Virginia Department of Fire Programs

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) enhances public safety by providing Virginia's fire fighters and fire marshals vital resources and tools.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

VFMA/VDFP Use of Force Cadre presented Use of Force training this month.

This training provides relevant principles, techniques, and procedures that ensure fire marshals have the most up-to-date information regarding new legislation and relevant case law.
#BuiltForTheCall #VDFP

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Submit your nomination for the Governor's Fire Service Awards!

Each category includes a volunteer and career recipient. Awards are presented annually at the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference.

Nominations remain open through December 1.

https://t.co/EO5EdlBNEe

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs welcomes newly appointed Executive Director, Thomas Breyer.

Breyer joins VDFP as a 27-year student of the fire service. He will assume his new role on November 10. Welcome, Thomas Breyer!

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Virginia Department of Fire Programs Special Operations Division, in collaboration with Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, conducted an ARFF NFPA 1010 Certification Program earlier this month.

Good work!

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

VDFP welcomes Executive Director, Thomas Breyer.

Breyer spent more than a decade as a firefighter, paramedic, instructor, & company officer before moving into national fire and EMS leadership roles with the IAFF, and then into fire & public safety consulting.

He begins 11/10.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Register now for the Virginia Fire Chief's Association Company Officer Leadership Summit Conference. It will be held November 12-13 at the Virginia Beach Fire Training Center.

Register here: https://t.co/GVBWUn18Bb

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Virginia Department of Fire Programs Special Operations Division is excited for the newly piloted programs: Rescue Swimmer and Surf Rescue. The two programs were conducted in Virginia Beach last month in collaboration with Virginia Beach Fire Department.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

VDFP recently debuted new programs to meet a growing need for training in the fire service. A newly piloted Vehicle Winch Program made its debut at Division 2 Rescue Week in Rockingham County last month.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Check out this Machinery Rescue Course during Division 1 rescue week. Our instructors are teaching students how to deal with machinery entrapments and the fundamentals on providing patient care without causing harm.

#VDFP is #BuiltForTheCall.

Good work!

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

CO Awareness Month is coming up in November. A one-hour collaborative session on Carbon Monoxide Awareness will be held on November 5 from 2-3 p.m.

Register for the webinar here: https://t.co/GPlx6wwRqC

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Clarification regarding the Instructor Update for Fire Instructor I and II:

Individuals with the Fire Instructor I Train the Trainer prerequisites should also register for this instructor update as it covers updates in the Fire Instructor I and Fire Instructor II curriculum.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs is saddened to learn of the passing of former VDFP employee and member of the State Fire Marshal's office, Lynn Thomas.

For more information on Thomas and to read the full obituary, visit Oakey's website here: https://t.co/9wGgFumEPf

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

The Firefighter Cancer Screening Grant Program provides funds to Virginia localities to screen career firefighters for cancer.

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit the VDFP website here: https://t.co/b4xfy0ekBK

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Division 1 Fall Rescue Week is underway in the Greater Richmond area. Listen to our instructors explain the torch station in our #MachineryRescue course. This introduces students to ways to cut metal using torches during rescues.

Good work!

#VDFP, we are #BuiltForTheCall.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

VDFP has launched its first statewide Community Risk Assessment Dashboard. This tool helps fire service leaders and community partners identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources to reduce their occurrence and impact.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Registration for online training is now open to instructors who currently teach FIRE INSTRUCTOR I ( NFPA 1041-19) and FIRE INSTRUCTOR II (NFPA 1041-19) via Cornerstone OnDemand.

Fire Instructor I & II Instructor Updates

Register here: https://t.co/tiOnAHLquT

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Fire Prevention Week™ is October 4–10, 2026. “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

Regional Director for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Robbie Dawson, joined Community Conversations at Radio One with Clovia Lawrence to discuss the background of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10. Listen in as Dawson explains the history of Fire Prevention Week!

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

It’s #VDFP D1 rescue week! Check out this video from our Rope Technician course. Our instructors provide hands-on, real-world training to ensure firefighters are #BuiltForTheCall.

Good work!

[Virginia Department of Fire Programs @VaFirePrograms]

VDFP is currently experiencing internet connectivity issues. We encourage individuals to reach out to Division Chiefs by phone or use the emails below.

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]