Virginia Association of First Responders

06/23/2026

MAKING HISTORY IN VIRGINIA

Nearly 500 first responders from across the Commonwealth came together in Blacksburg for the 2026 Virginia First Responder Symposium, making history by bringing together EMS, fire, law enforcement, dispatchers, chaplains, and other public safety professionals for one unified training event.

For nine days, responders learned, shared experiences, and strengthened partnerships that will ultimately make our communities safer. This historic event reflects what the VAFR stands for—breaking down silos and ensuring that those who answer the call are stronger together.

Thank you to everyone who attended, instructed, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this year’s Symposium. Together, we are building the future of public safety in Virginia.

Check out WDBJ7’s story featuring the Symposium:
https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/06/22/first-responders-make-history-with-blacksburg-training/

Target 7: Joe Dashiell WDBJ7 shows us how first responders made history with Blacksburg training: wdbj7.com/2026/06/22/first-responders-make-history-with-blacksburg-training/

06/22/2026

NEWS FROM THE VAFR TRAINING DIVISION – JUNE 2026

The latest VAFR Training & Education Newsletter is now available!
Inside this issue:

Highlights from the inaugural Virginia First Responder Symposium

Hundreds of Symposium photos and videos on the VAFR page

Registration now open for the 2026 VAFR Convention & Training
Four-day training schedule attached

Upcoming Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) opportunities

Course Spotlight: Swiftwater Rescue – from real-world flooding in Southwest Virginia to hands-on training at Symposium

Save the Date for the Winter Symposium at Kalahari Resort
Thank you to all of our instructors, students, volunteers, and partners who continue to make VAFR training opportunities possible.

Read the newsletter and share it with your agency members!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v4WMI5FDwrz7498YV_si1mIXW5fW3umJ/view?usp=sharing

VAFR

06/22/2026

When Communities Need Help, First Responders Answer the Call.

On the afternoon of July 18, 2025, Washington County, Virginia, was notified of catastrophic flooding in neighboring Russell County, particularly in the Dante area. With resources stretched and lives at risk, Russell County requested assistance with evacuations and water rescues.

Although Washington County’s Water Rescue Team was still in the development phase, members quickly mobilized. Housed at Glade Spring Fire Department was the VAFR Swiftwater Rescue Trailer, which had just returned from Symposium and was fully stocked with specialized swiftwater rescue equipment.

Responding with the trailer and trained personnel from across Washington County, crews encountered significant flooding upon arrival. The VAFR trailer provided critical resources, including personal flotation devices, throw bags, ropes, rigging hardware, and the VAFR rescue raft. These resources equipped rescuers, Sheriff’s Deputies, and emergency management personnel to safely conduct rescues, evacuations, and house searches.

This mission brought together responders from multiple departments and agencies, demonstrating the strength of teamwork and mutual aid. More importantly, it highlighted the purpose behind the Virginia Association of First Responders.

This is why we do this. This is why we exist.

The equipment, training, and relationships built through the VAFR made a difference when our neighbors needed it most. The bonds forged that day are irreplaceable, and the impact on the community serves as a reminder that we are truly Stronger Together. Always Ready.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz_g98SV7jc

Flooding prompts evacuations in Dante area of Russell County

06/22/2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join us October 8–11, 2026, at Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for the 2026 VAFR Convention & Training Event!

Whether you're EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Communications, or Technical Rescue, there is something for everyone.

✅ Training Registration Open
🏆 Competition Registration Open
🏨 Hotel Reservations Available
📝 General Convention Registration Open

Highlights include:

Continuing Education & Specialty Training
EMS, EVOC, and Rescue Competitions
Leadership & Administrative Programs
Fire & Technical Rescue Sessions
Law Enforcement Programs
Networking & Special Events
Vendor Exhibits & Industry Partners
Fellowship with First Responders from Across Virginia

Hotel Madison • Harrisonburg, VA
October 8–11, 2026

Don't wait—reserve your room, register for training, sign up for competitions, and make plans to join us this fall!

https://www.vafr.org/vafr-convention/

06/22/2026

Relive some of the highlights from the 2026 Virginia First Responder Symposium!

Ten days. Hundreds of classes. Thousands of memories. Countless opportunities to learn, network, and strengthen the first responder community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, instructed, volunteered, and supported this year's event. We are already looking forward to seeing you again!

Enjoy the highlights and tag your friends and agencies if you spot them!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

RFP: Security Plan Development, Training, and Exercise
TEMS is accepting proposals to fulfill procurement requirements associated with funding received from the FY2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program — Nonprofit Security Subgrant (NSGP-NSS).
Proposals due June 26, 2026 by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
View RFP PDF: https://buff.ly/NMgu6hj

06/21/2026

Special Thanks to Assistant Chief Mike Garnett and Pulaski County!

The Virginia Association of First Responders extends its appreciation to Assistant Chief Mike Garnett of Pulaski County for sharing his expertise and leading the Rescue Task Force (RTF) program during the 2026 Virginia First Responder Symposium.

This important training brought together EMS, fire, and law enforcement professionals to strengthen coordinated responses to active threats and other high-risk incidents. Mike’s experience and dedication to interdisciplinary training continue to enhance the safety and preparedness of responders across the Commonwealth.

We are excited to announce that the VAFR will once again partner with Mike to offer the Rescue Task Force program at the 2026 VAFR Convention & Training Event, October 8–11 at Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg.

Thank you, Mike, for your continued commitment to training Virginia’s first responders and helping us build stronger partnerships between all disciplines.

06/21/2026

Special Thanks to HCA Chippenham Hospital Burn Center!

The Virginia Association of First Responders extends our sincere appreciation to the HCA Chippenham Hospital Burn Center for joining us at the 2026 Virginia First Responder Symposium at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center in Blacksburg.

It was an honor to host the Burn Center physicians and team as they delivered a comprehensive four-hour burn management session to career and volunteer firefighters and EMS providers from across the Commonwealth. Their expertise and commitment to education provided valuable insights into the latest best practices in burn care and reinforced the critical partnership between hospital burn teams and prehospital providers.

Working together ensures that patients receive the highest level of care from the scene through recovery.

Thank you to the entire team at HCA Chippenham Hospital Burn Center for investing in Virginia’s first responders and helping us continue our mission of keeping responders educated, prepared, and ready to serve.

06/21/2026

Did you enjoy Symposium? Or maybe you missed the opportunity?

The next chance to learn, network, and grow is already on the calendar!

🚨 2026 VAFR Convention & Training Event
📅 October 8-11, 2026
📍 Hotel Madison • Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hotel reservations are now open!
https://www.vafr.org/vafr-convention/

Thursday

✅ Leadership Workshop
✅ Mental Health First Aid
✅ Pediatric Emergency Casualty Care
✅ Methods of Instruction
✅ Aircraft Emergency Response
✅ Cyber Security & Chest Pain

Friday

✅ TECC Day 1
✅ MOI Day 1
✅ Legal Update
✅ Neonatal Resuscitation
✅ Stroke Assessment
✅ Rescue Task Force Operations

Saturday

✅ Infectious Disease Control
✅ DICO
✅ TECC Day 2
✅ Skills Stations with Dr Yee
✅ Use of Force
✅ PECC Workshop
✅ Stop the Bleed

Sunday

✅ Pediatric Track
✅ Intro to VAFR Leadership
✅ Scene Size-Up
✅ Air Embolisms
✅ Fire Ground Rehab

🎯 Included specialty courses:
• Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
• Methods of Instruction (MOI)
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
• Infectious Disease Control (IDC)
• Designated Infectious Disease Officer (DICO)
• Fire, EMS & Law Enforcement Response to Aircraft Emergencies

Whether you’re EMS, Fire, Rescue, Law Enforcement, Communications, or an officer looking to sharpen your leadership skills, there is something for everyone.

We’ll see you in Harrisonburg this October!