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.

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.