Clarke County Fire Rescue

10/05/2026

Clarke County Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management was honored to be recognized during the 35th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil, held in Downtown Wi******er on the evening of October 1.

The department received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of our role as First Responders in addressing domestic violence and supporting those impacted by it. This recognition reflects our department’s commitment to supporting survivors and victims, partnering with community organizations, and helping strengthen our community’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and end domestic violence.

Clarke County Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management is proud to support this important cause and the continued work being done to protect and advocate for members of our community.

09/24/2026

At their September 22 meeting, the Clarke County Board of Supervisors approved resolutions of recognition and appreciation for retiring Lieutenants Wade Wilson (pictured), Stephanie Gray, and Mark Barenklau (pictured).

Throughout their careers, they have answered countless calls, faced difficult challenges, supported their crews, and served their communities with dedication and professionalism. Their leadership, experience, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the members they worked alongside and the people they served.
Retirement marks the end of one chapter, but the legacy they leave behind will continue through the firefighters and leaders they have mentored and the countless lives they have touched along the way.
To our three retiring lieutenants: Thank you for your years of service, sacrifice, leadership, and commitment. We are grateful for everything you have given to the department and the community.
Congratulations on your retirement, and best wishes for the next chapter. You have earned it!

09/11/2026

We Remember. We Serve. We Carry It Forward.

09/03/2026

08/26/2026

Clarke County Fire, EMS & Emergency Management has issued the following press release.

08/26/2026

NOW HIRING - FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC OR FIREFIGHTER/EMT

Clarke County Fire-Rescue is currently accepting applications for a full-time Firefighter/Medic or Firefighter/EMT position. Come join our growing combination fire and EMS system, operating on a 24/72 schedule with an impact day every 28 days.

Salary
Firefighter/Medic:
$53,732.53 – $69,852.38 annually, based on certifications and experience.
Firefighter/EMT:
$48,736.99 – $63,358.09 annually, based on certifications and experience.

Benefits
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) retirement
• Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System (LEOS)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave

Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
• Pro Board Firefighter II (Firefighter I may be considered)
• EVOC II
• Hazardous Materials Operations
• EMT-B

How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team, please complete an application at https://www.clarkecounty.gov/business/employment-opportunities and submit it to [email protected]

Qualified applicants will be required to successfully complete a written examination to advance in the hiring process.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

08/18/2026

🚌 Back-to-School Safety Reminder

As students return to school, the Clarke County Department of Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management reminds everyone to use extra caution around school buses and in school zones.

Students will be traveling by foot, bicycle, school bus, and private vehicle. Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for students, who can be especially vulnerable around bus stops and while buses are loading and unloading.

🚨 Know the Law: In Virginia, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when its red warning lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended. Drivers approaching the bus from either direction must stop.

The exception is when a school bus is traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a physical median or barrier. Drivers should still remain alert for students who may exit the bus and cross the highway.

🚗 For Drivers
• Be patient—slow down and be prepared to stop for frequent bus stops.
• Yellow lights: the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red lights + stop sign: remain stopped.
• Watch for students at bus stops and along roadways, especially children who may unexpectedly enter the road.
• Be especially alert during morning and afternoon school travel.
• Never drive distracted. Put down electronic devices and focus on the road.

👧 For Parents & Guardians
Remind children to:
• Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early and stay at least 5 giant steps from the roadway.
• Use sidewalks when available. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
• Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks and look left, right, and left again before crossing.
• Cross with an adult until at least age 10 and follow crossing guards and pedestrian signals.
• Look for traffic before stepping off the bus and walk in front of the bus, at least 10 feet away where the driver can see them. Never walk behind the bus.
• Stay alert and limit distractions from phones, headphones, and other electronic devices.

⚠️ Slow Down. Stay Alert. Keep Our Children Safe.

Let's all do our part to help Clarke County students get to school and return home safely.

07/27/2026

Update: T-Mobile Service Has Been Restored.

07/26/2026

The dedication of the Benjamin "Benji" Barb Memorial Training Center represents nearly two years of hard work, commitment, and collaboration by so many dedicated individuals and community partners.

This training center is more than just a place to train; it's a lasting tribute to Benji's legacy of service, mentorship, and continuous self-improvement. We know he would be proud to see the impact this facility will have on generations of firefighters to come.

Thank you to everyone who invested their time, talent, and heart into making this vision a reality. Your dedication has created something that will strengthen our fire service for years to come while ensuring Benji's memory continues to inspire every firefighter who walks through its doors. 💙🚒

07/21/2026

Congratulations Erik and CJ, well deserved!

At their July 21 meeting, the Clarke County Board of Supervisors recognized Erik Leon and Charles "CJ" Monroe as Employees of the Quarter.

Firefighter/Medics Erik Leon and Charles “CJ” Monroe have played an instrumental role in the transition of our medication exchange program. In response to new requirements established under the FDA’s Drug Chain Security Act, Fire-EMS agencies were required to develop compliant systems for purchasing, storing, distributing, and restocking medications. Working closely with County Fire Chief Whetsell, Erik and CJ stepped forward to help design and implement a system that not only ensured operational continuity, but also met and exceeded the regulatory standards and guidance set forth by the Federal Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Their dedication, initiative, and attention to detail have been critical in ensuring Clarke County Fire-EMS remains compliant while maintaining uninterrupted service to our community. Erik and CJ have consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, strong work ethics, and willingness to go above and beyond their regular duties to support the department and its mission.

Their leadership, commitment, and teamwork deserve recognition, and their individual contributions reinforce a culture of excellence, innovation, and commitment throughout the department.