State fire-services study urges strategic planning, training and capital upgrades for Patrick County

Patrick County supervisors heard a presentation from a Virginia Fire Services Board study team on county fire and emergency medical services that recommended a strategic plan, clarified authority for the emergency management director, expanded volunteer–career coordination, equipment and capital planning, and stepped‑up training and recruitment efforts.

The report, presented by Ken Brown, coordinator of community risk reduction for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, summarized findings from a site visit in August 2024 and interviews with all nine county fire departments and six EMS agencies. Brown repeatedly emphasized that the document contains recommendations only and does not impose requirements: “These are simply recommendations — you are under no obligation to adopt them,” he told the board.

Why it matters: The study ties staffing, training, equipment and facility shortfalls to response capability across Patrick County, and it links future state funding and program support to accurate incident reporting and clear organizational roles. Tim Perkins of the Virginia Office of EMS said the county’s issues mirror those in many rural jurisdictions but noted local strengths, including county instructors able to teach basic certification courses locally.

Key recommendations

- Strategic planning and governance: The team recommended a countywide strategic plan with short‑term (1–2 year) and long‑term (5–10 year) goals covering personnel, facilities, equipment, water…