Annual Report 2011/2012

Division of Fire County Of Henrico

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DIVISION OF FIRE The County of Henrico Division of Fire (Henrico Fire) is an organization of professionals committed to protecting our community. As a metro class department, Henrico Fire serves a community of 245 square miles and a population of more than 300,000 residents and visitors. To accomplish this goal, the Division operates 20 fire stations comprised of:

 20 engine companies  14 Advanced Life Support (ALS) medic units  5 ladder truck companies  3 heavy rescue squads

During FY 2011/12, the organization responded to more than 40,000 service calls throughout the county—approximately 73% of which were calls for emergency medical services (EMS). To manage this volume, Henrico Fire is staffed by:

 517 uniformed personnel  All uniformed personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)  More than 200 are certified to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS)  21 Civilian Staff support

With this staff and equipment, the Division is able to provide the following services:

 Urban and rural fire services and response, including response to high rise fires.  Emergency medical and advanced life support services and transport  Specialized teams (HAZMAT, Tech Rescue, Dive/Swift Water)  Fire prevention, education and investigations  Response and recovery to natural and man‐made disasters  Fire and EMS coverage for events such as NASCAR races, outdoor music concerts and sporting activities.

We strive to provide all of these services in a professional, innovative and cost‐effective manner.

LOCATIONS Henrico Fire operates 20 fire stations throughout Henrico County, managed as three fire battalions. The western battalion serves Tuckahoe and Three Chopt; the northern battalion serves Brookland and part of Fairfield; and the eastern battalion serves the other part of Fairfield and Varina.

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Western Battalion (yellow)  #8 – 8000 Patterson Avenue  Fire Station #9 – 9401 Quioccasin Road  Fire Station #12 – 3803 West End Drive  Fire Station #13 – 12491 Church Road  Fire Station #16 – 5381 Shady Grove Road  Fire Station #17 – 110 N. Gaskins Road  Fire Station #22 – 3790 Westerre Parkway Northern Battalion (white)  Fire Station #1 – 110 E. Azalea Avenue  Fire Station #5 – 6911 Lakeside Avenue  Fire Station #7 – 2701 E. Laburnum Avenue  Fire Station #10 – 6313 Horsepen Avenue  Fire Station #11 – 1754 Hungary Road  Fire Station #15 – 3820 Mountain Road  Fire Station #21 – 1201 Virginia Center Parkway Eastern Battalion (green)  Fire Station #2 – 2400 Darbytown Road  Fire Station #3 – 908 E. Nine Mile Road  Fire Station #4 – 8112 Strath Road  Fire Station #6 – 4600 S. Laburnum Avenue  Fire Station #14 – 5210 Technology Boulevard  Fire Station #18 – 4410 Darbytown Road 3

Additionally, Henrico Fire has two training facilities. The Public Safety Building (7721 E. Parham Road) is used for Fire and EMS classroom training. The Drill School (10421 Woodman Road) is used for mock training sessions.

CONSTRUCTION During FY 2011/12, fire stations 3, 8 and 12 were renovated or rebuilt, and ground was broken for renovations to fire stations 9 and 13. During the construction, personnel continued to respond to emergency calls from each of these stations.

FIRE STATION 8 FIRE STATION 9

FIRE STATION 12 FIRE STATION 3

FIRE STATION 13

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ORGANIZATION

Henrico Fire is organized into four major branches:

: Emergency Management, Medical Direction  Operations: Includes all fire rescue and emergency medical services personnel who operate from the County’s 20 fire stations.  Professional Services: Administrative Services, Business Management, Logistics and Personnel & Training.  Community Risk Reduction: Planning & Technology, Safety, Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention and Community Services.

DIVISION OF FIRE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Fire Chief

Administrative Emergency Assistant Manager

Medical Director

Assistant Chief Assistant Chief Assistant Chief Community Risk Operations Prof. Services Reduction

Battalion Chief of District Chief Business 's EMS Northern District Management Office

Battalion One Community EMS Supervisors Logistics Western District Services

HR and Battalion Two Professional Planning Eastern District Development

Technology

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FY 2011/12 STATISTICS As an all‐hazards department, Henrico Fire concentrates on the protection of life and property and practices a proactive approach to community preparedness.

 Service Calls: During the past year, Henrico Fire responded to 40,996 calls for service, of which 73.6% were for emergency medical pre‐hospital care, 2.4% were for fire and 3.4% were for hazardous conditions.  Losses: One civilian life was lost, and 43 sustained injuries. The fire‐dollar loss in Henrico County for FY 2011/12 is estimated to be $8,513,097.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) In addition to fire suppression and prevention, Henrico Fire provides emergency medical services (EMS), both by first‐responding fire engines and other “fire suppression” companies, as well as the traditional transport ambulances or fire medic units. Henrico Fire is proud to be able to offer these services based solely on Henrico Fire’s budget and at no charge to citizens.

Approximately 200 of the 517 uniformed personnel are trained and operate at the advanced life support (ALS) level. These EMT‐Intermediates and Paramedics work as delegated agents of Henrico Fire’s medical director to provide care such as cardiac rhythm monitoring, defibrillation and medical administration. All of Henrico Fire’s primary fire apparatus and fire medic ambulances are equipped to provide advanced life support.

The department has made a number of improvements to EMS in recent years. During the FY 2011/12, Henrico Fire replaced all of its cardiac monitor/defibrillators with devices designed for the rapid acquisition and interpretation of 12‐lead electrocardiograms, which allows for the rapid identification of a patient having a potential heart attack—or myocardial infarction. Patients that experience full cardiac arrest, where the heart stops pumping blood to the body, also benefit from the following technological improvements:

 Transmission of information to a receiving hospital to alert their emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab or open‐heart surgery group that a patient is en route.  Monitor/defibrillators measure the quality of CPR on a beat‐by‐beat basis and provide instant feedback.  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) medications are administered faster due to the availability of both intravenous and intraosseous vascular access devices.  Cardiac‐arrest patients receive therapeutic hypothermia treatment, which is designed to combat the negative effects of oxygen deprivation to the brain during cardiac arrest.

The combined impact of these EMS improvements has resulted in a 66% increase in successful cardiac arrest resuscitation. More importantly, patients surviving hospital discharge have increased from 17% in 2007 to 56% in 2011.

Report provided by HR & Professional Development Captain Will Aiken

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40,996 Incidents for FY 2011/2012

Call Types

EMS False Alarm Fire Good intent Haz Condition Explosion Service Special 3% 5% 0% 1% 10% 2% 7%

74%

Structure Fire FY 11/12

Residential Commercial Storage Special Other 290

22 20 2

Structure Fire

EMS Calls Business Inspections

FY 08/09 FY 09/10 FY 10/11 FY 11/12 FY 11/12 FY 10/11 FY 09/10 FY 08/09

30,186 29,115 3757 28,028 7380 27,294 6224 6040

EMS calls

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OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM) The OEM protects the citizens of Henrico County by promoting awareness and preparing them for emergency situations. OEM works internally and externally to prepare for and manage resources during times of disaster. Additionally, the office organizes numerous public outreach efforts.

Large­Scale Events: During FY 2011/12, OEM supported operations at two NASCAR race events and provided coordination for several large weather events (snow, , tornados and an earthquake). The largest large‐scale event was the County’s response to Hurricane Irene in August 2011, which was a multi‐departmental regional response event that resulted in nearly $5.5 million in eligible costs from damage incurred by both County and private facilities and dwellings. These costs have been submitted to FEMA and VDEM for reimbursement.

HCCERT: OEM organized four Henrico County Community Emergency Response Team (HCCERT) basic training classes, which provided training to citizens to help them cope in the time period immediately following a disaster, when local public safety resources may be overwhelmed. The program has now grown to 490 Henrico County citizens. HCCERT members learn basic first aid, search and rescue, and fire suppression techniques. Most importantly, HCCERT members learn how to prepare for a disaster long before one occurs. By being prepared and knowing how to respond to a situation, HCCERT members can help family, friends and co‐workers better endure the stresses of a disaster.

Other FY 2011/12 public outreach efforts included:

 Working to improve the amateur radio capability throughout the County by improving availability of equipment and working with several amateur radio groups in the region to provide radio operators during times of emergency.  Expanding the Division’s Fire Corps program by enhancing training for CERT personnel in Fire Corps‐related programs and by supporting the youth Explorers program. Additionally, OEM hosted two Citizen Fire Academies through the Fire Corps in 2011.  Hosting an independent living facility disaster preparedness workshop in which 15 independent living facilities from across the nation were in attendance. This workshop was co‐hosted with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Services and the County Manager’s Office.  Hosting the 2011 and 2012 Virginia Emergency Management Association’s annual symposium, this brought more than 400 participants to each event.

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OEM oversees several Department of Homeland Security/Virginia Department of Emergency Management grant programs, including:

 CY2010 Dominion Power Nuclear Power Planning Allocation: $700  CY2011 Dominion Power Nuclear Power Planning Allocation: $700  FY2009 Citizen Corps: $13,000  FY2010 Citizen Corps: $13,000  FY2009 UASI Shelter Training: $10,000  FY2010 UASI Shelter Training: $5,000  FY2009 SHSGP Animal Shelter Project: $49,950  FY2010 UASI Animal Shelter Project: $72,000  FY2011 Hazardous Material Emergency Planning grant: $1,800

Finally, OEM has remained active in regional and national level planning, with the continued collaboration of the Central Virginia Urban Area Security Initiative (CVUASI). The OEM deputy coordinator for emergency management serves as the chair for the CVUASI working group, and she was selected as the vice chair for the FEMA Region 3 Regional Advisory Committee, which provides an open avenue for planning, training and networking opportunities across the region. The position also provides access to lead FEMA agency personnel who develop emergency management planning and training initiatives for the nation.

Report provided by Emergency Manager Anna McRay 9

SAFETY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Henrico Fire promotes through various community programs, and our Community Services office administers a number education programs in schools, daycares and libraries, and it is not uncommon to see “Sparky” the fire dog or the “Water Wagon” at community events. Select programs include:

 The Junior Program, presented to children in grades 1‐3, uses a mobile set and features “Squirt,” the clown who, with the help of firefighters and the children, learns to do the right things when confronted with various fire‐safety problems.  The Fourth Grade Fire and Life Safety Program consists of four one‐hour fire‐safety lessons that are presented to fourth graders by professional firefighters.  The Kid Safety House is used at the end of this program to simulate an escape from a burning house. Theatric (safe) smoke is released in the upstairs bedroom, and students are challenged to unlock and open a sliding door, crawl from the room and down a ladder to the ground. They then report to a safe meeting place, designated with orange cones.  The Summer Blast and Teen Scene programs, sponsored by the Henrico County Recreation and Parks, are presented at various county libraries throughout the summer and during fire prevention week in October.  Additional instructional programs are provided on request to pre‐school children and teachers at daycare facilities, to seniors (and their caretakers) in various living situations and to workers in community businesses.

No matter the occasion, Henrico Fire strives to reinforce our safety messages with appropriate literature. This emphasis on fire prevention has paid off. During FY 2011/12, there has not been a significant increase in fire activity.

In addition to prevention, Henrico Fire has maintained an active fire inspections department, which is responsible for regulating adherence to the State Fire Code. The department works with both citizens and businesses to prevent losses due to fire and manmade hazards. In the past fiscal year, the department investigated 217 fires; of these, 70 were arson and 102 were suspicious.

Report provided by Firefighter Jon Reinmouth, CS2

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SPECIALIZED TEAMS Henrico Fire staffs five highly trained specialty and regional‐response teams: the Hazardous Incident Team at Station 21; the Technical Rescue Team at Station 1; the Search and Rescue Team, which serves the needs of our citizens on the water, down river at Station 2 and up river at Station 17; the Bike Team at Station 16; and the Mass‐Casualty Team at Station 15.

HAZARDOUS INCIDENT TEAM (HIT): The Henrico Fire HIT has pledged to deliver professional, cost‐effective, personal, responsive and innovative services that serve the public’s interests. This team of Division firefighters and officers is trained and equipped to respond to and mitigate incidents that involve hazardous materials. In addition to local response, HIT has taken on regional responsibilities, beginning in 1987 with a contract with the Virginia Department of Emergency Services. With the aid of grants, the team has amassed a multitude of specialized equipment to benefit both the DOF and Henrico County citizens with hazardous materials response.

Currently, the HIT is comprised of 47 members trained at the hazardous materials technician or specialist level of certification. Personnel have completed a variety of training during the past year. Locally, the team held a technician course for squad companies and provided the opportunity for recertification. Regionally, members trained with neighboring jurisdictions, counties within the team’s response area and other facilities such as the North Anna Power Plant. At the state level, members have attended classes at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)‐sponsored schools, hazmat conferences and onsite training with VDEM.

In FY 2011/12, the team responded to several documented calls, including four regional calls, three full team callouts (two outside the county) and 25 calls conducted on duty. Members of Fire Station 21 handled the responses.

Report provided by Stan Langford

TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM: This team responds to extraordinary or highly dangerous rescue situations such as collapsed structures, high‐angle rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue and vehicle accidents that involve difficult victim entrapment.

The team’s robust equipment cache includes a rescue engine, ladder truck, ambulance and a specially equipped tractor‐trailer. In addition to these apparatus, the team carries concrete cutting tools, shoring equipment, rope and rigging equipment, , air breathing systems, and fiber optic cameras capable of imaging in small voids and other inaccessible spaces.

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The team is comprised of 34 highly skilled members who receive hundreds of hours of advanced training. In addition to weekly training, the team participates in a number of other large‐scale training events including Rescue Challenge, which is a scenario‐ based, four‐day, multidiscipline event that provides real‐world problems and evaluates the team’s capabilities. Report provided by Captain Scotty Roberts

SEARCH RESCUE DIVE TEAM: This is a diverse team that provides rescue operations during water‐ related emergencies and search‐ and‐rescue operations. The team’s 32 personnel are trained in lost person ground search (rural, urban, Project Lifesaver), swift water rescue, swift water powerboat operations, rescue SCUBA diving, ice rescue and boat operations that include water‐based marine searches.

Henrico County includes 35 miles of the James River, with 20 miles available for commercial traffic up to the Port of Richmond. The team is divided between Fire Stations 2 and 17, and the members come together to respond on calls. Having teams located at opposite ends of the county reduces response times, both to the James River and to other bodies of water in the county (lakes, ponds, pools, retention ponds, etc.).

For water rescue operations, the team has one command unit, two tow vehicles, two DIB’s swift water inflatable boats, one 25‐foot C‐Hawk boat with fire pump, one jon boat and two kayaks. For ground search operations, the team is able to conduct night searches using night vision equipment. The team is also equipped with personal gear to carry out any emergency operations to which they may be called.

The team responded to approximately 47 calls last year, including a five‐day ground search in Hanover County, a statewide dive call for a murder case in Greene County, and several missing persons calls.

Report provided by Captain Deborah Weymouth 12

FIRE BIKE TEAM: Assigned to Fire Station 16 in the county’s western battalion, the bike team deploys to special events for emergency medical services, search and rescue and other all‐hazard related needs. The team consists of 40 advanced and basic life support firefighters with training in mountain bike operations, , and emergency medical care.

The fire bike team provides dynamic basic and advanced life support services that enable personnel to quickly maneuver through crowds and limited‐access areas to reach emergency incidents. Last year, the team deployed to two NASCAR events, fairs, triathlons, marathon events, carnivals and other mass gatherings.

The team provides an eco‐friendly approach to EMS in a time where physical fitness and the environment are important to the citizens. With its professionalism, public relations, positive image and excellent customer service, the bike team benefits the county by being accessible to the public while patrolling events.

Report provided by Battalion Chief Stan Langford

MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT/SPECIAL EVENT TEAM (MCI/SET): The primary function of MCI/SET is to manage special events such as concerts that draw large amounts of participants and spectators. The team prevents mass casualty incidents by providing cooling and hydration stations and immediate on‐site medical care, which is set up to handle rapid intervention for environmental‐related medical and trauma issues.

These services are provided to county‐sponsored events, VIP visits, and various school and private events where attendance is projected to exceed 2,000. The team manages approximately 30 to 40 special events per year, many of which occur in the spring and fall.

The team also provides comprehensive rehab to Henrico Fire’s fire and rescue personnel during labor‐intensive incidents. The team provides rehydration and nutritional services, protection from the elements, and ongoing medical evaluation and treatment.

Report provided by Captain E.E. Gerald

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FLEET OPERATIONS Operating under the resource management division, the fleet operations shop is responsible for all apparatus issues 24/7, and the section’s primary goal is to ensure Fire and EMS operations have the necessary apparatus to respond to all service calls so they can be there when citizens need them. The shop’s responsibilities include:

 The acquisition, maintenance and surplus of all vehicles assigned to the Division of Fire.  Working with management on specifications for the requisitions of fire vehicles.  Customizing, outfitting and inspecting each unit with the necessary equipment for emergency response, including fire engines, ladder trucks, tankers, brush units, rescue squads, tractor‐trailers, fire medic units, and an assortment of other necessary staff and specialty vehicles.  Offering resource management for the county during times of local emergency declarations by providing support, maintenance and delivery of special equipment needed during power outages due to natural disasters.  Handling the details of surplus apparatus and researching ways to recover more for the surplus.  Providing resources to support outside operations of Fire and EMS, such as biannual NASCAR races. Provided equipment includes unified radio caches, vehicles suitable for maneuvering within crowds, and all related durable and soft supplies. Planning for these events are year‐round, and the shop relies heavily on partner agencies within the county and region.

Report provided by Lt. Stone Smith

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SPECIALTY SHOPS Henrico Fire repairs and maintains its own equipment through a number of specialty shops located at fire stations throughout the county. These shops offer a lower cost and less down time than external vendors, saving the county thousands of dollars a year. The chart on the next page shows estimated cost savings for FY 2011/12.

 Saw Shop maintains and repairs all of the Henrico Fire’s power saws. Repairs range from adjusting carburetors to rebuilding engines.

 Gas Monitor Shop maintains 30 Sperain gas monitors for atmospheric monitoring for a variety of calls for service, including carbon monoxide. Instruments are tested daily and are calibrated every three months.

 MDC Shop repairs and maintains the docking stations for the mobile computers used in all emergency vehicles. Repairs range from checking antennas and power supplies to changing entire docking stations.

(TIC) Shop inventories and makes minor repairs to TICs, which are handheld cameras that allow firefighters to see heat signatures in smoke‐filled, low‐visibility conditions. Every first line pumper, ladder truck and heavy rescue has a TIC assigned it.

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 Extinguisher Shop is responsible for inventory, refilling, hydrostatic testing and repairs of all extinguishers used in the department.

 Helmet Shop is responsible for repairs, replacement parts and decals, and new helmet issues.

 Light /Suction Shop is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all EMS suction units and flashlights. The shop maintains 439 flashlights and 61 suction units.

 SCUBA Shop maintains and repairs all of the equipment used by the Search Rescue Team for scuba diving. This includes annual inspections and service of the team’s equipment, including dry suits, wet suits, tanks, regulators, full‐face masks, Buoyancy Compensators (BC) and other miscellaneous team equipment.

 Fire Sew/Fabric Shop, run by three firefighters assigned to fire station 16, responds to the requests and needs of Henrico Fire in designing, producing and repairing items used or purchased by the Division of Fire, including hose bed covers, carry‐bags, medical equipment, straps, pouches, SCBA bags, firefighting gear and other various items. Additionally, the staff has been trained and certified by Morning Pride to repair and inspect firefighting gear within the guidelines of the manufacturer’s warranty. The sew shop repairs or delivers more than 500 pieces yearly and devotes a minimum of 15 hours each week to the shops activities.

 Light Shop repairs lighting problems, installs new lights and upgrades old lights on fire apparatus, and light truck or car applications belonging to Henrico Fire.

 SCBA Shop performs repairs to all the breathing apparatus, personal masks, bottles and breathing air systems on units in Henrico Fire. The shop also performs annual mask fit testing for all personnel in the division. The SCBA shop maintains 324 breathing apparatus, 602 masks, 678 bottles, and air systems on seven ladder trucks, four squads, dive team unit, SCBA repair truck and three breathing air compressors. The shop follows all MSA guidelines to perform yearly flow testing on all breathing apparatuses, to perform year flow testing on 30 breathing apparatuses for the county sheriff’s office, to perform mask fit testing on 28 water treatment plant personnel and to flow test six breathing apparatuses for them.

 Hose and Nozzle Shop services and repairs all fire hoses, nozzles and related water appliances (“gated wyes,” piston intake valves, etc.) for all Henrico Fire companies.

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SAVINGS TO THE COUNTY DURING FY 2011/12

AWARDS & RECOGNITION Each year the Division of Fire recognizes employees and members of the community for outstanding achievements. At the 2012 Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony, we honored individuals with the following awards or commendations:

Michael Holder Leadership Award, a career achievement award presented to any qualifying Division officer who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of formal leadership over the course of his or her career: Lt. Jeff Mitchell.

Wayne Greenwood Mentorship Award, a career achievement award presented to any qualifying Division firefighter who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of informal leadership over the course of his or her career: Firefighter Blair Baughman.

Community Service Medal, awarded for successful performance of continuous, dedicated and professional community service: Capt. Doug Reynolds.

Distinguished Service Medal, awarded to any Division member or group who, while engaged in an emergency operation, distinguished themselves by being cited for gallantry: Firefighters Jameel Shabazz, Donald Burkett and Joe Moore. 17

Lifesaver Awards, presented to any Division member or group for actions highly attributable to and responsible for saving someone’s life:

Capt. Bryan Miers Capt. Daniel Schwartz Lt. Nicholas Hart Lt. Phillip Warner Atom Amodeo Christian Kidd James Mullin Chris Parrish James Smith Guy Williams Casey Wilson Zachary Zellner Capt. William Aiken Lt. Randy Davis Lt. Michael McGuire Lt. RJ Whaley Dean Hamilton David Heavenridge Brian Jennings Kevin Kump Christopher Long Christopher Nicholson Felton Skeeter Kenneth Waters Capt. Scotty Roberts Lt. William Bonner Lt. Jonathan Prokopis Michael Bagnell Troy Barnes William Boger John Hudnall Joseph Lancaster John Messerle Frankie Otey Ryan Pfeiffer Randy Stevens Jr. Guy Williams Casey Wilson Shaun Wilson Andrew Wright Lt. Joseph Bartos Lt. Christopher Jones Brian Blankenship Nathan Blankenship Byron Burton Michael Clary Troy Cummings John Coughi Joshua Dehoux Randolph Goll Alex Grant Russel Hancock Gabriel Justice Eric Middleton David Mylum Jeremy Pittman Nicholas Worley

Personal Commendations, a certificate award presented to any Division member for meritorious service during an emergency incident:

Lt. Jackson Baynard Lt. Vernon Crumpler David Balderson Thomas Beadles Nathan Beahm Sydnor Brinkley Thomas Denson Justin Finan Lawrence Lipscomb Richard Pyle

Certificates of Commendation, presented to citizens or police officers who assist firefighters during emergency situations or operations:

Omega Wilson Diane Saunders Nancy Steiner Catherine Brawley Sandra Ruder Officer Glen Holder Sgt. Charles Cecchini Officer James Hunte Sr. Airport Fire Lt. Alan Pearce Debbie Ortiz Police Capt. Carl Mueller Airport Fire Capt. Kevin Garber Allison Hamilton Police Lt. Richard Clark Airport Firefighter Giovanni Naselli

Report provided by Lt. Andy Shelton

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CONTACT Thank you for your interest in Henrico County’s Division of Fire. For more information, please visit us online at www.co.henrico.va.us/fire or contact us via the information below.

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COUNTY OF HENRICO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Richard W. David A. Frank J. Patricia S. Tyrone E. Glover Kaechele Thornton O’Bannon Nelson Chairman Vice Chairman Fairfield Tuckahoe Varina Brookland Three Chopt

Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. County Manager

DIVISION OF FIRE P.O. Box 90775 Henrico, VA 23273‐0775 Tel. (804) 501‐4900 Fax (804) 501‐4642 [email protected]

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