Crozet Volunteer Fire Department

10/22/2026

Charlie joined our department in 1967 and was a well-respected member of the Crozet community.

Charles William Wilmer, 85, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Born on February 5, 1941, in Amherst, Virginia, Charles was the son of the late William Hawes Wilmer and Hilda Tucker Wilmer. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Todd William Wilmer.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew him. He married the love of his life, Becky Wilmer, and together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering commitment to one another.

Charles spent his career with J. Bruce Barnes Lumber Company in Crozet, Virginia, dedicating more than 40+ years of service. He was respected for his strong work ethic, dedication, and integrity, qualities that carried over into every aspect of his life.

Charles was a pillar of the Crozet community and dedicated countless hours to serving others throughout his life. He was a lifetime member and volunteer with the Crozet Fire Department, where he selflessly gave his time in service to his neighbors and community. He was also a longtime member of the Crozet Sportsman's Club, a member of the Crozet Masonic Lodge, and a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Through his volunteerism, civic involvement, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Charles earned the respect and admiration of those around him and left a lasting impact on the community he loved.

Beyond his volunteer service, Charles was well known throughout the area for his catering business and exceptional barbecue. Whether serving at community gatherings, special events, or family celebrations, his delicious food and warm hospitality brought people together and became a cherished tradition for many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Becky Wilmer; his daughter, Charlotte Wilmer; his sister, Kathy Collins; and his cherished grandchildren, Joshua Yager and Liam Wilmer. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will miss his warmth, wisdom, and gentle presence.

Whether you knew him by Charles, Charlie or CW, his life was a testament to the values of hard work, compassion, and devotion to family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and loved him.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the Legacy Hospice Healthcare Staff and the BirghtStar CNAs that supported Charles in his final days. Additionally, the family would like to thank his ice cream buddy, Theresa Laury for her visits and laughter.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2pm at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church located at 650 Thrashers Creek Rd, Amherst, Va 24521.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Crozet Fire Department or Legacy Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Crozet Fire Department on November 21, 2026 located at 5652 Three Notch'd Rd, Crozet, VA 22932 at 1pm.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear." – Alex MacLean

Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.Wellssheffield.com

10/19/2026

Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20th at 7:30pm, at our station, for a volunteer interest meeting.

This is your opportunity to learn how to become a volunteer firefighter or auxiliary member with our station.

We will share what it means to be a part of our team and what it is like as a first responder or auxiliary member. We will cover the process, timeline, training, and benefits of being on the CVFD team.

We hope to see you there!

5652 Three Notched Road, Crozet, VA 22932

10/18/2026

Yesterday our new recruits spent the morning training on our entrapment prop. This training allows firefighters to practice techniques for getting free of tangled wires, cables, and other debris in tight spaces. It can be one of the more challenging exercises because it requires trainees to remain calm and think clearly in very tight spaces, with all their gear. Eventually these members will do the same drill but at night with no visibility.

10/06/2026

It’s fire prevention week! This year’s theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™.

The focus is everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

You can do your part to keep our community safe by following simple habits, such as using approved chargers, avoid using damaged chargers, unplugging when fully charged, and keeping devices off soft surfaces.

Visit FPW.ORG to learn more!

09/30/2026

https://cardinalnews.org/2026/09/30/volunteer-firefighter-numbers-have-declined-across-the-u-s-in-blacksburg-college-students-help-fill-the-ranks/

Factors contributing to recruitment challenges include increased time demands, more rigorous training requirements and the proliferation of two-income families whose members do not have time to vol…

09/28/2026

🎄Save the Date for our annual CVFD Christmas parade and open house, Saturday, December 5 at 2PM!

The parade route will begin at Crozet Elementary and end at the Firehouse. Line up will be at 1PM at the Crozet Elementary School.

Please use the QR code in the ad to register to walk in the parade.

We requests all organizations participating in the parade to register by December 4, 2026.

Join us after the parade at the firehouse for an open house. Santa will be available for pictures. We will also have food off the grill, arts & crafts, a bounce house, and fire trucks to explore!🎄

09/27/2026

Join us Tuesday, October 20th at 7:30pm at our station for a volunteer interest meeting.

This is your opportunity to learn how to become a volunteer firefighter or auxiliary member with our station.

We will share what it means to be a part of our team and what it is like as a first responder or auxiliary member. We will cover the process, timeline, training, and benefits of being on the CVFD team.

We hope to see you there!

📍5652 Three Notched Road, Crozet, VA 22932

09/24/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter John Connolly on earning his black helmet and being released as a firefighter with Crozet Volunteer Fire Department! This milestone reflects many hours of training, skills evaluations, and dedication to serving our community. Thank you, John, for your hard work in getting to this point. We're proud to have you on the team!

Pictured L to R: FF. C. Briggs, FF. J. Connolly, Chief G. Dillon, FF. B. Peters

— Chief Gary Dillon, CVFD

09/13/2026

At 5 a.m., Field School teacher Cody Pillow, student James, and his father began the day with a stair climb at Western Albemarle High School’s stadium, honoring the victims of 9/11. Together, they climbed the equivalent of 2,200 steps, the same number found in the World Trade Center. We’re so proud of their dedication to memorializing the victims and their families on this solemn day.

09/11/2026

Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001

Today, we pause to remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting others.

Twenty-five years later, their courage, sacrifice, and dedication remain forever etched in our hearts.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.