Virginia Beach Fire Department and Stihl Announced Captain Sean K. Millard as the  2026 Virginia Beach Firefighter of the Year

The Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD) is proud to announce Captain Sean Millard as this year’s Firefighter of the Year. This prestigious recognition reflects his outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and transformative contributions to our specialized water rescue programs and operational readiness across the department. 

A steadfast leader and mentor, Captain Millard serves as a cornerstone of our marine operations. Holding critical assignments as a lead for the State Swift Water Team, a member of Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2), and a vital contributor to the VBFD Marine Team, he continuously demonstrates an exceptional commitment to life safety and emergency response, both within our local waterways and across the Commonwealth. 

Captain Millard’s proactive drive and tactical mastery have spearheaded vital advancements in maritime rescue capabilities. Recognizing the operational demands of our coastal environment, he took the initiative to design a comprehensive training and certification curriculum required to operate department personal watercraft. Serving as lead instructor, he has personally trained and qualified new Fire & Rescue Services (FRS) personnel, setting a rigorous standard for safe, aggressive, and effective watercraft operations. 

Beyond the classroom, his foresight has modernized the department’s specialized fleet. Captain Millard led the charge to procure the department’s new Yamaha Jet Skis and was instrumental in securing upgraded, custom trailers engineered to optimize transit and expedite deployment during dynamic water emergencies. Concurrently, he prioritized member safety by successfully securing a critical procurement contract for specialized FRS Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ensuring our personnel operate in hazardous, high-risk aquatic environments with the best protection available.

On the state and national level, Captain Millard coordinates and leads demanding training evolutions for the State Swift Water Team, ensuring our personnel maintain peak operational proficiency when deploying to major disasters. His forward-thinking vision has not only solidified VBFD’s reputation as a premier agency for water rescue but has also strengthened regional interoperability when disaster strikes neighboring jurisdictions. 

Above all, Captain Millard embodies the very heart of company-level leadership. In a testament to his character and positive influence, he was nominated for this honor by a member of his own crew for his transformative impact on the workplace culture at Station 1. Leading with humility, accountability, and genuine investment in his personnel, he fosters an environment where company members are empowered to develop, excel, and take pride in their craft.

Captain Sean Millard exemplifies the highest standards of our profession. His technical proficiency, visionary leadership, and profound dedication to the growth of his peers make him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.