President's Message

By: Steven R. Cover

Welcome to the Website for the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA)

It is our hope that you find the information you need while visiting our site and, if not, we hope there is a link from our site to the information you seek. It is our goal to provide information that is timely and relevant to the success of Virginia’s Fire Service and all of its members.

The VFCA provides service to the citizens of Virginia through the Fire Service leaders, who are career and volunteer from large and small departments, across our State who offer a host of services to their respective communities. Fire Service leaders consist of Fire Chiefs, Deputy and Assistant Chiefs, Captains, Lieutenants, and Firefighters. There are leadership opportunities at every level and the VFCA strives to enhance leadership, education, and advocacy across Virginia’s Fire Service.

It is our hope that you take the time to familiarize yourself with our organization and reach out to us if you need any assistance or would like to become a member of the VFCA. There are many ways in which you may become involved with us, from sponsorship opportunities for vendors and suppliers of the Fire Service to participation on one of the many committees, or attending the Company Officers Academy. There is always a place for you.

We take pride in the fact that the Fire and EMS Service is constantly evolving to better serve our citizens and we hope this organization provides a pathway for you to enhance your capabilities. We have members all across the State who are available to assist should you need them.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our site and stay safe!

Steven R. Cover

President, VFCA

Mission Statement

The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Inc. (VFCA) formerly known as the State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia, Inc., is the advocate for leadership of emergency response organizations. VFCA provides a comprehensive and integrated statewide public safety effort, thereby enhancing the quality of life for our customers by reducing the effects of fire, medical, and environmental emergencies.

History and Purpose of VFCA

(Formerly SFCAV)

The State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia, Inc., was organized in 1930 by progressive Fire Chiefs who saw the need to work together for the betterment of the fire service. The Association's original purpose was to work for the promotion of fire prevention, protection from and extinguishments of fires, and attendant reduction of insurance rates. The Association proposed to accomplish this by bringing into closer contact the various Fire Chiefs in the Commonwealth for their mutual benefit and welfare. Among the first matters discussed in 1930 were the need for a State Firemen's School, the Firemen's Pension Bill, and a Model Arson Law.

The Association has continued to grow through the years and its goals have broadened to keep pace with the challenges. Today, the Association's stated purpose is to bring together at least once a year persons interested in the advancement of the fire service; to discuss ways of improving life-saving and fire extinguishments procedures; to assist in research studies; to serve as the recognized organization for the exchange of ideas, information, knowledge and experiences affecting the safety of life and property from fires; to encourage and assist in the development of public education in fire prevention programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia; to cooperate with all organizations in the promotion of the goals and objectives of the fire service; and to support and encourage the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical services by the fire service to relieve human suffering.

In 2002, the SFCAV changed its name to become the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association in order to facilitate searching capabilities on the Internet and a more direct identification similar to other organizations throughout the United States.