Fire Safety Commendation Presented

Public Service Chair Wes Dove and Randy Atkins attended the Hose Company Number 4 monthly meeting on October 6, 2025 and presented Jay Ritchie the SAR Fire Safety Commendation and Medal.  Fire Chief Jerry "Jay" Ritchie Jr., 57, has dedicated 42 years to firefighting, upholding a six-generation family legacy with 35 relatives in service. Currently leading Hose Company No. 4—the oldest in Rockingham County—he was named Virginia Fire Chief of the Year for 2024 by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Significant achievements:
· Instructs firefighters in essential courses like Firefighter I/II, hazardous materials, EVOC, and CPR.
· Launched the department's first all-volunteer instructor fire academy, reducing reliance on county resources.
· Promotes community safety through expanded CPR programs, pet rescue CPR, and door-to-door smoke detector initiatives.
· Served four terms as chief after retiring from Harrisonburg Fire Department.
His collaborative leadership exemplifies outstanding contributions to fire safety.

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