In honor of International Firefighters Day, News 3 asked local agencies to share their firefighters’ recent accomplishments. Below, you can read about firefighters in Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina and their recent efforts to protect and serve their respective communities.
York County Fire & Life Safety
“Our firefighters in York County, just like in other localities, are extraordinary individuals that are part of a well-prepared team that provides the very best care and compassion to those they serve whether it is an EMS incident or fire incident, or other incident types. I am always proud to be able to work with them.”
Steve Kopczynski, Fire Chief of York Co. Department of Fire & Life Safety
York County Fire & Life Safety
Virginia Beach Fire Department
“Firefighters respond to much more than fires. I am most proud of the quick and exhaustive response from the VBFD crews to the tornado that touched down in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach on Sunday, April 30, 2023.”
VBFD Chief Ken Pravetz
Virginia Beach Fire Department
RELATED: Community raises money for family of Virginia Beach firefighter who died after cancer battle
Kill Devil Hills Fire Department
“Most recently, the Kill Devil Hills fire department received an ISO rating of one by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey. The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department is now one of only 28 fire departments out of over 1,200 in the state of North Carolina to have an ISO rating of one. Receiving the ISO rating of one is a huge accomplishment and a true testament to the members of the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and their ongoing professionalism, preparedness, and dedication to our community.
Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Lee, Sr. recently received a Mayor’s Achievement Award for his 50 years of service with the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department. This award recognizes distinguished citizens for their service, leadership, and accomplishments within our town.”
Rachel Tackett, Kill Devil Hills Public Information Officer
Kill Devil Hills Fire Department
Kill Devil Hills Fire Department
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4:08 PM, May 02, 2023
First responders honored for saving 2 girls from burning home in Suffolk
Chesapeake Fire Department
"On May 2, 2023, the Chesapeake Fire Department recognized MFF/PM Nick Askew, SFF/EMT Robert Trail, FF/PM Bailey Phillips, FF/PM Timothy Landle, FF/EMT Marvin Sanderson, and FF/EMT Mason Koechle with a Life Save Award for their heroic resuscitation of a newborn baby. Additionally, The Chesapeake Fire Department’s Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator, Lieutenant Brian Soriano, presented each member of the crew with a Handtevy Award and a personal letter from Dr. Antevy for the crew's efforts in saving an infant's life."
Capt. Steven Bradley
Chesapeake Fire Department
Norfolk Fire-Rescue
"Norfolk Fire-Rescue is most proud of, once again, being voted the best service in the city, voted by the citizens in which we serve. This was from the survey that was sent out by the city of Norfolk to all citizens. Norfolk Fire-Rescue takes pride in those results and always strives to deliver the best possible service. We responded to over 53,000 emergency calls last year which is a record number."
Battalion Chief Glen Williams
Chief Williams said on the evening of International Firefighters Day, Norfolk Fire-Rescue stations went red for the Light The Night campaign to honor fallen fire service heroes.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue
Norfolk Fire-Rescue
Nags Head Fire & Ocean Rescue
"We are proud of all of our firefighters and support staff"
Fire Chief Randy C. Wells
Nags Head Fire & Ocean Rescue
