Virginia Beach Names 2026 Firefighter of the Year

Captain Sean Millard earns the honor for his work with water rescue and department training programs.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Emergency Response

Virginia Beach Names 2026 Firefighter of the Year

The Virginia Beach Fire Department has named Captain Sean Millard as the 2026 Firefighter of the Year. The recognition highlights his commitment to water rescue operations and instructional leadership.

Why it matters

The award recognizes Millard for his significant contributions to regional rescue capabilities through technical expertise and curriculum development. His work has strengthened the departments ability to manage specialized emergency situations.

Captain Sean Millard serves as a lead for the State Swift Water Team and a member of Virginia Task Force 2. His tenure in 2026 was marked by the successful implementation of a new training curriculum for department personal watercraft.

The players

Sean Millard

He is a Captain in the Virginia Beach Fire Department recognized for his leadership in water rescue.

Virginia Beach Fire Department

This municipal agency provides fire protection and emergency rescue services to the residents of Virginia Beach.

The details

Millard was selected for his leadership and technical proficiency in water rescue programs, which include his contributions to the VBFD Marine Team. Beyond his operational roles, he served as a lead instructor to guide incoming Fire and Rescue Services personnel through new certification standards.

Sean Millard was named Firefighter of the Year during the 2026 calendar year.

Seasonal Patterns

The recognition of specialized water rescue expertise reflects the ongoing integration of advanced technical teams like the Virginia Task Force 2 into standard local emergency response protocols.

Residents benefit from the presence of highly trained water rescue specialists who are prepared for complex emergencies. These professional standards ensure that the city remains equipped to manage specialized water-based incidents throughout the year.

The takeaway

The selection of a water rescue specialist as Firefighter of the Year underscores the growing importance of specialized technical skills in modern municipal fire departments. Investing in advanced training and certification programs helps ensure that local first responders can effectively manage high-stakes rescue scenarios.