Goochland Fire and Rescue honored with governor's award for new $1.2 million training structure

Goochland Fire and Rescue received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Virginia's Fire Service during the Goochland County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 6. Presenters from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs said the award recognizes exceptional service and training innovation in the commonwealth.

Bridal Creasy, Executive Director of the Department of Fire Programs, told the board: "So this year, the recipient of the governor's award for excellence in Virginia's fire service is Goochland Fire and Rescue." She said Goochland recently completed construction of "a $1,200,000 live fire training structure," which the state views as a substantial improvement in local and regional training capacity.

Spencer Willett, governmental affairs manager with the Department of Fire Programs, named local officials and staff who played central roles in the project. Willett recognized Deputy Chief Mike Watkins, Captain Brandon Prophet and Lieutenant Danny Coughlin from Goochland Fire Rescue, along with county staff members including 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. The board presented uniform ribbons and a commemorative challenge coin to those acknowledged.

Board members praised local leadership for securing resources and delivering the training facility. Chair Winfrey singled out department leadership for building morale and making the project possible. No formal action beyond the ceremonial recognition was taken; the presentation concluded with a photo opportunity.

The award highlights the county's investment in firefighter preparedness and creates a new regional training asset. The board folded the acknowledgement into its consent for routine presentations and moved on to the day's regular agenda.