Staff continues to reach out and connect with Virginia’s local public entities, including cities, counties, towns, school divisions, and authorities – from the smallest to largest. This includes engagements such as conferences, trainings, and more. Read all about their activities below!
Front Royal receives a “Royal” visit
The Town of Front Royal received a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla of England as they concluded their visit to America. The royals paraded through the town square on Thursday, April 30, as the town hosted a block party to commemorate America 250. Risk and Safety Coordinator Jose Rivera sent in this picture of himself and others greeting the king at the event.
Rivera says it was amazing to be in their company, even for a moment. “He was witty, charming, and chatted with all the town employees with grace and humor,” said Rivera.
Below 100 Training
Public Safety Specialist Gary Dillon presented two days of Below 100 training to members gathered at the Goochland County Emergency Operations Center. The training is designed to help reduce line-of-duty police deaths to less than 100 per year. The course focuses on preventable operational incidents in daily law enforcement that contribute to the majority of line-of-duty deaths.
VLGMA Summer Conference
VRSA staff attended the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA) Summer Conference in Virginia Beach! Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock, Senior Account Executive Nora Pierre, and Local Government Relations Manager Peter Stephenson attended to meet with members. Congrats to the raffle winners, Hopewell City Manager Ed Daley and Danville City Manager Ken Larking.
City of Salem
Safety Specialist Edward Shelton provided forklift training for the staff of the City of Salem. The training, held at the Salem Civic Center, included staff from the streets, water, and civic center departments. The day included classroom instruction, as well as hands-on inspection, operations, and evaluation of students through a small obstacle course.
Physical Security Awareness Training – AlexRenew
Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA)
Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock provided two training sessions for RRHA this summer. During his staff presentation, he discussed the drug-free workplace. For supervisors, he provided training on reasonable suspicion and drug testing.
VA PRIMA Summer Conference
VRSA headed to “Risk-A-Rita-Ville” for the VA PRIMA 2026 Summer Conference in Virginia Beach. Senior Safety Consultant Fonda Craig, Public Safety Specialist Gary Dillon, and Medical-Only Claims Representative Mia Rogers greeted attendees at the VRSA booth. Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock participated in a panel discussion on mitigating civil unrest with Deputy Fire Chief Joe Phillips of the City of Charlottesville and Sara Rowe with the Marsh McLennan Agency.
Staunton Staff Retreat
Local Government Relations Manager Peter Stephenson and Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock facilitated a staff retreat for the City of Staunton this spring. Topics at the retreat included implementing the adopted strategic plan, economic development initiatives, staff succession planning, and more.
Water Short School
Safety Consultant Christine Gillison was invited to provide an introduction to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) for attendees at the Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education Water Short School. Water Short programs are designed to provide water treatment operators with the foundational knowledge needed to understand the basics of water plant operations and prepare for licensure exams.
VML Small Towns Conference
VRSA staff attended the Virginia Municipal League Small Towns Conference in the Town of Chincoteague. Managing Director Marcus Hensel presented on new marijuana laws and their potential impact on the workplace.
Hampton Roads Disabilities Board (HRDB) ADA and Transportation Symposium
VRSA provided a sponsorship for the HRDB ADA and Transportation Symposium, held this May. The symposium brought together professionals from various segments to discuss expanding transportation access for people with disabilities.
Hanover County Safety Fair
Senior Safety Consultant Fonda Craig participated in the Hanover County Safety Fair this June. The fair, organized by the county’s safety and risk management department, included booths from the Fire and EMS departments, DriveSmart Virginia, VRSA, and much more.
