Enhancing community

 

At the start of their evening meeting on September 1, Goochland supervisors recognized two extraordinary men for their contributions to the community.

 

Vernon Fleming

Vern Fleming (l) Board Chair Jonathan Christy (r)

Each year, a Goochland resident is honored with inclusion on the Parks and Recreation Wall of Fame. This award recognizes a Goochland resident with longstanding humanitarian commitment to addressing community needs. It brings to light community service as an important element of the humanitarian mission, and highlights individuals whose actions are examples of social responsiveness on behalf of Goochland County. The award recipient must have demonstrated broad-based commitment to community service as reflected in a variety of programs and initiatives which are responsive to community and social needs.

Vern Fleming, whose quiet presence and hard work has influenced excellence in many community organizations in Goochland and regionally, is the 2026 inductee.

After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, Fleming used his more than 30 years of professional leadership experience in roles that include President of the Board of Directors of Goochland Cares; President of the Goochland Rotary Club; President of the Board of Directors of the Louisa Historical Society; interim member of the Goochland School Board; past president of the Board of Directors of the Shady Grove Rosenwald School in Gum Spring;  and secretary of the Goochland Recreation Center where he was instrumental in the installation of a historical marker.

Fleming spearheaded vital relief initiatives during the Covid 19 pandemic. He has championed local youth through the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings Program; funding scholarships and organizing Christmas Mother gifts and supplies. His exemplary hands-on commitment to volunteerism, deep compassion, and service above self, have fostered a stronger, more resilient, and united community. In short, if something good is happening in Goochland, Vern Fleming helped make it happen.

 

Fire Marshal Doug Davies

Doug Davies (l) Jonathan Christy (r)

Douglas H. Davies, who retired as Goochland Fire Marshal, earlier this year, was honored for his achievements in that role.

His commitment to public safety began in 1976, when as a 15-year-old, he joined the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad where he held many leadership roles and earned life-member status.

Davies pursued careers in both the fire service and law enforcement. He served with both the Henrico and Richmond Sheriff’s Offices, including assignment to the FBI fugitive task force. He joined the Henrico Division of Fire in 2002, rising to assistant fire marshal.

 In 2012, Davies was hired as Goochland Fire Marshal, where he rebuilt the office, which had been vacant for several years due to budget constraints, strengthening relationships with county departments, local businesses, and citizens. As Fire Marshal, Davies administered the Virginia statewide fire code through education, engineering, and enforcement.

As Fire Marshal Davies conducted more than 500 annual fire inspections, and development review process to ensure compliance with fire codes.

He conducted more than 800 fire investigations, including those with fatalities, using advanced investigative science and best practices.

Davies created and enhanced fire safety programs for adults, seniors and children, including the fourth-grade fire-safety curriculum in all county schools, scenarios, and barn fire programs. He managed the county smoke detector program and secured a children’s safety trailer for educational programs.

He managed the Knox box program, which enables first responders to access secure location during emergencies without waiting for a keyholder to arrive. As fire marshal Davies oversaw the county’s dry hydrants, which enable fire engines to draw water from ponds and streams.

David held the rank of chief officer in Goochland Fire-Rescue and is a nationally registered paramedic and maintains respected professional affiliations at both the state and federal level.

He was commended by the supervisors for having selflessly served Goochland County for 14 years as Fire Marshal, modeling servant leadership and contributing significantly to community safety.

Best wishes in your next chapter Doug!