Happy Independence Day from your Virginia firefighters! We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends. Please be safe while grilling, swimming and especially with any type of firework, sparkler or noisemaker.

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The 10,000+ members of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters endorse @SpanbergerForVA. The VPFF looks forward to supporting the Spanberger campaign over the next several months and working with her as she becomes the next Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The VPFF is proud to continue our mission of proposing legislation and advocating for our members at the Virginia General Assembly. Our work creates a safer and more effective public safety service for our citizens and their protectors.

Previously, the period for mental health coverage was 52 weeks. It was doubled to 104 weeks. This bill was turned into budget language and approved, and we appreciate @JeremyMcPike (Sen. Jeremy McPike) and @KrizekForVA (Del. Paul Krizek) for carrying the original legislation.

Too often, our members diagnosed with esophageal cancer were denied worker’s compensation because the statute only specified “throat.” Not anymore. Thanks to @SalimVASenate (Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim) and @destinyforva (Del. Destiny Levere Bolling) for carrying this bill.

On 7/1, two pieces of legislation championed by the VPFF will become effective for our firefighters. The first is a clarifying definition of throat cancer in the existing presumptive cancer law. The second is an expansion of the treatment period for PTSD, anxiety and depression.

We pray for our brothers and sisters, and all their family and friends, in Idaho. As firefighters, we have an inherently dangerous profession. But this cowardly act of violence toward brave firefighters adds a new depth of danger to our job.

Proud to stand with the families of our fallen members on Capitol Hill this week. We met with our elected members of Congress to advocate for the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 (S.237/HR.1269) - to expand PSOB to cover occupational cancer.

Next week, families of the fallen and members of the VPFF and @IAFFofficial will meet on Capitol Hill to discuss this bill with our elected officials. The time is now to provide this deserving benefit to the families our brave firefighters leave behind.

This bipartisan legislation would extend PSOB death benefits to the families of firefighters who die from occupational cancer.

Thank you to Sara Chiaverotti for sharing the story of her husband, and our fallen brother, Capt. Matt Chiaverotti of @IAFFLocal2924. This is why we are calling on members of congress to pass the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R.1269/S.237).

Cancer is the biggest threat facing fire fighters - yet the U.S. government fails to recognize occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death. Help pass The Honor Act (S.237/H.R. 1269) to provide benefits to these fallen heroes and the families they leave behind.

Thank you to the Phipps Family for sharing the story of your husband/father, and our fallen brother from Hanover L4202, Jeff Phipps, Sr.

Today, we reflect on the supreme sacrifice made by members of our armed forces in defense of our country. May we always remember and honor their service.

We extend our condolences to the friends & family of Congressman Gerry Connolly. A staunch advocate for the fire service in his roles with the US House of Representatives and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, his wisdom & experience will be missed.

The VPFF stands strong with our brothers and sisters of King George Professional Firefighters. Speaking out on matters of public concern is protected and necessary to ensure an informed electorate.

A powerful video on the devastating toll occupational cancer is having on our nation's firefighters. This is reason the VPFF, and countless other fire organizations, are fighting for greater protections and coverage for cancer screening and care.

The calm in the midst of a 24/7/365 storm, we celebrate our communications officers! Whether called 911 operators, dispatchers or communications officers, they are the *first* first responders who provide critical assistance to our citizens, law enforcement and firefighters.

"Collective bargaining is the best way to ensure fire departments are staffed and fire fighters are properly trained and safe on the job. By vetoing this commonsense bill, the Governor is putting his politics over the safety of Virginia communities.".