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Virginia Fire Services Board

Uniting Fire Services for a Safer Virginia

Learn More About VFSB View Upcoming VFSB Meetings

Virginia Fire Services Board

The Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB) is a policy board within the executive branch of state government, established under § 2.2-2100.  

Two individuals stand beside a Virginia Fire Services Board banner, while a board meeting takes place in a conference room with attendees seated around a table. Virginia Fire Services Board

Working with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, the VFSB aims to enhance fire safety and support fire services across the commonwealth. The board convenes regularly throughout the year to ensure effective communication and coordination for fire safety and prevention initiatives.

View Board Members and Meetings

View current board members as well as meeting schedules, agendas and minutes to stay informed on VFSB. 

  • Member  

    Term  

    Representing 

    Email 

    Keith Johnson, Chair 

    2nd Term 

    Virginia Fire Chiefs Association 

    khjohnsonobx@comcast.net 

    Abbey Johnston, Vice Chair    

    2nd Term 

    Virginia State Firefighter's Association 

    ajohnston@bedfordcountyva.gov 

    Walter Bailey 

    1st Term 

    Virginia Fire Service Council 

    phenixchief@gmail.com 

    James A. Calvert 

    2nd Term 

    Industry (SARA Title III)/General Public 

     jamesalancalvert@msn.com 

    John Miller, Designee 

    No Term Limit 

    Virginia Department of Forestry 

     john.miller@dof.virginia.gov 

    Billy Hanks 

    1st Term 

    Local Fire Marshal 

    bhanks30@gmail.com 

    Todd King 

    1st Term 

    Virginia Association of Counties 

    kingmt@montgomerycountyva.gov  

    Carla Keesee 

    1st Term 

    VA Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators 

    carla.keesee@vafb.com 

    Gerry Maiatico 

    1st Term 

    Virginia Fire Prevention Association 

    gmaiatico@warrencountyfire.com 

    J. Kevin Duck 

    1st Term 

    Insurance Industry 

    kduck@carrsvillevfd.com 

    Charles Sterne 

    1st Term 

    General Public 

    charles@sterneconsulting.com 

    Jess Rodzinka 

    1st Term 

    Virginia Professional Fire Fighters

    jessrodzinka@me.com 

    Steven Sites 

    2nd Term 

    Virginia Municipal League 

    steven.sites@fairfaxva.gov   

    JM Snell II 

    No Term Limit 

    Board of Housing and Community Development 

    valrenjm@valrenonline.com 

    Jerome Williams 

    2nd Term 

    Certified Fire Service Instructor 

    jwillvi@gmail.com 

  • Date Time        Meetings                                                                  Location  Agenda  Minutes
    Thursday, February 19, 2026 1:00pm Live Fire Training Structure Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center (Suite D)    
    Thursday, February 19, 2026 2:00pm Fire Education and Training Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center (Suite D)    
    Thursday, February 19, 2026 3:00pm Fire Prevention and Control Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center (Suite D)    
    Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:00pm Administration, Policy and Finance Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center (Suite D)    
    Friday, February 20, 2026 9:00am VFSB Meeting Virginia Beach Convention Center (Suite D)    
  • Date Time        Meetings                                                                  Location  Agenda  Minutes
    Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Cancelled 1:00pm Administration, Policy and Finance Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center    
    Thursday, February 20, 2025- Cancelled 2:00pm Fire Education and Training Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center    
    Thursday, February 20, 2025- Cancelled 3:00pm Fire Prevention and Control Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center    
    Thursday, February 20, 2025- Cancelled 4:00pm Live Fire Training Structure Committee Virginia Beach Convention Center    
    Friday, February 21, 2025- Cancelled 9:00am VFSB Meeting Virginia Beach Convention Center    
    Thursday, March 27, 2025 8:30am Fire Education and Training Committee Virtual Meeting Agenda Minutes
    Thursday, March 27, 2025 9:30am Fire Prevention and Control Committee Virtual Meeting Agenda Minutes
    Thursday, March 27, 2025 10:30am Administration, Policy and Finance Committee Virtual Meeting Agenda Minutes
    Thursday, March 27, 2025 1:00pm Live Fire Training Structure Committee Virtual Meeting Agenda Minutes
    Thursday - March 27, 2025 2:30pm Full Board Meeting Virtual Meeting Agenda Minutes
    Friday, June 6, 2025 10:00am Admin, Policy and Finance Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes
    Friday, June 6, 2025-Cancelled 11:15am Fire Prevention and Control Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda  
    Friday, June 6, 2025 1:15pm Fire Education and Training Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes
    Friday, June 6, 2025 2:15pm Live Fire Training Structure Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes
    Friday, June 6, 2025 3:30pm VFSB Meeting Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes
    Wednesday, September 24, 2025 9:30am Administration, Policy and Finance Committee Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, VA Agenda Minutes
    Wednesday, September 24, 2025 10:45am Live Fire Training Structure Committee Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, VA Agenda Minutes
    Thursday, September 25, 2025 9:30am Fire Prevention and Control Committee Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, VA Agenda Minutes
    Thursday, September 25, 2025 10:30am VFSB Meeting Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, VA Agenda Minutes
    Thursday, November 6, 2025 9:30am Live Fire Training Policy Subcommittee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025 10:30am Live Fire Training Policy Subcommittee Virtual Meeting Agenda Minutes
    Tuesday, December 2, 2025  9:00am Administration, Policy and Finance Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes-Draft
    Tuesday, December 2, 2025 10:30am Fire Prevention and Control Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes-Draft
    Tuesday, December 2, 2025 1:00pm Live Fire Training Structure Committee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes-Draft
    Tuesday, December 2, 2025 2:30pm VSFB Meeting Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA Agenda Minutes-Draft
    Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - Cancelled 9:30am Live Fire Training Policy Subcommittee Department of Fire Programs, Glen Allen, VA    

     

Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Studies

The Virginia Fire Services Board conducts Fire and EMS Studies under §9.1-203.A.4 of the Code of Virginia to offer technical assistance to local fire departments, EMS organizations and governments. In partnership with VDFP, OEMS (Office of Emergency Medical Services) and DOF (Department of Forestry), these studies are provided free of charge to approved jurisdictions. 

  • Their purpose is to objectively assess local fire and EMS services, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.  
  • The studies also offer broad, customizable recommendations to support local agencies and communities. These recommendations are advisory and not legal mandates. 

For more information about Fire and EMS Studies, the Fire and EMS Study Manual or prior published Fire and EMS Studies, please contact the VDFP Government Affairs Division at policyoffice@vdfp.virginia.gov.  

Download Fire & EMS Study Manual

 

  • This report documents the findings and recommendations for the Patrick County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Study.

    This study was initiated through a resolution by the Patrick County Board of Supervisors and carried out by the Virginia Fire Services Board in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services. The Virginia Department of Forestry also participated through its representative on the Fire Services Board.

  • This report presents the findings and recommendations from the Halifax County Fire and EMS Study, commissioned by the Board of Supervisors to evaluate key operational areas including organization, budgeting, training, service delivery, equipment management and advisory committees.

    While not legally binding, the report offers strategic guidance to county leadership and emergency service stakeholders aimed at enhancing public safety and improving 911 response services. Halifax County is encouraged to meet or exceed these recommendations to strengthen its fire and EMS systems.

    Download Halifax County Fire & EMS Study

Interested in Joining VFSB?

The appointment process is managed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. For more information and to apply, please contact their office or click on the Apply Now button below. 

 Apply Now for VFSB Board