THE VIRGINIA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION
The VFCA Board of Directors continue to work hard to serve our fire service leaders. We are proud to provide opportunities such as the Virginia Fire and Rescue Conference, the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, Virginia Chief Officer Academy, and the annual Virginia Fire Chief’s Summit. Many of our sections also offer summits and retreats. These programs not only offer some great training, but they also allow for some outstanding fellowship and networking with both the present and future leaders of Virginia’s fire service.
The VFCA is hard at work developing mentorship programs and regional “shakers forum”. The VFCA Legislative Committee works year-round to identify and lobby for legislation that protects firefighters across the Commonwealth and makes our fire service safer. It is an honor to serve as the President of this great organization.
The VFCA is not just for Fire Chiefs it is for everyone who serves and protects our communities. If you are not a member of the VFCA, please consider joining our great organization.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, (VFCA) serves the communities of Virginia through its fire service leaders and advances the fire & rescue service through leadership, education and advocacy.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE OF VFCA
The VFCA was organized in 1930 as the State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia, Inc. (SFCAV) by progressive Fire Chiefs who saw the need to work together for the betterment of the fire service. The Association’s original purpose was to work for the promotion of fire prevention, protection from and extinguishments of fires, and attendant reduction of insurance rates. The Association proposed to accomplish this by bringing into closer contact the various fire chiefs in the Commonwealth of Virginia for their mutual benefit and welfare. Among the first matters discussed in 1930 were the need for a State Firemen’s School, the Firemen’s Pension Bill, and a Model Arson Law.
The Association has continued to grow through the years and its goals have broadened to keep pace with the challenges. Today, the Association’s stated purpose is to bring together at least once a year persons interested in the advancement of the fire service; to discuss ways of improving life-saving and fire extinguishments procedures; to assist in research studies; to serve as the recognized organization for the exchange of ideas, information, knowledge and experiences affecting the safety of life and
property from fires; to encourage and assist in the development of public education in fire prevention programs in Virginia; to cooperate with all organizations in the promotion of the goals and objectives of the fire service; and to support and encourage the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical services by the fire service to relieve human suffering.
In 2002, the SFCAV changed its name to the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association in order to improve the ability of Virginia fire service members to find the organization online and to provide a more direct identification similar to other fire service organizations throughout the United States.
VFCA SUPPORTS EQUITY IN THE FIRE SERVICE AND OUR COMMUNITIES
The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association is compelled to make a strong statement in support of our members and the citizens of color we serve in our communities. We see ourselves as the guardians of our community coming to their aid by assisting in making their worst day better. Towards that end I offer the following statement from your Fire Chiefs of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association recognizes the scourge of racism, bias, discrimination, and prejudice continues to keep our profession, our Commonwealth, and our Nation from reaching our full potential. As leaders of Virginia’s fire service, we remain committed in protecting and serving all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia and we acknowledge our role in supporting all members of Virginia’s fire service. We are active advocates in every community across Virginia as well as assisting the members of our departments who continue to suffer from the impact of institutional and individual acts of racism, bias, discrimination, and prejudice whatever its form. We are committed to being intentional in our leadership role in promoting justice and equity in Virginia’s fire service and our communities.
