RICHMOND—President Robert Bragg, Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, today released the following statement on the conclusion for the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s Study on Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation System and Disease Presumptions.

​“We welcomed the long-awaited conclusion of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study on Virginia’s Workers Compensation System and Disease Presumptions.  The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) is pleased with JLARC’s findings as it confirms what our fire fighters have been saying for some time. The requirements for cancer presumption are overly burdensome and counter to the presumption statute. We appreciate the professionalism of the JLARC staff and the thoroughness of the research provided in their report.

The VPFF eagerly looks forward to working with General Assembly and other stakeholder organizations to ensure these recommendations are fully implemented. Our fire fighters have earned these benefits and we will work vigorously to improve their occupational disease protections. Further, the VPFF will adamantly oppose any initiatives to reduce existing presumption benefits or prevention funding.”

The full report can be viewed here

It is with great sadness to report the death of Sister Ashley Lewis – Local 995 Richmond.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday starting at noon at Second Baptist Church – 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. in Richmond.

A public viewing will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Mimms Funeral Home – 1827 Hull St.  Richmond, VA 23224.

There will be a vigil service on Thursday at Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Ave., from 5:30-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Richmond Fire Department Foundation Memorial account in her honor. Donations will be accepted at the Richmond Fire Police Credit Union, 900 Hermitage Road, Richmond, 23220, or can be made by calling (804) 354-0673. Donations should be designated with a notation of “Attention: Lt. Ashley Nicole Berry.”

On October 6th, four of our fallen brothers will be honored at the 2019 National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. A live broadcast starts at 10 a.m. We will never forget their self-less service and sacrifice.

Dennis Brent – Local 2363 (Charlottesville)
Brad Clark – Local 4202 (Hanover County)
James Kegley Jr. – Local 4202 (Hanover County)
Anthony Whetzel – Local 3321 (Rockingham County)