News Flash

On Friday, February 21, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Fire Service Awards. These awards are intended to recognize those who demonstrate excellence, dedication, and leadership in the fire service field.

Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services was recognized for Excellence in Virginia Fire Services for its new live fire structure located at the Henley Fire-Training Center. Opened on August 29, 2024, the $1.2 million facility utilizes gas to simulate a fire, which allows training crews to be met with real flame, heat and restricted visibility just like they would in a real-life event. The container style structure also includes re-configurable wall panels which allow for the creation of multiple different scenarios.

The new structure replaces the previous structure, built in 1981, which was deemed unsafe for live fire training back in 2012. Since then, live fire training required the department to travel with equipment to other jurisdictions or bring a small, mobile burn trailer operated by Virginia Department of Fire Programs to a site in Goochland.  Completed with a grant from the Virginia Fire Services Board, this facility has allowed live fire training to return to the Henley Fire-Rescue Training Center and revolutionized fire service training both locally and regionally.  

“We are most grateful and humbled by this recognition.”, said Chief Eddie Ferguson. “While this award specifically recognizes Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services, it would not be possible without the tremendous support of the Goochland County Board of Supervisors, County Administration, the County Attorney’s Office, Purchasing, Finance, General Services, and Building Inspections! Training & Safety Division Captain Brandon Proffitt deserves special recognition for his efforts overseeing planning and construction of the new structure which will serve our members and the citizens of Goochland County for many years to come.”

“We appreciate our regional partners’ generosity over the years allowing our crews to experience live fire training in their burn buildings.”, Chief Ferguson continued.  “We stand ready to repay those favors and extend an invitation to all our regional and state partners to come and train in our new facility.”

Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services is deeply grateful to Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Henrico Division of Fire, Hanover Fire and EMS, Louisa Fire and EMS, and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs for making their live fire training facilities and mobile props available for training over the years. 

“Thank you to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Executive Director Chief Brad Creasy and his staff for making the grant available and helping us navigate the grant process along the way.”, said Chief Ferguson.  “Also, a special thank you to Dr. James A Calvert, a member of the Virginia Fire Services Board for nominating us!”

For more information on Goochland County’s Department of Fire-Rescue Emergency Services, and the Henley Fire-Rescue Training Center, please visit www.goochlandfire-rescue.org.