VPFF President Kurt Detrick

10/14/2026

After a six-year effort by Portsmouth Fire Fighters Local 539, the Portsmouth City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance establishing a framework for

10/13/2026

Attention Virginia Fire Departments: The grant application for firefighter cancer screening is open through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs!

The VPFF is proud that our legislative priority is now available to career departments. Cancer is the number one killer of firefighters. Utilizing screening examinations can help identify occupational cancer early when treatment is most effective. This is why the VPFF advocated for cancer screening funding for the last several General Assembly sessions. Please ensure your department is seeking this critical funding assistance and protecting your members.

https://www.vdfp.virginia.gov/grants/firefighter-cancer-screening/

10/10/2026

🔥💪 NEW MEMBERS IN VIRGINIA!

Congrats to the 8 new recruits who joined Louisa County Professional Firefighters IAFF L4779 in .

Welcome, brothers and sisters, to our great union!

Learn how to request New Member Folders for your Local’s new recruit classes 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x6jpB

10/09/2026

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

Grants are awarded by the Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) based on evaluations and recommendations from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit the VDFP website here: https://bit.ly/3TyVfT3

10/04/2026

This is Fire Prevention Week!

We encourage everyone to recognize the importance we all play in prevention. This week was first established in 1925 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire and remind the public of the risk of fire. In Chicago in 1871, the great fire destroyed 17,000 structures, killed nearly 300 people and destroyed over 3 square miles.

This year's theme is the risk of lithium-ion batteries and the importance of safe charging and maintenance. Every household has multiple items which require recharging. Be especially mindful and careful to follow all manufacturer's guidelines, use only approved charging cords, never charge on a flammable surface, don't recharge damaged equipment and if it feels hot...stop!

This is also a good time to inspect and change the batteries in all of your home smoke detectors!

09/30/2026

Roanoke Firefighters Association

Dozens of firefighters head into the community every day to protect the public.

09/26/2026

Great work by Fauquier County Professional Firefighters Local 3762.

Today, Fauquier County is a safer place to live and visit than it was yesterday. As we shared earlier, today marks the first day of our new 24/72 shift schedule. A 42-hour work week means healthier, better performing firefighters. We also have two more fully staffed engines on the road, so residents and visitors get help faster, in more parts of the community, when they need it most.

To our firefighters working today, good luck, stay safe, and thank you!

09/23/2026

What a three days for the VPFF and our affiliates across Virginia.

We started Monday morning in Virginia Beach with our September Executive Board and Board of Directors meetings. Our Executive Board had the opportunity to meet with Attorney General Jay Jones for a discussion on several issues important to Virginia’s professional firefighters, including the new Worker Protection Unit within his office. That afternoon, our Board of Directors came together for committee reports, updates, and discussions about the work ahead for the VPFF.

Tuesday was about building stronger locals. In conjunction with the IAFF Partnership Education Program, we welcomed dozens of affiliate leaders from across the Commonwealth for a full day of union leadership training giving our leaders additional tools to better represent their members and strengthen their organizations.

But while we were together in Virginia Beach, our affiliates were also getting results back home.

In Roanoke, Local 1132 saw the first presentation of a collective bargaining ordinance before City Council. In Richmond, Local 995 successfully fought to restore full staffing on every engine and truck company. And Tuesday night, Portsmouth Local 539 secured passage of a collective bargaining ordinance after a six-year fight.

We wrapped up Wednesday with a discussion about the future of the VPFF and a presentation from Local 2141 President Josh Turner on “Collective Bargaining: Before and After,” sharing the experience and lessons of a local already working under a collective bargaining agreement.

Three days of leadership, education, solidarity, and results.

From Virginia Beach to Roanoke, Richmond, and Portsmouth, this week was a reminder of what our organization is about: strengthening our locals and giving Virginia’s professional firefighters a stronger voice in their workplaces and communities.

Proud of our affiliate leaders. Proud of our members. And proud of the work being done across the Commonwealth.

Strength in Unity.

09/22/2026

🔴 TONIGHT, PORTSMOUTH! City Council votes on collective bargaining, and your presence matters.

Wear RED and join us at City Hall. Let’s fill the room and show Council that city employees stand together for a meaningful voice in our pay, benefits, and working conditions.

✊ UNITED WE BARGAIN. DIVIDED WE BEG.

09/17/2026

🚒 Fair pay. Safe staffing. Reliable equipment. These issues affect the people serving Portsmouth and the community depending on them. Stand with city employees at the September 22 City Council meeting. Your presence matters! 🔴