News Flash

Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, a fire broke out at Strickland Manufacturing's warehouse at the Goochland Business Park. It took roughly 7 hours, and 57,000 gallons of water to completely extinguish the blaze. The largest commercial structure fire in recent Goochland history, a total of 39 Goochland County Fire-Rescue personnel were assisted by members of Louisa Fire and EMS, Henrico Division of Fire, Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Powhatan’s Fire Marshall, and the Metro Richmond Flying Squad. With no hydrants nearby, crews utilized rural water supply from a nearby private pond, which was aided by Alvis Dairy Farm’s 6,000-gallon farm tanker. Meanwhile, Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Hanover Fire and EMS, Henrico Division of Fire, and Louisa Fire and EMS provided mutual-aid station coverage in the Goochland Fire Stations during the time of the fire and handled several calls for service.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Strickland Manufacturing opened its doors to thank those who saved their business. Looking around the facility there is very little evidence of what happened one year prior. The walls have been rebuilt, new concrete poured, and normal operations restored. “Operations resumed within two to three days,” said Julie Duff, representative from Strickland. The company worked quickly to keep operations going, setting up tents and generators outside of the burned warehouse. 

Goochland County Economic Development quickly stepped in to aid Strickland Manufacturing following the fire. “Our department was very concerned when we heard of the Strickland fire last year. This type of emergency can devastate a business and can take years to fully recover.”, stated Sara Worley, Director of Economic Development. Her department assisted with resources and connected Strickland with Goochland’s Community Development department, which was able to expedite permitting for a new workspace on the company's secondary lot in Goochland. Worley and her team have continued to support the company's expansion efforts, facilitating connections with state and workforce resources. “We are happy that we could provide assistance and look forward to Strickland continuing to prosper in Goochland County.”, she said. 

Members from Goochland County Fire-Rescue, Chesterfield Fire and EMS, the Metro Richmond Flying Squad along with other County officials attended the appreciation luncheon on Friday, May 3^rd.   During the luncheon, Strickland Manufacturing’s President, Sean O’Reilly thanked those who provided support for his business, “On behalf of everyone at Strickland Manufacturing, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the local fire departments, law enforcement, businesses, customers, and neighbors who helped us re-build over the past 12-months. Today was a chance to bring people together and show our gratitude. We look forward to growing our business footprint in Goochland County.” Chief Eddie Ferguson, Goochland County Fire-Rescue, stated, “It is wonderful to see the business resiliency nearly one year later, as well as the kindness and generosity from the business owners and employees.”

Strickland Manufacturing has achieved a remarkable recovery following a devastating setback. Through the heroic efforts of the Fire-Rescue Department and with support from the community and government agencies, the company was able to swiftly rebuild. Their resilience serves as an inspiration, illustrating the power of perseverance and community support in overcoming challenges and forging a path toward a brighter future.