Virginia Professional Fire Fighters

05/25/2026

During our biennial convention last week, Robert L. Bragg III was unanimously approved to the position of President Emeritus of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. A firefighter union leader for the past 40 years, President Emeritus Bragg had served as President of the organization since 2016.

Under his tenure, the VPFF grew exponentially to nearly 11,000 members and saw over 25 significant pieces of legislation signed into law to benefit firefighters across the Commonwealth. Over his fire career with the City of Charlottesville, and then his work throughout the state, he has been a staunch advocate for firefighter and worker rights.

While retiring from the position of President, he will continue working with the VPFF to the benefit of our members and all workers across the Commonwealth.

On behalf of all Virginia's firefighters, thank you President Emeritus Bragg for your years of dedicated service and commitment. You have left an amazing legacy, and have impacted more lives than you will ever know. We look forward to your continued counsel and wisdom as we build upon the foundation of this great organization you have directed over the last 10 years.

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, please remember all of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service with the United States military. May their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of their families and loved ones, never be forgotten.

05/18/2026

Virginia's firefighters, and all public sector workers across Virginia, will not forget.

05/15/2026

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed legislation to expand collective bargaining to public workers – including fire fighters and emergency medical

05/13/2026

Today, the Governor of Virginia turned her back on Virginia firefighters and public sector workers across the Commonwealth.

"Virginia’s firefighters will continue running into danger, saving lives and making a difference every single day in this Commonwealth. Virginians trust their firefighters will show up when they are needed most. Unfortunately, now firefighters know they cannot trust their Governor to show up for them."

For the full statement, see the image or visit: https://www.vpff.org/news/

Abigail Spanberger
International Association of Fire Fighters
Virginia AFL-CIO

05/11/2026

Thank you Senator Scott A. Surovell and Delegate Kathy Tran. On behalf of the 11,000 Virginia Firefighters in 68 different local affiliates across the Commonwealth, Gov. Abigail Spanberger: SIGN THE BILL!

Governor of Virginia
Virginia AFL-CIO

Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell and I are calling on Governor Spanberger to sign Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263, landmark legislation that would provide over 500,000 public employees throughout Virginia with the right to collectively bargain.

They are the teachers that educate our kids, the home care workers that assist our loved ones, the firefighters that protect our communities, and the workers that coordinate services for the most vulnerable amongst us.

Virginia's ban on public sector collective bargaining has roots in our Jim Crow past. It's time to turn the page and move Virginia forward.

Virginia AFL-CIO SEIU Virginia State Council SEIU Virginia 512 32BJ SEIU Virginia Education Association Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Fairfax County Professional Firefighters, Paramedics & 911 Dispatchers UNITE HERE Local 25 AFSCME Communications Workers of America

05/08/2026

“Virginia’s firefighters and emergency medical workers face dangerous conditions every day, and we should always ensure they always have a voice on the job. As Virginia’s next governor, I will work with our General Assembly to make sure Virginia’s firefighters and other first responders can negotiate for the benefits and the fair treatment that is owed to them,” Abigail Spanberger said in September.

We are asking the Governor of Virginia to fulfill her campaign promise to the workers of Virginia. SIGN THE BILL!

Virginia AFL-CIO
International Association of Fire Fighters
Scott A. Surovell
Delegate Kathy Tran

https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2026/05/07/public-workers-await-spanbergers-decision-on-collective-bargaining-bill/

05/08/2026

05/04/2026

May 4th is International Firefighters' Day. A day to honor the brave men and women who rush into danger every day to save the lives and property of those in their community. We thank all 11,000 members of the VPFF and the brave firefighters around the world who answer the call.