VAFR Family and Friends

Friends & Family Updates

The Virginia Association of First Responders community is a close family. From time to time we share updates on members and their loved ones so that we may keep them in our thoughts, prayers, and support them during difficult times.

Auxiliary and AVAVRS Life Member, has had a bad fall, resulting in a broken upper arm.

Please keep her in your prayers.

Cards may be sent to her as follows:

Avil Graybeal

19361 Spoon Gap Road

Abingdon, VA 24211

Susan Hilliard

Chaplain, AVAVRS

Sadly, there have been two deaths in the AVAVRS family. Please keep these ladies in your thoughts and prayers.

To send cards their addresses are as follows:

Linda Berkstresser (Lexington Auxiliary) lost her stepfather.

800 Fitzlee St, Apt. 129

Glasgow, VA 24555

Diane Barnard (Bensley-Bermuda Auxiliary) lost her husband.

4406 Dudley Dr

Chester, VA 23834

Mr. Barnard’s funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 13,2026 at Mission Community Church, Chester, VA.

Jack Jones, VAFR Life Member and Forest View RS Life Member

We are sorry to inform you that Jack Jones, a life member of the Forest View Rescue Squad passed away this week.

in a nursing home in South Hill Virginia

Jack was very active with the VAVRS on the Convention Committee for many years.

Beth Jones ,his former wife, said they have not made any immediate plans for a funeral

but she will keep us informed and I will send you the information when I receive it.

Thanks John Hilliard President FVRS District 3 Alternate VP

James Franklin McKinney, Sr., (Past VAFR District 7 Vice President) 95, passed quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at his home. A devoted family man, a dedicated public servant, and a proud veteran, James lived a life marked by courage, commitment, and deep love for the people and places he served.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James D. McKinney and Thelma Holmes McKinney; his sister, Nancy E. McKinney; his beloved wife, Joan Hoyt McKinney; and his youngest son, John David McKinney.

He is survived by his children: Gloria J. McKinney, James F. McKinney, Jr., Deloris (Dee) McKinney, Roger D. McKinney, and Michael A. McKinney. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren and twenty‑nine great‑grandchildren, each a cherished part of the legacy he built over nearly a century of life.

At just sixteen, James began his lifelong commitment to service by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served proudly as a member of the 187nd Airborne Division. After completing his Army service, he continued to serve his country in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer.

Upon returning to his beloved Southwest Virginia, James dedicated himself to protecting and supporting his community. He served with the Abingdon Police Department, the Bland Correctional Center, and later the Dublin Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from Police Officer to Sergeant and ultimately retired as Chief of Police. Even after retirement, his dedication to public safety continued through his work with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.

James was also a former member of the Speedwell Fire Department and a life member of the Pulaski County Life Saving and First Aid Crew, where he served as Captain and as District 7 Vice President. His commitment to community extended beyond his professional roles — he coached little league baseball, volunteered countless hours, and was always ready to lend a hand where it was needed most.

He loved God, his country, his state, and — second only to God — his family. His life was one of service, integrity, and unwavering devotion. The impact he made on his family, his community, and the Commonwealth of Virginia will endure for generations.

James Franklin McKinney, Sr. will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM – Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Bower Funeral Home-Chapel, Pulaski. Interment will follow at the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin where James will receive full military honors.

The family will receive friends one hour before service time at the Funeral Home.

Linda Berstresser-AVAVRS

Kathy Plummer notified us today that Linda Berkstresser will have a procedure on March 17th followed by surgery on March 18th. We pray for skilled surgeons and nurses to care for Linda during her surgery and recovery. Linda’s past offices include: AVAVRS Historian, AVAVRS Chaplain, and Western District Vice President.

Cards may be sent as follows:

Linda Berkstresser

800 Fitzlee St, Apt. 129

Glasgow, Va 24555

Susan Hilliard

AVAVRS Chaplain

Cindy Swann

District 3 Historian

It is with great sadness that we share that Cindy Swann passed away at home at 12:40 p.m. while under hospice care. Cindy was surrounded by her loving family and had been in a deep state of palliative sedation since the previous Tuesday.

Cindy was a dedicated member of the VAFR family and served as District 3 Historian, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and the members she served.

Funeral arrangements will be shared through Lacy Funeral Home in Mineral and Holly Grove Christian Church in Bumpass. Once finalized, they will be posted on the Lacy Funeral Home website.

Please keep Joe Swann, Cindy’s husband, along with their family and friends, in your thoughts and prayers.

Wayne Cornelius Rapp

West Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad
Past VAFR Treasurer | Past District 3 Vice President

Wayne Cornelius Rapp, age 79, passed away on February 19, 2026, following ongoing cardiac complications.

Wayne was a man of quiet strength and enduring love whose steady presence and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Rapp and Leila Catherine Rapp, and his brothers, James E. Rapp Jr. and William L. Rapp.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jane W. Rapp, his sons Jeffrey W. Rapp (Ginger) and Michael F. Rapp (Cyndi), and his cherished grandchildren MiKayla Rapp and Dylan Rapp.

Wayne dedicated his life to service through:

West Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad
Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad
Local and state rescue organizations
Shiloh United Methodist Church

He also retired after 45 years with SunTrust Bank.

Wayne will be remembered for his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to family and community.

Visitation and Service
Shiloh United Methodist Church
17420 Shiloh Church Rd
Montpelier, VA 23192

Visitation: Saturday, March 7, 2026 – 10:00 AM
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Robert “Reg” Elston Greene

VAFR Life Member

Robert “Reg” Greene, 58, of Chesterfield passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026.

Reg served his community as a 911 dispatcher for 17 years with SOAR365 and was a dedicated life member of the Manchester Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS).

He was also an active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Matoaca, serving as a Deacon and member of the hospitality committee.

Reg was known for his kindness, creativity, and dedication to helping others. Outside of service, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, leatherworking, and traveling with his wife.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie Greene, his extended family, and his grandson Gavin Hagans.

Celebration of Life
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
19600 Halloway Ave
Matoaca, VA 23803

February 7, 2026 – 11:00 AM
Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.

Warren Winner

We ask that you keep Warren Winner in your thoughts and prayers as he is currently hospitalized.

Cards may be sent to:
Warren Winner
414 Forest Brook Drive
Richmond, VA 23230

Diane Haga

Please also keep Diane Haga in your prayers while she is hospitalized.

Cards may be sent to:
Diane Haga
151 Trail Road
Bristol, VA 24201

Kelley Snell

AVAVRS Immediate Past President

Kelley Snell recently underwent knee replacement surgery at UVA and is now home recovering.

Cards may be sent to:

Kelley Snell
260 Jefferson Highway
Louisa, VA 23093

Please hold phone calls until next week while she focuses on recovery.

Eddie Ann Orndoff

AVAVRS Life Member | Past President

Eddie Ann Orndoff is currently recovering at home after major abdominal surgery. She extends her sincere thanks for the many cards and well wishes she has received.

Brian Bilheimer

VAFR Training Coordinator (1974–2025)

On May 16, 2025, Brian Bilheimer, VAFR Training Coordinator, passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Brian was a retired U.S. Army Green Beret who devoted his life to service to both his country and his community. His contributions to VAFR training programs had a lasting impact on countless first responders across Virginia.

He is survived by his wife Lisa Bilheimer, daughter Julia, sons Spencer, Austin, Mitchell, and Jordan, along with grandchildren and extended family.

Cards and condolences may be sent to:

Lisa Bilheimer and Family
17595 Circuit Ridge Drive
Beverdam, VA 23015

A memorial service celebrating Brian’s life was held May 31, 2025 at Vincent Funeral Home.

Remembering Zack Reese

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Zachary Wayne “Zack” Reese, firefighter with the Staunton Fire Department, who passed away in a motor vehicle crash.

Zack was the son of Steve Reese (Fairfield VRS, VAFR District 1) and Mandi McComas.

Zack proudly served his community as a firefighter with the City of Staunton and previously with Augusta County Fire and Rescue, where he dedicated ten years of service.

He is survived by:

His wife Chelsea
His children Braylee Day Reese and Clay Wayne Reese
His parents, siblings, and extended family.

The VAFR family extends its deepest condolences to Steve Reese, Mandi McComas, Zack’s family, and the members of the Staunton Fire Department.