Fire chief: Goochland ramps up storm preparations, celebrates recruit graduations and new tanker

Fire Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson briefed the Board of Supervisors on operational readiness ahead of an approaching tropical storm, staffing and training developments, and recent recognitions for the department.

Ferguson said the county was monitoring a tropical system expected to affect Goochland primarily Thursday night into Friday morning; the emergency operations center is staffed and the county’s emergency phone line has been activated. He urged residents to avoid driving through flood‑covered roadways and to use generator safety best practices.

The chief reported that the department’s call volume is about 15% higher than this time last year, with a higher share of EMS calls, and noted a regional volunteer recruit school graduation and ongoing recruit academy through the end of the year. He also announced that Goochland Fire Rescue received an American Heart Association Mission Lifeline (gold) award recognizing cardiac care performance and described the new 2,500‑gallon tanker (company identifier ending in 6) delivered earlier that day; the tanker replaces an older apparatus and is intended to improve rural area coverage.

Supervisors asked about hydrant testing, station renovations (Station 5 bunkhouse nearing completion) and fireworks permitting impacts on staffing. Ferguson said Department of Public Utilities handles hydrant maintenance, the volunteer association funded Station 5 renovations with an interest‑free county loan supplement, and fireworks permits include provisions for additional fee if fire marshal time exceeds a threshold.

No formal action was required; staff will continue to coordinate emergency operations, training and equipment deployment.