Roanoke FireEMS Department

06/18/2026

⭐️Be sure to register for this year’s 9/11 Stair Climb!

911 Memorial Stair Climbs

06/17/2026

After months of dedication, hard work, and determination, Recruit Class 26-1 has officially earned the badge they have been working toward since day one.

Surrounded by family, friends, mentors, and fellow members of the Roanoke Fire-EMS family, these recruits crossed the stage and joined the proud tradition of serving our community. Graduation is not the end of their journey—it is the beginning.

This week, Class 26-1 reported to their assigned shifts across the city, where they will continue learning from experienced firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who will help shape the next chapter of their careers. The lessons learned in recruit school have prepared them for the job ahead, but the greatest growth comes from serving alongside those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our community.

Please join us in congratulating Recruit Class 26-1. We are excited to watch them grow, learn, and serve the citizens and visitors of Roanoke for years to come.

Thank you to PatrickPerkinsPhotography LLC for capturing these special moments!

06/17/2026

Field Day fun at the Kirk Family YMCA! ☀️🚒

🚒 Lt. Parra and Firefighter/Paramedic Green had a great time spending the day with students, sharing coloring activities, and talking fire safety with community members. Opportunities like these help us build relationships, answer questions, and remind our youngest community members that firefighters are always here to help.

👏 A special thank you to Jessica Shafer at State Farm for sponsoring this event and investing in the safety and well-being of our community. Partnerships like these help create meaningful opportunities to connect with residents and promote fire and life safety education.

06/17/2026

Awesome work, 1st Lt. Wills! 👏

As we prepare to kick off the academy this morning, we want to continue highlighting the dedicated members of our staff who make this experience possible.

Today, we are proud to introduce our Logistics Chief, 1st Lieutenant Stacey T. Wills of Roanoke FireEMS Department. A graduate of the 2023 Virginia Fire Officer Academy, Lieutenant Wills has remained committed to the success of the academy since completing the program.

Over the past several months, he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every logistical detail is in place, helping provide a seamless experience for both students and staff throughout the week.

Thank you, Lieutenant Wills, for your dedication, hard work, and continued commitment to the Virginia Fire Officer Academy. We appreciate all that you do.

06/17/2026

Way to go, Captain Focht! 👏

Today, we’d like to begin highlighting the members of our Incident Command System staff who help make the Virginia Fire Officer Academy a success.

First, we’d like to recognize Captain Jason Focht of Roanoke FireEMS Department. Jason is a 2022 graduate of the Virginia Fire Officer Academy who immediately returned after graduation to give back to the program. He began his staff journey in the Logistics Section, where he steadily progressed through the ranks and ultimately served as Section Chief before transitioning to the Operations Section this year.

Jason brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to his role in Operations, helping ensure the academy runs smoothly throughout the week. His commitment to the academy and its students is a true reflection of the VFOA spirit of service and leadership.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Virginia Fire Officer Academy, Captain Focht!

06/17/2026

🐾It’s Mascot Day, and Buddy is ready for the spotlight!

🚒 From parades to community events, Buddy helps our team share fire safety messages while making new friends along the way.

Thanks for helping us keep Roanoke safe, Buddy! ❤️🔥

06/17/2026

The day before earning their badge, Class 26-1 took part in the Streets of Service Walk, a journey through the history, sacrifice, and tradition that define Roanoke Fire-EMS.

Beginning at the Roanoke Fire-EMS Training Center, recruits walked more than five miles through the city, stopping at locations that have shaped our department’s legacy, including Historic Station 1 and the Fallen Firefighter Memorial. At each stop, they learned about the significance of those who came before them and received a piece of their helmet and shield, symbolizing their transition into probationary Firefighter/EMTs.

Along the way, they heard from Fire Department and City leadership, who shared lessons on service, sacrifice, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the badge. The walk served as a reminder that this profession is more than a job, it is a privilege to serve the citizens of Roanoke and uphold the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to this calling.

One final walk. One proud tradition. One step closer to joining the ranks.

06/17/2026

We’d like to present the first official look at the members of the 2026 Virginia Fire Officer Academy.

Since arriving on Sunday, this group has been working tirelessly to break down barriers, build relationships, and challenge themselves as leaders. From sunup to well past sundown, they have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and develop on their leadership journey.
Great job, Class 2026-1! We still have a long road ahead, but your commitment and determination to push beyond your comfort zones are already evident. Keep working hard and continue striving for excellence.

06/05/2026

🔥 One step closer to earning the badge 🔥

🚒 Class 26-1 completed their Firefighter II live burn training at the Lynchburg Fire Department Training Center practicing VEIS, hose line advancement, search techniques, and fire attack in realistic scenarios.

🤝 These exercises are made possible by the hard work of our operations and training staff who create challenging scenarios and provide valuable feedback every step of the way!

⭐️ With graduation set for June 11, Class 26-1 is nearing the finish line after months of training, perseverance, and preparation.

👏 Thank you to the Lynchburg Fire Department for hosting us and allowing us to train in their facilities! Partnerships like these help ensure the next generation of firefighters receive the best training possible.

06/03/2026

Our team from Station 5 C-Shift had a fantastic time at Kiwanis Fun Day at Melrose Plaza!

Our crews met new friends, handed out bubbles and coloring sheets, and spent the day connecting with families in the community. Events like these give us the opportunity to build relationships outside of emergencies and make learning about fire safety fun!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with us!