The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors convened on September 17, 2025, to receive the annual update from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department. The meeting highlighted the department's active participation in mutual aid agreements and its significant role in regional disaster response.

The Fire and EMS department is a signatory to both Central Virginia and statewide mutual aid agreements, allowing for automatic aid with neighboring localities. Under established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the department's urban search and rescue (USAR) team and the HEART team have been deployed across the Commonwealth and beyond during emergencies. Last year, these teams were particularly active, responding to 11 natural disaster deployments, including severe flooding in Southwest Virginia caused by Hurricane Helene. During this event, the HEART team executed helicopter rescues under challenging conditions, saving six individuals from floodwaters, while the USAR team rescued eight more and conducted welfare checks on 90 residents.

Concerns were raised regarding the future of FEMA and the potential shift of responsibilities for disaster response to state agencies. This could lead to increased requests for specialized teams from other states in the future.

The meeting also celebrated the longstanding partnership between the Virginia State Police and Chesterfield Fire Department through the med flight program, which has been operational for over 40 years. The program, now staffed by a Virginia State Police pilot and two Chesterfield firefighter paramedics, has seen an increase in missions, particularly for hoist rescues of injured hikers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notably, the costs for Chesterfield staff involved in the program are now fully covered by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In addition to operational updates, the meeting recognized the achievements of department personnel. Thirteen uniform members were promoted, and 113 awards were presented for exemplary service, including 19 individual Lifesave Awards and 55 unit Lifesave Awards. Special recognition was given to eight Virginia National Guard pilots and six Chesterfield firefighters for their heroic actions during Hurricane Helene, receiving the department's Medal of Valor and the Virginia National Guard's Bronze Star.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of individual accomplishments, including awards for Captain Bryce Ford and Firefighter Greg Potter for their life-saving efforts at a two-alarm fire, and recognition for Amanda Danahey and Captain Jerry Pruden for their contributions to EMS education and electric vehicle firefighting programs, respectively. The department's med flight team also received accolades for their successful rescues throughout the year.

Overall, the meeting underscored the department's commitment to public safety and its proactive approach to emergency response and community service.