Virginia Beach’s last volunteer department remains active today
Over the holiday weekend, the Oceana Volunteer Fire Department served communities and supported the Virginia Beach Fire Department at various events.
Jesse Ankney · 6 July 2026
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 — Watered: Deputy Chief Steven Kennedy of the OVFD ends the Alanton neighborhood Independence Day parade with a break from the day’s heat. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
In the sweltering morning heat of Independence Day, the Oceana Volunteer Fire Department opened a hydrant to provide a cool respite.
“We stay active in the community; we support a lot of things in the community,” said OVFD Deputy Chief Steven Kennedy.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, a nonprofit organization representing volunteer fire and emergency medical workers, volunteers comprise 62% of the nation’s firefighters, and the majority of fire departments in the United States are volunteer. The OVFD is the only remaining active volunteer fire department in Virginia Beach.
Kennedy started his volunteer firefighting service on Long Island, New York. In a 2024 funding announcement, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted the volunteer culture on Long Island. Hochul noted that volunteers run nearly all the island’s 179 fire departments.
“I grew up in that culture,” Kennedy said. “I always wanted to volunteer my time.”
Since incorporating in 1963, Virginia Beach has transitioned from a volunteer firefighting system to a paid, career firefighting system.
“Back in the day, to even become a Virginia Beach firefighter, the way in was to be a volunteer first,” said Laurie Gurley, a former Virginia Beach firefighter.
The volunteer fire department now serves in a support role with VBFD. OVFD volunteers, now deemed “volunteer support technicians,” respond to calls and provide aid and rehabilitation to VBFD firefighters.
“The other volunteer fire companies went away because they didn't want to change or adapt to the way the Virginia Beach Fire Department was doing things,” said Wayne Richardson, OVFD fire chief.
Right now, Station 8 is in a transition phase. The volunteer firefighters have stripped walls of decor and packed up belongings in preparation for a month of renovations.
“We'll be responding from home during that period of time before we get moved back into the building here,” Kennedy said.
As the parade wrapped up, the OVFD made its way back to Station 8 to prepare for Virginia Beach’s fireworks show at Mount Trashmore Park, where the department would continue to serve the community, as it has for nearly 80 years.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Posted: Wayne Richardson (left) and Steven Kennedy (right) in front of OVFD Brush 8. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 5 July 2026 -- On the Job: A photo of Laurie Gurley during her work at the VBFD. Photo: Laurie Gurley.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 -- Line Leader: Brush 8 and Engine 8 lead the Alanton neighborhood Independence Day parade. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Move Out: OVFD memorabilia packed into boxes in preparation for renovations. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Roll: Names of VBFD firefighters and OVFD volunteer support technicians on a board at the front of station 8. Photo: Jesse Ankney
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Reclined: A VBFD firefighter watches a world cup match while on duty at Station 8. Photo: Jesse Ankney
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Accolades: Various trophies and awards presented to the OVFD. Photo: Jesse Ankney
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Rear View: Brush 8 parked in the Station 8 vehicle bay. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2 July 2026 -- Backup: A stand-in for the usual OVFD support truck sits in the Station 8 vehicle bay alongside VBFD Ladder 8. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 -- Join Up: A sticker on the side of the OVFD support truck encouraging viewers to volunteer. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 -- Checklist: An OVFD volunteer runs through preparations before the department leads the Alanton neighborhood Independence Day parade. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 -- Waiting: OVFD volunteers in the Station 8 driveway preparing for their Independence Day schedule. Photo: Jesse Ankney
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 -- Cub Cadet 8 brings up the rear of the Alanton neighborhood Independence Day parade. Photo: Jesse Ankney.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 4 July 2026 -- Heat Wave: Kennedy showers the paraders of Alanton with water from a nearby fire hydrant. Photo: Jesse Ankney.