The Virginia Fire Services Board recently selected Chief Richard E. Burch, Jr. of the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department to receive their Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Virginia Fire Services Board’s Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2010 to acknowledge individuals who have made major contributions to Virginia’s fire services and have achieved significant accomplishments in their career.
Chief Burch’s career in the fire and rescue services has followed a long family history, as both Rick’s grandfather and father were members of the Richmond Fire Bureau. After completing a tour in Vietnam, Rick continued to volunteer in Hanover County while pursuing a career position with the Richmond Fire Bureau. After spending several years in Richmond, Rick was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief with Hanover County where he remained until 1996. In 1996, Rick accepted his current position as Fire and Rescue Chief for the County of Roanoke.
During his tenure in Roanoke County, Chief Burch focused his efforts towards the improvements of staffing levels and operational capabilities. Under Chief Burch’s tenure the department received six regional Emergency Medical Services awards, three Governor’s EMS awards along with fourteen Governor’s Fire Services Awards.
