Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc.

Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc., P. O. Box 699, Blackstone, VA.

VFCA provides a comprehensive and integrated statewide public safety effort, thereby enhancing the quality of life for our customers by reducing the effects of fire, medical, and environmental emergencies.

06/13/2026

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Finance/Administration Section Chief, Chris Shaver, Deputy Fire Chief of Administration for Augusta County Fire-Rescue.
Chief Shaver brings more than 27 years of fire service experience, extensive leadership expertise, and a passion for developing future leaders to the Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, Augusta County Fire-Rescue
▪️ 27+ Years of Fire Service Experience
▪️ Former Division Chief of Training (12 Years)
▪️ Former Station Lieutenant (3 Years)
▪️ Virginia Fire Instructor III
▪️ Virginia Fire Officer IV
🔥 Education & Credentials
▪️ Virginia Chief Officers Academy Graduate – 2024
▪️ National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program Graduate – 2024
▪️ Credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Commission on Professional Credentialing
▪️ Associate Degree in Fire Service
▪️ Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
▪️ Master's Degree in Management and Leadership
Chief Shaver is widely recognized as an educator and mentor throughout the Commonwealth, teaching the entire Virginia Fire Officer Series and helping prepare the next generation of fire service leaders.
💬 Leadership Philosophy
A proponent of servant, democratic, and solution-based leadership, Chief Shaver is committed to advancing the fire service through education, collaboration, mentorship, and public service.
His dedication to leadership development extends beyond his professional career. Prior to relocating, he dedicated 20 years to volunteer fire service and invested 14 years coaching youth baseball while also serving three years on the Board of Directors for youth football. These experiences reflect his lifelong commitment to developing others and strengthening communities.
Outside of the fire service, Chief Shaver enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, attending sporting events, and traveling—especially to warmer destinations during the winter months.
We are honored to have Chief Shaver serving as the Finance/Administration Section Chief for the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy. His experience, knowledge, and dedication to leadership development will be invaluable to both the Academy and its students.
Please join us in welcoming Chris Shaver to the VCOA Command Staff Team!

06/13/2026

Next, we'd like to introduce our Finance Chief for the 2026 Virginia Fire Officers Academy, Lieutenant Anthony Conant from the Henrico County Division of Fire

A graduate of the Virginia Fire Officers Academy Class of 2023, Lieutenant Conant has remained dedicated to the continued growth and success of this premier leadership program.

As Finance Chief, Anthony plays a critical role in the academy's operations, overseeing student registration, managing academy finances, and ensuring hospitality and support functions run smoothly throughout the week. His attention to detail and commitment behind the scenes help create an outstanding experience for every student and instructor.

Thank you, Lieutenant Conant, for your dedication and service to the Virginia Fire Officers Academy. We appreciate all that you do to make this academy a success!

06/13/2026

Please join us in welcoming our Public Information Officer, Levin Turner, Captain with Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.
Captain Turner brings nearly two decades of fire and emergency services experience, a passion for leadership development, and a commitment to serving both his department and community to the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ Captain, Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services
▪️ 19 Years of Fire and Emergency Service Experience
▪️ VCOA Graduate – 2025
▪️ Currently Assigned as an Operations Specialist in Emergency Management
🔥 Specialized Experience
Throughout his career, Captain Turner has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles, including:
▪️ Maritime Incident Response Team Member
▪️ Regional Hazardous Materials Team Member
▪️ Director, Hampton Roads Regional Fire Academy
▪️ Peer Support Team Member
▪️ Emergency Management Operations Specialist
His diverse background in emergency response, training, leadership development, and emergency management provides a unique perspective that will help support the Academy and its mission of preparing future fire service leaders.
Captain Turner is passionate about developing others, building strong relationships, and ensuring firefighters and officers have the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed throughout their careers.
As a graduate of the Virginia Chief Officers Academy, he understands the value of professional development and is honored to help support the next generation of chief officers as a member of the VCOA Command Staff.
Outside of the fire service, Levin is a devoted husband to his wife, Mandi, and proud father of five children: Tristan, Kiernan, Conlan, Catherine Rose, and Nolan. Family remains at the center of everything he does and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of service, leadership, and community.
💬 "Leadership is not about the title you hold, but the impact you have on those you serve and develop."
We are honored to have Captain Turner serving as a Public Information Officer for the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy and helping tell the story of leadership, growth, and excellence throughout the Academy experience.
Please join us in welcoming Levin Turner to the VCOA Command Staff Team!

06/13/2026

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Planning Section Chief, Andrew Funk, Battalion Chief with Mount Weather Fire and Rescue.
Chief Funk brings more than two decades of fire and emergency service experience, a commitment to professional development, and a passion for leadership to this year's Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ Battalion Chief, Mount Weather Fire and Rescue
▪️ 26 Years of Fire and Emergency Service Experience
▪️ VFOA Graduate – 2019
▪️ VCOA Graduate – 2024
▪️ VCOA Command Staff Member – 2025 & 2026
🔥 Career Progression
Throughout his career, Chief Funk has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles, including:
▪️ Firefighter/Paramedic
▪️ Lieutenant
▪️ Captain
▪️ Battalion Chief
His progression through the ranks reflects a steadfast dedication to service, continuous learning, and the development of those around him.
As a recent graduate of the Virginia Chief Officers Academy and now a returning member of the Command Staff, Chief Funk understands the importance of preparing today's officers to become tomorrow's fire service leaders.
Chief Funk brings valuable operational experience, strategic thinking, and a collaborative leadership style to the Planning Section, helping ensure the Academy continues to provide an exceptional learning experience for all participants.
We are honored to have Chief Funk serving as the Planning Section Chief for the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy and helping shape the next generation of fire service leaders.
Please join us in welcoming Andrew Funk to the VCOA Command Staff Team!

06/12/2026

As we inch closer to the start of the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, we will continue highlighting the incredible staff members who help make this academy one of the premier learning environments. A key part of that success is the challenging and engaging curriculum our students recieve throughout the week.

Today, we are proud to introduce Cody Lewis from the Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department as the 2026 Curriculum Chief.

Cody brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for firefighter development to this role. As Curriculum Chief, he will oversee the academic content and ensure our students receive a top-notch educational experience that challenges them to grow as leaders and fire service professionals.

His dedication to excellence will help us continue to uphold the high standards that have become synonymous with the Virginia Fire Officer Academy. We are excited to have Cody on the team and look forward to the impact he will make on this year's class.

06/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Deputy Incident Commander, DJ Epps, Battalion Chief with Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management.
Chief Epps brings more than two decades of fire service experience and a passion for leadership development to this year's Academy.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ VFOA Graduate – 2016
▪️ VCOA Graduate – 2023
▪️ Third Year Serving on VCOA Staff
▪️ Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration
▪️ 23 Years of Fire Service Experience
Throughout his career, Chief Epps has demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership, professional growth, and developing the next generation of fire service leaders.
As a graduate of the Virginia Chief Officers Academy, he understands firsthand the impact the program can have on an officer's career and leadership journey.
💬 "I am excited for the opportunity to give back to the fire service and make a difference in a program that helped guide me professionally and grow as a leader."
Chief Epps' dedication to mentorship, leadership development, and service makes him an outstanding addition to the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff Team.
Please join us in welcoming Deputy Incident Commander DJ Epps as we continue our mission of developing the future leaders of the fire service.

06/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Logistics Section Chief, Corey Landon, Captain with the City of Fredericksburg Fire Department.
Chief Landon brings extensive operational experience, technical rescue expertise, and a servant leadership mindset to this year's Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ 18 Years in the Fire Service
▪️ 16 Years with the City of Fredericksburg Fire Department
▪️ Captain on an Engine Company
▪️ Acting Battalion Chief
▪️ Former Engine Lieutenant and Truck Lieutenant
▪️ Officer and Instructor III Certified
🔥 Specialized Experience
▪️ Dive Rescue Team Leader
▪️ Ice Rescue Team Leader
▪️ Swift Water Rescue Team Leader
▪️ Virginia State Hazardous Materials Team Member
▪️ Hazardous Materials Specialist
Chief Landon is currently completing his Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration through Columbia Southern University and remains committed to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
💬 Leadership Philosophy: "A rising tide lifts all ships."
This philosophy has guided his approach to leadership, mentorship, and team development throughout his career. He believes that investing in others and helping those around you succeed strengthens the entire organization.
Fire service is more than a profession for Chief Landon—it's a family legacy. Growing up surrounded by the fire service, he developed a passion for public service at an early age. His grandfather, father, and uncle all served their communities through the fire service. His father continues to serve with over 40 years of active service in the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department, where Chief Landon is also a Life Member.
Outside of the fire service, Corey enjoys spending time with his wife, Molly, and their two children, Kinsley and Reed, who continue to support him throughout his career and service to others.
We are honored to have Chief Landon serving as the Logistics Section Chief for the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy and helping develop the next generation of fire service leaders.
Please join us in welcoming Corey Landon to the VCOA Command Staff Team!

As we prepare for the start of the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy please join us in welcoming our Incident Command...
06/12/2026

As we prepare for the start of the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy please join us in welcoming our Incident Commander, Courtney Cave, to the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff.
Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to this year's Academy.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ VFOA Graduate – 2013
▪️ VCOA Graduate – 2022
▪️ VCOA Command Staff Member – 3 Consecutive Years
▪️ 19 Years of Fire & EMS Service
▪️ 14 Years of Leadership Experience
🔥 Career Progression Throughout her career, Courtney has served in numerous operational and leadership roles, including:
▪️ Firefighter/Paramedic
▪️ Lieutenant
▪️ Deputy Chief of Training
▪️ Administration
▪️ Peer Support Team Leadership
▪️ Department Infection Control Officer
▪️ Department Chaplain (2024)
▪️ Deputy Chief of Operations Support Services (2026)
🔥 Special Areas of Focus Courtney has been instrumental in developing and advancing initiatives centered on:
▪️ Physical Fitness
▪️ Safety & Wellness
▪️ Cancer Prevention and Awareness
▪️ Leadership Development
▪️ Officer Training and Mentorship

Courtney's passion for leadership, professional development, and preparing the next generation of fire service officers makes her an outstanding choice to serve as Incident Commander for this year's Academy.
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Courtney as she helps shape the future leaders of the fire service through the Virginia Chief Officers Academy.

06/12/2026

HAPPENING TODAY! We're hosting another NERIS Support Webinar to help with your transition.

⌚ 12 PM ET

💻 Host: Sarah Kenny

📝 Presenters: Baylie Scott, Chief Broscious, Chief Stephens

Want to join? Click here: https://bit.ly/4urYIiO

06/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Operations Section Chief, Steven Cooper, Deputy Fire Chief of Operations with the Spotsylvania Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.
A third-generation firefighter, Chief Cooper brings 35 years of experience in both career and volunteer fire service to this year's Virginia Chief Officers Academy Command Staff.
🔥 Professional Highlights
▪️ 35 Years of Fire Service Experience
▪️ Deputy Fire Chief of Operations
▪️ Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration
▪️ Master's Degree Candidate in Business Management with a concentration in Public Administration
Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Cooper has remained dedicated to serving others and developing future leaders within the fire service.
🔥 Leadership & Instruction
▪️ Served on numerous department committees
▪️ Instructor for entry-level firefighter training
▪️ Leadership development instructor
▪️ Driver/Operator training instructor
▪️ Technical Rescue instructor across multiple disciplines
▪️ Mentor to countless firefighters and officers throughout his career
Chief Cooper's leadership philosophy is built on service, teamwork, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to preparing the next generation of fire service professionals.
Outside of the firehouse, he enjoys studying history—particularly military history—and spending time metal detecting for Civil War relics. His passion for preserving history reflects the same respect for tradition, service, and legacy that has defined his career.
We are honored to have Chief Cooper serving as the Operations Section Chief for the 2026 Virginia Chief Officers Academy and helping shape the future leaders of the fire service.
Please join us in welcoming Steven Cooper to the VCOA Command Staff Team!

Address

P. O. Box 699
Blackstone, VA
23824

Telephone

+17577542877

Website

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