Virginia Beach Professional Fire & EMS

02/05/2026

Today marks the six year anniversary of the line of duty death of Local 2924 member Captain Sean Land. Brother Land died on February 5, 2020, at the age of 50 due to a medical condition. Sean served the city of Virginia Beach for 30 years. He was hired on January 1, 1990, and served at Company 11-C, Company 14-C and Company 16-C. Sean was promoted to Captain on July 1, 2002, and served on Engine 11-B, Engine 12-B, Engine 2-B and Engine 17-B. We remember Sean’s passion for serving his community and his immeasurable contributions to the fire service and the city of Virginia Beach.

Rest easy, Brother. You are forever in our hearts.

International Association of Fire Fighters
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
Virginia Beach Fire Department

01/23/2026

01/23/2026

This week we were honored to recognize some very special individuals. Sara Chiaverotti, Michelle Gallina, Aimee Jenkins-Griffin, and Carolyn Jackson Phipps were presented plaques in recognition of their tireless efforts to help pass the Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act.

Over the past two years these resilient women took multiple trips to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress to get this legislation passed which recognizes cancer (the #1 killer of firefighters) as a compensable injury under the Federal Public Safety Officers Benefit.

This incredibly impactful legislation would not have been possible without their efforts. We are eternally grateful to them.

01/23/2026

A record number of Virginia firefighters gathered in Richmond this week to advocate for their legislative priorities at the Virginia General Assembly. The event, as part of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) annual legislative conference, had over 100 firefighter leaders from 40 local International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) affiliates from across the Commonwealth.

For full news release, please visit our website:
https://www.vpff.org/news/

01/23/2026

Members of Virginia Beach Professional Fire & EMS along with were in Richmond this week lobbying the General Assembly on priority legislation for Virginia’s firefighters and EMS providers.

HB865 Workers' compensation; presumption of compensability for certain cancers.
https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB865

Clarifies lung cancer as an occupational cancer and adds Non-Hodgkins lymphoma as an occupational cancer to the list of other occupational cancers.

HB393 First Responders Cancer Screening Fund
https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB393

First Responders Cancer Screening Fund to provide funding to localities for cancer screenings for firefighters and emergency responders across Virginia.

HB1317/SB523 Line of Duty Act; payments to beneficiaries.

This bill would expand occupational cancer Line of Duty Death Act benefits so that if a First Responder dies from occupational cancer within 10 years of retirement, they receive LODA benefits. The current law is 5 years post exposure .

HB1333 - Firefighter Workweek
This bill would direct the Virginia Department of Fire Programs to encourage localities to adopt a firefighter schedule that does not exceed 42 hours per week on average.

https://www.vpffVirginia Beach Fire DepartmentuDelegate Michael FeggansiVirginia Professional Fire FightersaSenator Bill DeStephoVirginia Professional Fire Fighters 6th DistrictProfessional Fire Fighters 6th District

12/18/2025

The International Association of Fire Fighters backed Honor Act has passed the U.S. Senate, finally recognizing occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death. The bill now goes to President Trump, who has indicated strong support for the bill.

For years, families of who died from job-related cancers were denied federal death and education benefits. The IAFF led the fight to change that.

Working with Republicans, Democrats, and President Trump, the Honor Act ensures families of our fallen are no longer left behind.

Local 2924 members and families along with other IAFF locals and families from across the United States lobbied for this legislation for years. Ensuring that the #1 cause of Fire Fighter Line of Duty Death is now compensable under the Public Safety Officer's Benefit Program is an incredibly important step to take care of our fallen members' families.

Jen Kiggans for Congress
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
Virginia Beach Fire Department

12/10/2025

Members of Local 2924, Virginia Beach Fire Department Fire Chief Pravetz, and Ladder 11 happily assisted today in delivering the toys from CP Shuckers annual toy drive to Virginia Beach City Public Schools Seatack Elementary for distribution.

Thank you to CP Shuckers for continuing this long standing tradition and assisting local families around the holidays!

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11/11/2025

The 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month...

Today we honor veterans of the United States. Many of our members proudly served in the military and continue that service to their communities as firefighters and EMS providers.

We salute you and thank you for your service.

11/06/2025

Today, we pause to remember Carl “Alan” Barber, a dedicated firefighter and Local 2924 member who bravely served our community. It has been 17 years since we lost Alan from occupational cancer.

Alan was not just a colleague but a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him. His selflessness and commitment to protecting others will forever be etched in our hearts.

Let us take a moment to reflect on his legacy and the sacrifices made by all firefighters. Together, let’s continue to advocate for better protections and awareness surrounding occupational hazards.



Virginia Beach Fire Department
International Association of Fire Fighters
Virginia Professional Fire Fighters

10/31/2025

Strong message sent to localities and Fire Chiefs who willfully decide to ignore this state law. It means what it says. Off-duty medicinal use is protected.

Virginia Professional Fire Fighters

https://norml.org/news/2025/10/30/virginia-judge-enjoins-county-officials-from-disciplining-firefighter-for-off-duty-use-of-medical-cannabis/?link_id=30&can_id=5cf5613fc18bf032eb06d7a09cccac78&sourcekiiing n

Injunction restricts Hanover County from taking disciplinary action

10/23/2025

They took an oath to protect…the very least the government could do is pay them. We stand with Tidewater Federal Firefighters Local F-25 and call for an end to the shutdown and restoration of their pay.

Virginia Professional Fire Fighters

10/16/2025

Congrats!!