD), and Squad 4 were dispatched for a residential structure fire on Pine Crest Lane. Initial information was lots of smoke in a residence with all occupants out. Chief 13 arrived to find heavy fire on the Alpha, Bravo and Charlie sides of the structure and spreading to a nearby shed with a propane tank on the Delta side. Chief 13 requested additional tankers from Rustburg and Pamplin. Additional units began arriving from AVFD and supplied their manpower and water. All fire ground operations were defensive until the bulk of the fire could be knocked down before transitioning into an offensive attack. The air trailer from Pamplin responded as crews worked for several hours to bring the fire completely under control. Foam was utilized to cover the debris and prevent any remaining hotspots from flaring up. The residence was a total loss and the Red Cross was contacted to assist the residents. There were no injuries as a result of the fire and all occupants were able to make it out safely. - Submitted by Ryan Davis
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Cover Story
Virginia Task Force 1 Returns Home Following Earthquake Response in Venezuela
Members of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1), one of the nation’s premier Urban Search and Rescue teams sponsored by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, have returned home after completing a nearly two-week deployment to earthquake-ravaged Venezuela. Deployed at the request of the U.S. Department of State following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country’s Caribbean coast, the highly trained team worked alongside international and local responders conducting search-and-rescue operations, structural assessments, and humanitarian assistance in devastated communities. During the mission, VA-TF1 successfully rescued multiple survivors trapped beneath col-
lapsed buildings, including a father and son, as well as a mother and her infant. The task force, comprised of firefighters, paramedics, structural specialists, physicians, K-9 teams, communications personnel, and logistics experts, spent approximately 10 days in the disaster zone before being demobilized and returning to Northern Virginia. Their deployment once again demonstrated the professionalism, dedication, and lifesaving capabilities of America’s Urban Search and Rescue system in responding to disasters around the world. - Photos courtesy Fairfax County FR & VA TF-1
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Cover Story continued from previous page
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2 Displaced, Pet Dies at Deep Creek Fire The Chesapeake Fire Department was on the scene of a residential structure fire in the Deep Creek section of the city on June 5, 2026. At approximately 1100 hours, firefighters were dispatched to the 1700 block of Shipyard Road after receiving multiple calls reporting a house on fire. Chesapeake Engine 8 arrived within minutes and reported a single-story residential structure with smoke and flames showing from the front. Fire crews deployed multiple hoselines and made entry into the structure. The incident was brought under control at 1123. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire. Sadly, a pet inside the residence did not survive. The two adult occupants, were displaced, and the Red Cross was assisting them with lodging. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy of Chesapeake FD
3 Displaced by Norfolk House Fire Norfolk Fire Rescue crews responded to the 7600 block of Azalea Garden Road for a reported kitchen fire. Engine 11, the “Road Runners,” quickly stretched an attack line and initiated fire suppression, rapidly bringing the fire under control. All occupants safely exited the home before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported. One adult and two children were displaced and were being assisted by the American Red Cross. - Photo courtesy Norfolk FR
Hanover County House Fire Hanover Fire-EMS units were dispatched to the 14000 block of Elletts Crossing Road, for a reported residential structure fire. Upon arrival, personnel found a single-family home with smoke coming from all sides and fire through the roof. Eleven units responded, and the incident was brought under control at 2313 hours. The cause was under investigation. Thank you to the Metro Richmond Flying Squad for their assistance. - Photo courtesy of Hanover County Fire & EMS
Little Fork Snuffs Rixeyville Brush Fire May 1, 2026, the Little Fork Fire Department operated at a brush fire off Oak Shade Road in Rixeyville. Units had the fire under control within 15 minutes of arrival. Brush 9, Engine 9, Ambulance 9 and Chief 9 responded. - Photo courtesy Little Fork FD
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Suffolk Residential Fire On July 1, 2026, Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to the 5500 block of Godwin Boulevard for a residential structure fire. Suffolk Emergency Communications Center dispatched the incident at 1401 hours. Engine 4 arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the front of a single-story residence. All occupants were standing outside at the time of Suffolk Fire’s arrival. The house sustained heavy fire damage throughout. The fire was placed under control 1429 and the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause and origin. Three adults and one child were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. - Photos courtesy Suffolk FR
Hampton Condo Fire Goes to 2 Alarms
On June 10, 2026, at 1347 hours, Hampton Public Safety Communications received a call for a condominium balcony on fire in the 100 block of Watermark Way. Additional callers advised that flames were visible from the balcony and spreading across the home. While en route to the location, Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue (HDFR) crews noted visible black smoke on the horizon. HDFR crews arrived on scene to find a two-story condominium with smoke and flames visible. Due to the type of residential structure with active fire and the weather forecast, a second alarm was called to secure additional resources and personnel. HDFR crews completed multiple searches of the residence and began an aggressive fire attack. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist any residents in need. - Photo courtesy Hampton FR
3 Displaced from Bowers Hill House Fire The Chesapeake Fire Department was on the scene of a residential structure fire near the Bowers Hill section of the city on June 15, 2026. At approximately 0521 hours., firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of Dana Drive after receiving multiple calls from neighbors reporting a house fire. Chesapeake Engine 10 arrived within minutes and reported a single-story residential structure with smoke and flames showing from the roof. Fire crews deployed multiple lines and made entry into the structure to extinguish the fire. The incident was brought under control at 0546. The occupants, consisting of two adults and one child, evacuated safely before units arrived. Due to the damage sustained to the structure, they were displaced and were receiving assistance with temporary lodging through the Red Cross. No injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy Chesapeake FD
5 Displaced by Roanoke Fire At 2103 hours, Roanoke Fire Rescue crews were dispatched by the E-911 Center to a residential structure fire in the 800 block of Staunton Avenue NW. Engine 5 C-Shift were the first to arrive and reported flames showing from the rear corner of the structure. The call was upgraded to a working fire and firefighters went to work extinguishing the flames and searching the residence. One person was evaluated on scene and five people were displaced. - Photo courtesy Roanoke FR
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Fire News, August/September 2026, Page 27
Fairfax County 2-Alarmer Fairfax County firefighters operated at the scene of a two-alarm fire in the 2700 block of Schooley Drive, in the Alexandria area. Just after 1835 on July 4, 2026, units responded for reports of a house fire. Arriving crews found a single-family home with fire showing from multiple sides and through the roof and a second alarm was called. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Fire investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire. - Photo courtesy of Fairfax County FR
House Fire in Ashburn Caused by Improperly Discarded Smoking Materials The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office (LCFR-FMO) determined that a house fire in the 22000 block of Cambridgeport Square was accidental, caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. At 1619 on July 5, 2026, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center began receiving 911 calls for a structure fire in an Ashburn townhouse. Fire and rescue units from Moorefield, Arcola, Ashburn, Dulles South and Cascades, as well as Fairfax County, responded along with multiple command and safety officers. Upon arrival, crews found a four-story townhouse with fire and smoke coming from the rear and roofline of the structure. An RIT Task Force and a second alarm were requested to bring additional firefighting resources to the scene. Crews used hoselines to extinguish the fire in the rear and aerial master streams to attack the fire that had spread to the attic and roof. Additional hoselines were used to cool and protect nearby homes. Searches of the townhome and neighboring residences were negative, and all residents were located safely outside. Four occupants were displaced but did not require assistance from the American Red Cross. Smoke alarms and sprinklers were present and functioned as designed. The townhouse sustained significant damage with two neighboring homes also affected but deemed safe to occupy. LCFR-FMO determined the fire originated on the fourth-floor balcony of the middle unit townhouse as a result of improperly discarded smoking materials. - Photo courtesy of Loudoun County FR
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Car into Building MVA On May 27, 2026, at 1404 hours, dispatch received a call for an MVA in which a vehicle struck the front of an apartment building in the 3200 block of Butternut Drive. Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue crews responded and, upon arrival, noted a single-vehicle accident with minor intrusion into the structure. There were no injuries. The cause of the accident was unknown and under investigation by the Hampton Police. - Photo courtesy Hampton FR
6 Injured in Sterling MVA into Building Loudoun County Fire Rescue units responded to a reported MVA into a building at the Good Will on the 45000 block of Manifest Boulevard, in Sterling. Six people received non-life-threatening injuries and were transported via ambulance to area hospitals. The building was deemed structurally sound by officials. - Photo courtesy Loudoun County FR
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Fire News, August/September 2026, Page 29
Kitten Rescued from Drain Pipe
On May 22, 2026, at approximately 1135 hours, dispatch received a call from a citizen stating that a kitten was stuck in a drain pipe in the 400 block of E Street. Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue crews responded. The citizen stated that she and her children were walking by the drain and could hear the kitten calling for help.
Upon arrival, crews from HDFR’s Station 9 Shift C, were able to lure the kitten to the drain opening with food. The kitten was safely extricated from the drain pipe and transferred to the Hampton Animal Response Team for care and relocation. - Photos courtesy Hampton FR
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Training
Woodstock Hosts Vehicle Extrication Training Volunteers of the Woodstock Fire Department hosted a special vehicle extrication training at the Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue Training Grounds. This training was an opportunity for crews from WFD and Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue to train on stabilization, lifting operations and extrication. - Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
Firefighter I Class Members of area volunteer fire departments participated in a Firefighter 1 class put on by Campbell County Fire Department. - Submitted by Edwin Hall
Portsmouth Fire Trains Back to Basics Portsmouth Fire recently completed a back-to-basics firefighter survival skills training designed to reinforce core competencies and build confidence in high-risk, low-frequency events. Firefighters trained on rescuing a downed member who had fallen through a floor and become trapped. Crews practiced locating the firefighter, stabilizing the compromised area, and packaging and removing the member using coordinated techniques that prioritized both victim and rescuer safety. Rescue operations for a firefighter trapped in a below-grade environment were also conducted. Training focused on laddering techniques, controlled access and egress, and coordinated removal while maintaining air management and constant communication. Finally, firefighters practiced self-rescue techniques during low-air and out-of-air emergencies. This included controlled problem-solving under stress, air conservation methods, and buddy breathing procedures. Overall, the training strengthened fundamental survival skills and reinforced the expectation that every firefighter is prepared to act decisively to save themselves and their fellow firefighters. - Photo courtesy Portsmouth FR
Heavy Vehicle Rescue Program The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Special Operations collaborated with Riner Volunteer Fire Department in delivering a Heavy Vehicle Technician program on May 29 to 31, 2026. This course combined classroom and practical training for performance at a common heavy vehicle rescue including: vehicle anatomy, systematic approach to heavy vehicle rescue incidents, heavy vehicle stabilization, resource recognition for the use of heavy equipment during an incident, incident hazard isolation, access and egress of heavy vehicles, disentanglement of victims (which includes heavy lifting operations with various rescue tools and heavy wreckers), the packaging and removal of victims from a heavy vehicle and operating as a member of a rescue team and directing rescue operations. Thank you to Tannahill Towing and Total Car and Truck Service for their support with the heavy wrecker. - Photo courtesy VDFP
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Fire News, August/September 2026, Page 31
Training
VDFP Hosts General Assembly at Live Burn Exercise
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) was pleased to welcome members of the General Assembly to Fredericksburg for a live fire burn exercise with new firefighter recruits. Delegates Nicole Cole, May Nivar, and Lindsey Dougherty were joined by VDFP Deputy Director Jamey Brads, King George Fire & Rescue Chief and Fire Marshal David Moody, and King George County Division Chief of Training Ryan Passera for a discussion and walk-through of fire and rescue services across the Commonwealth. Thank you to the King George County Fire & Rescue staff for their efforts in making this event a success. - Photos courtesy VDFP
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Louisa FD Completes Rescue Tech Course
Members of The Louisa County Fire Department have successfully completed the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician course at our training center. We extend our gratitude to Mineral Volunteer Fire Department and Trevilians Volunteer Fire Department for providing equipment, ART Fire and Rescue Training for providing instructors, also big thanks to Navars, TNT and Rollin Wheels Towing, all based in Louisa for providing vehicles for the course. - Photos courtesy Louisa County FD
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Fire News, August/September 2026, Page 35
50 Years of Service, Innovation, and Caring for Alexandria
This year marks a major milestone for the Alexandria Fire Department as it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in its modern form. In June 1976, AFD established its EMS Division, bringing Advanced Life Support (ALS) care directly to the streets of Alexandria in partnership with physicians at Alexandria Hospital. Specially trained medics began providing advanced medical treatment and lifesaving interventions, helping transform prehospital emergency care for our community. Over the past five decades, generations of AFD paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters have answered the call day and night, delivering compassionate, professional care when it matters most. As we honor this anniversary, we recognize the dedication of those who built the foundation of our EMS program and those who continue that legacy today. - Photos courtesy of Alexandria FD
LIBERTY ARTWORK JUST UNVEILED IT’S NEWEST MONUMENT “TOOLS OF TRADITION” AT THE MARYLAND STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN OCEAN CITY, MD. We finished it the night before we left St. Lous for the conference as it made its way across the country to the east coast. While traveling down the highway we noticed other cars slowing down to take photos of the statue and when we stopped for fuel or food we met brother firefighters who came up to inquire about the monument. The following is the description of the monument and I have attached a picture of my father, Robert Daus Sr. Retired St. Louis Firefighter and founder of Liberty Art Works who was at the Convention to unveil it. This exceptional bronze monument was sculpted to integrate iconic firefighting tools such as an Officer Trumpet, Wooden Ladder, Pike Pole, Straight Bore Nozzle, Fire Ax, and Leather Fire Helmet into a prominent freestanding display of tradition. The tools emerge from a rolled fire hose base which completes the inspiration of the sculpture. The ax will proudly display the department logo on both sides in a 3D form. Finished in a classic brown patina, sealed to withstand the elements, and outfitted with internal stainless-steel pins for mounting. Made in the USA visit www.libertyartworks.com for more information. Total Height 50” width (ax) 36” Hose Base: 21” deep x 25” wide from coupling to edge of hose. Weight: 250lbs approx.
FINANCIAL FITNESS FOR FIREFIGHTERS You Speak, We’re Listening: Finances Are Crucial To Your Health And Wellness By Ryan Fields-Spack – Associate Director, Responder Wellness, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T Imagine you’ve just been relieved from another grueling firehouse shift. Eighteen calls in 24 hours and almost no sleep. Driving home, your mind drifts from the controlled chaos of the engine to the stack of bills waiting for you. Mortgage payments, student loans, credit card debt—the financial worries that refuse to take a backseat despite the lifesaving work you do. In my 25 years of experience in emergency response, including 7 years with the FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), I’ve seen firsthand how financial stress can impact the mental health and overall well-being of first responders. And in your responses to the 2026 “What Firefighters Want” survey, you were loud and clear: Firefighters want help with financial well-being. Why Financial Wellness Matters Financial stability is important to a good quality of life. But many firefighters face a unique challenge: the pride and satisfaction of doing their dream job can quickly give way to the realities of the work. In the past, we were expected to figure it out on our own. Things have changed now, and we know that by addressing these financial stressors, you can improve your mental health, job performance, and overall quality of life. As a result, FirstNet has partnered with Ramsey SmartDollar to pilot financial wellness programs specifically tailored to first responders. Created by Dave Ramsey, widely regarded as a financial literacy pioneer, these programs enable fire districts to provide practical tools and resources to help firefighters manage finances, reduce debt, and build a secure financial future. Key Components of Financial Wellness Financial wellness boils down to a few core practices: 1. Creating a budget: It may not be easy or fun, but creating a budget provides a sense of accomplishment and control. 2. Eliminating debt: Getting and staying debt-free is central to true financial wellness. 3. Building an emergency fund: Handling life’s surprises without panic requires a cash cushion. 4. Investing for the future: Build a clear path toward retirement and long-term goals. 5. Changing behavior: Knowing what to do isn’t the problem — doing it is. Real wellness starts with changing money habits. The SmartDollar program guides you step-by-step through each of these to financial stability. You’ll learn how to stick to a budget, get out of debt, save for the future, and build wealth. When it comes to dealing with emergencies, firefighters love a good standard operating procedure. Well, this plan is for you, for transforming your own—and your family’s—futures. FirstNet understands that your job is more than just a profession— it’s a calling. And while we’re known for providing reliable communication during emergencies, we also care deeply about your overall well-being. Taking care of your financial health is just as important as helping to make sure you have the connectivity you need when and where it matters most. Take control of your financial future and learn more about the SmartDollar program.
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Little Fork Stands by at Enactment in Brandy Station
On May 16 and 17, 2026, Little Fork Fire Rescue’s volunteer TLAR (Technical Large Animal Rescue) technicians performed a standby for the Civil War re-enactment held in Brandy Station. There were numerous horses that participated in the “First Battle of Manassas.” Luckily there were no issues with the equines that were present. Little Fork also provided an EMS unit to assist with the first aid station. We would like to thank the numerous volunteers who attended the event and those who covered our station’s ambulances and engine company while out of the area. - Photos courtesy Little Fork FR
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WFD’s Capt. Phil Hotel Issued Golden Axe in Appreciation of His Service At the Woodstock Fire Department’s (WFD) annual awards banquet Captain Phil Hottel was recognized for 50 years of volunteer service to the community. Starting service in 1972 as one of the department’s inaugural junior firefighters, he became a full WFD member in 1974 and has served continually ever since, holding various operational ranks including Fire Chief and, for over 40 years, that of Captain where he manages apparatus maintenance. Phil was recognized at the banquet and issued a golden axe in appreciation of his service. - Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
Woodstock’s FF Zack Ciescelwicz Awarded Chief’s Award At the Woodstock Fire Department’s annual awards banquet Firefighter Zack Ciescelwicz was awarded the department’s Chief’s Award from Chief Zachary Hottel. Zack Ciescelwicz has volunteered with WFD for over two years. During that time, he has been one of our most active volunteers in terms of call response and performing other duties. He was recognized for his continued commitment to the WFD and the citizens we serve. - Fire News photo by Zachary Hottel
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The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Hosts General Assembly Members
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs recently welcomed members of the General Assembly to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Leesburg for a firsthand look at firefighter training in action. Senator Kannan Srinivasan, Delegate David Reid, Delegate John McAuliff, and staff from the office of Delegate Richard Sullivan joined VDFP Executive Director Brad Creasy, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Battalion Chief Chris Kordek, and Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall for presentations and discussion about fire and rescue services in Virginia. Thank you to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System for their partnership and hard work in making this event a success. - Photos courtesy VDFP
Johnny Switzer Begins Service with Albemarle County as Emergency Management Coordinator Albemarle County has named Johnny Switzer as the Albemarle County’s preparedness and response capabiliCounty’s new Emergency Management Coordinator. The ties.” service became effective June 1, 2026. Switzer brings “I am honored to join Albemarle County and look fornearly two decades of local government experience, most ward to working alongside County staff, regional partners, recently serving as Emergency Management Coordinator and the community to continue building a strong, coordifor the Town of Warrenton, Virginia. nated emergency management program,” said Switzer. Switzer joins Albemarle County as the organization In 2026, the Virginia Emergency Management continues to strengthen and expand its emergency manAssociation recognized Switzer as the Outstanding New agement functions through the establishment of a standEmergency Management Professional of the Year for his alone Office of Emergency Management reporting to the leadership and contributions to the profession. County Executive’s Office. The transition reflects an The creation of a stand-alone Office of Emergency intentional focus on coordinated emergency planning, preManagement marks the next step in the County’s ongoing paredness, response, recovery, and continuity of operaefforts to build a comprehensive emergency management tions across the organization and throughout the broader function. Albemarle County Fire Rescue has played a key region. role in developing and supporting the County’s emergency “Johnny brings direct, hands-on experience building management function over recent years, including leaderemergency management programs from the ground up and ship from former Emergency Management Coordinator overseeing complex emergency responses,” said Deputy John Oprandy and Interim Emergency Management County Executive Trevor Henry. “His collaborative leadership style and Coordinator Emily Pelliccia. operational expertise will be a critical asset as we continue to strengthen - Photo courtesy ACFR
Master Firefighter/Paramedic Lisa Brandt Calls it a Career Lisa proudly served 25 years as a firefighter and one additional year as a dispatcher, dedicating her career to protecting and serving the citizens of our community with professionalism, compassion and commitment. Throughout her career, she has made a lasting impact on countless lives, while also serving as a respected teammate, mentor and friend to many within the department. Her dedication to the fire service and unwavering commitment to others exemplify the values of the Chesapeake Fire Department. Please join us in congratulating Lisa on an incredible career and wishing her a healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your service, Master Firefighter/Paramedic Brandt. - Photo courtesy Chesapeake FD