The Real Virginia Agenda: Supporting Those Who Serve

Recruitment, Training, and Resources for Virginia’s First Responders

Some people run toward danger. Others run away from it.

Virginia’s first responders have never hesitated, and they shouldn’t have to wonder if their Commonwealth has their back.

That’s why I’m rolling out the next item in the Real Virginia Agenda: a focused, commonsense plan to support the law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and emergency dispatchers who put their lives on the line for us every single day.

This isn’t about slogans. It’s about substance because if we want strong communities, we need to invest in the people who keep them safe.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Recruitment That Works

Virginia has the people. We just need to clear the path for those ready to serve.

I’m proposing a First Responder Workforce Grant Program, a statewide initiative that will help localities attract, train, and onboard police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. These grants won’t be one-size-fits-all. Local leaders will apply with targeted, local plans whether it’s growing a rural sheriff’s department, launching a paid training pipeline for EMTs, or strengthening volunteer fire companies.

We’ll also create High School-to-Service Career Tracks, partnering with local school districts and community colleges to offer early exposure to careers in public safety including dual enrollment, ride-alongs, and hands-on training in criminal justice, fire science, and emergency medical response.

And because no one understands duty and discipline like our military veterans, we’ll expand Veteran Transition Pathways helping former service members move into first responder roles with streamlined credentialing and relocation support.

2. Retain and Reward

We can’t build strong departments if we treat experienced responders like they’re disposable.

I’m proposing a First Responder Retention Tax Credit that will be available to those who serve five or more consecutive years in Virginia. We’ll also create incentives for departments that demonstrate high retention rates, public trust, and professional development opportunities.

When we value the people who stay, more good people will want to join them.

3. Train for the Real World

Today’s public safety challenges demand real-world preparation.

We’ll expand funding for regional training academies across the Commonwealth, especially in high-need and underserved areas. And we’ll modernize our training focus by prioritizing scenario-based, hands-on instruction in everything from mental health response and de-escalation tactics to search and rescue and advanced emergency care.

4. Respect the Risk

This job isn’t easy, and it’s not getting easier. We owe it to those who serve to stand behind them when it counts.

That means protecting qualified immunity for officers acting in good faith. It means ensuring access to mental health and trauma support for first responders who’ve seen too much. And it means reminding every single person who wears the uniform: Virginia has your back.

This is what it means to build a Commonwealth that’s strong, safe, and rooted in respect.

I will always stand with our first responders not just in good times, but when it’s hard. Not just when it’s popular, but when it’s right. If you serve Virginia, Virginia should serve you. That’s the promise I’m making and that’s the standard I’ll bring with me to Richmond.

Let’s build it together.

— John