Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

Today, we are pausing to honor the lives of 8 brave service members across Virginia during the 2026 Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service.

Please join us today at noon at the Richmond Raceway, Main Exhibition Hall.

Remember, the event will be livestreamed. If you'd like to join, click here: https://bit.ly/4g0zkwG

The 29th annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters & Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Richmond Raceway, Main Exhibition Hall.

The Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person. This event is open to the public.

This year's Memorial Service will honor fallen firefighters who have been recognized under the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the past year for their bravery and dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

2026 Honorees
Leonard J. Archer, Richmond Fire Department
William K. Carter, Newport News Fire Department
Jeremy L. Compton, Christiansburg Volunteer Department
Christopher S. Jones, Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services
Barry W. Maham, Jr., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
Robert E. Talbott, Chesterfield Fire and EMS
David A. Thurston, Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Steve A. Weikle, Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue

For more information on the Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service, contact VDFP at (804) 325-8963 or [email protected].

https://bit.ly/3SdiDkp

As we close out , we share this special letter from OEMS Director Dr. Maria Beermann-Foat to honor and recognize EMS providers. “Thank you for your professionalism, sacrifice and your continued dedication to serving others.” Read more: https://ow.ly/raoE50Z3slc ​

Friday's theme is “EMS Recognition Day,” and it recognizes local EMS providers who save lives through the EMS system. Thank you for going above and beyond to serve your communities. Learn more about Virginia's EMS awards program: https://ow.ly/xsgK50Z3hTS

The Virginia EMS Portal and all applications associated with the portal database (e.g. Mobile App, Course Lookup, EMS Provider Search, etc.) will be down for maintenance Sunday, May 24th from 3:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. for an OS patch deployment.

Thursday’s theme is “Save-A-Life Day” to promote CPR and Stop the Bleed. Many times, bystanders are the first on a scene. Save-a-Life Day empowers the public to learn and apply first aid steps that can save a life. Find a CPR or Stop the Bleed training near you!

Wednesday’s theme is “EMS for Children Day,” and it highlights the special needs of the pediatric patient. Learn more about Virginia’s EMS for Children Program at: https://ow.ly/oaFp50Z29AC

Today’s theme is “EMS Safety Day.” ​This day promotes safety of the EMS provider, the patient and the public, and encourages first responders to focus on risk and prevention. Learn more about EMS provider health and safety resources ​ https://ow.ly/SLAS50Z1BjI