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Goochland Fire and Rescue honored with governor's award for new live‑fire training facility
Summary
At the May 6 Goochland County Board of Supervisors meeting, state officials presented the Governor's Award for Excellence to Goochland Fire and Rescue for a newly completed $1.2 million live‑fire training structure that officials said will improve local and regional firefighter training.
Representatives of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety presented the Governor's Award for Excellence to Goochland Fire and Rescue at the May 6 Goochland County Board of Supervisors meeting.
The award recognizes the county’s completion of a $1,200,000 live‑fire training structure that state presenters said will enhance local and regional training capabilities and address previous challenges in conducting live‑fire exercises. "It's our honor to be here," Brad Creasy, executive director of the Department of Fire Programs, told the board during the presentation.
The governor's fire services awards were established in 2002 and are reviewed by members of the Virginia Fire Services Board and the Department of Fire Programs before recommendations are forwarded to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, presenters said. Sonny Daniels, deputy secretary of public safety and homeland security, and Spencer Willett, governmental affairs manager, took part in the presentation.
Spencer Willett named county employees and department leaders who the state and county recognized for their roles in the training structure project. Those listed included Deputy Chief Mike Watkins, Captain Brandon Prophet and Lieutenant Danny Coughlin of Goochland Fire and Rescue; Purchasing Director Mary Zapata; Finance Director Carla Cave; County Attorney Tara McGee; Interim County Administrator Manuel Alvarez; Building Official Gary Fisher; and General Services Director Scott Foster. Board members and state officials presented uniform ribbons and a challenge coin to the group.
Goochland officials and state presenters emphasized the facility's role in improving firefighter preparedness across the region. Ken Brown, identified by state staff as a retired Goochland fire chief now working with the state agency, attended the presentation. Board members praised departmental leadership for advancing the project.
There was no formal board vote associated with the award; the event was a ceremonial presentation and recognition by state officials.
The board paused afterward for photographs and acknowledgement of the department's work on the training facility.
