North Tidewater News

The City Council of Hampton recognized ten firefighters and two civilians for their service in aiding victims of Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Milton. The acknowledgment took place on Wednesday night, highlighting the efforts made by these individuals beyond their local region.

Mayor Donnie Tuck praised the group as “brave and very special individuals” for their contributions in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and parts of Virginia distant from Hampton Roads. Those honored included Capt. Chris Marshall, Lt. Chris Reavis, Lt. Edward Van Es Jr., Deputy Chief Craig Topping, Battalion Chief Charlie Kempton, Lt. Mike Zoladkiewicz, Medic Firefighter Brian Skinner, Lt. Wilbert Flores, and civilians Randy Price and Scott Doggette.

Mayor Tuck explained that the emergency team was involved in searches, damage assessments, humanitarian aid distribution, transporting equipment, and establishing emergency communications. He noted the uniqueness of this deployment: “This deployment was unprecedented,” he said. “Teams are traditionally deployed to smaller local emergencies or pre-planned events. This deployment was a first in assisting in efforts for a large-scale disaster outside the typical response area.”

Chief Jason Monk of Hampton Fire & Rescue emphasized that the men are part of two federal task forces as well as regional teams usually focused on the Hampton Roads area. He stated that they responded to a request from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and collaborated with other teams effectively.

“They received a request from (the Virginia Department of Emergency Management) and they were able to work together with other teams to do some pretty good work,” Chief Monk remarked. “It’s not uncommon to see our team members go out, but it’s uncommon to see so many go for such a large event over such a long period of time.”

Chief Monk added that some team members were away from home for more than three weeks during their mission to assist storm victims. The recognition occurred before the City Council's legislative session on Wednesday night.