Hopewell Fire & EMS

09/19/2026

Several road closures will be in place from 5 AM to 1 PM to ensure a safe and smooth race
experience. Expect significant impacts to through traffic on Randolph Road (State Route 10)
near the Beacon Theater. Drivers should follow posted detours to avoid delays. Additional
closures will affect parts of City Point, including Appomattox Street, Cedar Lane, and nearby
neighborhood roads. City Point Road will also close near the Hopewell Community Center.
To bypass prolonged stops, we encourage using the detour from 6th Avenue to Winston
Churchill Drive to Route 10. Please plan for travel delays and follow all posted closures, no
motor vehicles will be permitted on the racecourse once races begin.
Bus riders should note that services at stops located at the Hopewell Community Center, City
Hall, and the Library will be suspended during race hours. Riders are encouraged to use the
TriCities Hospital stop for pickup and drop-off during this time.
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of community spirit, fitness, and fun at the City Point Race
Series. Whether you’re racing, cheering, or simply enjoying the day, we can’t wait to share
this milestone event with you https://alrt.se/u/bgg3s0s2pLl

09/11/2026

This morning, Hopewell Fire & EMS joined our partners at the Hopewell Police Department for the Hopewell Recreation and Parks September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.

Our crews proudly flew the American flag as Fire Chief Ruppert, Hopewell City Govt officials, and members of the military reflected on the events of September 11, 2001, the emotions we felt 25 years ago today, and what that day continues to mean to us.

As we remember the past, Hopewell Fire & EMS remains prepared and ready to respond to any emergency that may arise, continuing to live by our motto, Semper Paratus — Always Ready.

We will never forget.

09/04/2026

🚤 NEW DELIVERY! 🚤

Hopewell Fire & EMS and the Hopewell Police Department are excited to announce the delivery of the City’s new Public Safety Boat!

Following the failure of our previous Public Safety Boat, this new vessel will be a tremendous asset to the City of Hopewell and our surrounding waterways. The boat was purchased with assistance from the Port Security Grant Program, helping the City significantly expand its emergency response and public-safety capabilities on the water.

The Public Safety Boat will be operated and maintained primarily by Hopewell Fire & EMS and will be used by both Hopewell Fire & EMS and the Hopewell Police Department. This shared resource is designed to support a wide variety of missions, including fire suppression, water rescue, emergency response, and law-enforcement operations.

The vessel is also equipped with advanced technology, including a FLIR thermal imaging camera and side-scan sonar, providing enhanced capabilities for nighttime operations, searches, rescues, and other incidents on the water.

We’re excited to place this new resource into service and continue strengthening our ability to protect the City of Hopewell, our waterways, and our regional partners.

Welcome to the fleet! 🚒🚓🚤

📸 Photos courtesy of Ocean Craft Marine, the manufacturer of the vessel, and were taken during the boat’s testing and sea trials prior to delivery.

08/26/2026

🚑 Investing in the Future of EMS

Several Hopewell Fire & EMS personnel are beginning VCU’s Paramedic Program, starting a challenging journey that will continue through October 2027.

Becoming a paramedic requires a significant commitment—not only in the classroom, but through hands-on training, clinical and medical rotations, and countless hours of study, all while balancing their regular work schedules and personal lives.

The knowledge and experience gained throughout this program will strengthen the level of emergency medical care we provide to the citizens and visitors of the City of Hopewell.

This training opportunity was organized through the efforts of Hopewell Fire & EMS Captain Hamel and Prince George County Fire & EMS Training Captain Taflinger. We appreciate their work in bringing this opportunity together and wish all of our personnel the best as they take on this challenge.

We look forward to following their progress over the next year and celebrating their accomplishments in October 2027! 🚒🚑

BIG DAY in the Crater Region!!!! Today, students from Prince George County Fire and EMS, Dinwiddie Fire & EMS, Hopewell Fire & EMS, Colonial Heights Fire, EMS & Emergency Management and Petersburg Fire, Rescue, & Emergency Services started their coursework for VCU's Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education’s Advanced EMT course . Program Director Kenneth Williams along with Regional Coordinator Damien Coy and Lead Instructor Will Wyatt(special shoutout to Captain Taflinger from PGFD and Captain Hamel from Hopewell FD for supporting the cause this morning as well!) met with students and covered course expectations as well as completed Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services required documentation.

This is a quite a large class and the support from the agencies has been extraordinary as they are all looking forward to this new generation of ALS providers to complete the course and become National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) - Advanced EMTs!

08/24/2026

🚒 Interstate 295 Tractor-Trailer Fire

At approximately 12:36 p.m. this afternoon, Hopewell Fire & EMS was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire on Interstate 295 near the 12-mile marker. While units were responding, additional information indicated that a tractor-trailer carrying acetone had an active brake fire involving the rear axle of the trailer.

Hopewell Fire & EMS responded with two engines and a Battalion Chief, with the Fire Marshal and the Emergency Manager also responding. Prince George County Fire & EMS was also responding to the incident.

Upon arrival, crews found the rear axle of the trailer heavily involved in fire, with Prince George crews already applying water. The fire was brought under control within minutes, and crews continued cooling the affected axle and trailer.

Hopewell crews assisted Prince George by supplying additional water to support the extended cooling operations.

Because the tanker was fully loaded with acetone, the Crater Regional Hazardous Materials Team was requested to evaluate the tanker for any potential leaks or product involvement. No leaks were identified, and the acetone remained contained within the tanker.

Once the fire was extinguished, the tanker was confirmed safe, and there were no further hazards, fire units cleared the scene. No injuries to the driver, nor fire or police personnel, were reported.

Be mindful, some delays may still be caused as responders and towing crews work to investigate and clear the incident

Great teamwork and coordination between Hopewell Fire & EMS, Prince George County Fire & EMS, and the Crater Regional Hazardous Materials Team!

08/20/2026

The National Weather Service is forecasting strong to severe thunderstorms and periods of heavy rainfall for Hopewell this afternoon and evening. The greatest potential for severe storms is between 4 PM and midnight, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall as the primary concerns.

Flash flooding can develop very quickly. Intense thunderstorms may produce more rain in a short period than storm drains and drainage systems can safely carry. Water can rapidly collect on roads, in low-lying areas, and near drainage systems—even in locations that do not normally flood.

Residents are encouraged to take precautions before storms arrive:

Never drive through standing or moving water. Turn around and find another route. Water may be deeper than it appears, and roadways beneath the water may be damaged.
Do not walk, swim, play, or drive through floodwater. Keep children and pets away from flooded streets, drainage areas, creeks, and stormwater systems.
Do not move barricades or enter closed roadways. Road closures are placed for your safety and the safety of emergency responders.
If it can be done safely before the storm, remove litter, leaves, and loose debris from your property or curb area that could wash into and block nearby storm drains. Do not enter roadways or attempt to access or clear drainage structures during flooding.
Secure loose outdoor items that could become hazards in strong winds.
Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to take immediate action if a warning is issued.

Some storms today could produce damaging wind gusts of 60 mph or greater, isolated large hail, and locally heavy rainfall. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out.

Please take the flooding threat seriously. Do not place yourself, passengers, or emergency responders at risk by entering flooded or closed areas.

TURN AROUND- DON'T DROWN!

Continue monitoring Hopewell Alerts and the National Weather Service for updated conditions and warnings. https://alrt.se/u/JkkDiqs4AbO

08/11/2026

⚠️ STORM RECOVERY & CLEANUP UPDATE ⚠️

The City of Hopewell continues recovery and cleanup efforts following the recent storm. All major roadway blockages have been cleared, and power has been restored to the majority of the city. City crews, utility personnel, and other partners remain at work addressing remaining storm impacts and removing debris.

Residents should continue to use caution around damaged trees, hanging limbs, downed utility lines, and active work areas. Always assume any downed power line is energized and give crews plenty of room to work.

🌳 Storm Debris Removal: The City will provide no-cost pickup of storm-related trees and limbs on Wednesday, August 19. Residents must place eligible debris behind the curb or drainage ditch and call Public Works at 804-541-2295 to be added to the collection list. Do not place debris in alleys.

The Citizens Convenience Center will be open 8:00 am - 4:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, August 14-15, 2026 only. Normal operating hours, 12:30-3:30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 8:00 am - 4:30 pm on Saturdays, will resume on August 18, 2026.

⚠️ Watch for Storm Recovery Scams: As cleanup and repairs begin, be cautious of unsolicited contractors, fake insurance assistance, overpriced services, fraudulent donation requests, and attempts to obtain personal or financial information. Get multiple estimates, check credentials and insurance, avoid large upfront payments, and report suspicious activity.

Thank you for your patience as recovery efforts continue. Please monitor Hopewell Alerts and official City of Hopewell communications for additional information. https://alrt.se/u/4pp8I7sgDEq

08/11/2026

⚠️ STORM RECOVERY UPDATE – DOWNED TREES & POWER LINES ⚠️

Following this evening’s storms, the City of Hopewell received multiple reports of downed trees, power lines, and power outages throughout the city.

City crews and utility personnel are actively working to clear roadways, address hazards, and restore power to affected areas. Please use caution while traveling and avoid areas where crews are working.

For your safety:
• Stay away from all downed trees and power lines.
• Always assume a downed power line is energized.
• Do not drive over or attempt to move downed power lines.
• Keep children and pets away from damaged trees, wires, and utility equipment.
• If you encounter a blocked roadway, turn around and use an alternate route.

Hopewell Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11.

Please allow City and utility crews room to work safely as storm cleanup and power restoration efforts continue.

Continue to monitor Hopewell Alerts and official City of Hopewell communications for additional updates. https://alrt.se/u/ExxGfvsy1ek

08/07/2026

Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend is August 7–9!

As families prepare for the start of a new school year, this weekend is also a great opportunity to make sure your household is prepared for an emergency.

Qualifying tax-free purchases include:

🎒 School supplies, backpacks, clothing, shoes, and other back-to-school essentials.

🔦 Emergency preparedness supplies, including batteries, flashlights, first-aid kits, portable radios, fire extinguishers, cell phone chargers, generators, and more.

Qualifying ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products are also included.

Whether you're restocking backpacks or refreshing your emergency kit, take advantage of Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend to help your family start the school year prepared and stay ready for whatever comes next.

Check out the attached infographic in English and Spanish for examples of qualifying items.

For full eligibility requirements and purchase limits, visit tax.virginia.gov.

— Hopewell Emergency Management | Hopewell Fire & EMS https://alrt.se/u/pkkei6sXnak

08/05/2026

We're excited to see our new 100' Pierce Ascendant Aerial Tower one step closer to coming home!

Over the past four years, countless hours have gone into planning, designing, and building this truck. From the first conversations and layout discussions to seeing it roll down the production line, it's been a true team effort. We want to thank everyone who played a role in making this project a reality.

The truck is expected to arrive next month before heading out for final upfitting and equipment installation. Once in service, it will bring new capabilities to help us better serve the City of Hopewell.

We're looking forward to welcoming it to the Wonder City soon—stay tuned!