Our History

1930s and 1940s

Buddy Griffith started the organization in 1938, forming the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire Department (CBVFD) after noticing a lack of adequate fire protection in the area. The first fire engine was a one-ton Chevrolet with a skid-mounted rear pump and a water tank on a trailer. In 1942, a state charter was issued, and on April 30, 1948 CBVFD was incorporated as the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Shortly after, the CBVFD moved to a garage owned by Cliff Morris on Pleasure House Road. A two-bay station was built in the late 1940s on Lake Drive near where the current Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) toll plaza now stands, adjacent to the Bayside Men's Club. Additional fire apparatus were soon purchased, most either military surplus after the Second World War or home-built on repurposed commercial chassis usually donated by local businesses. 

1950s and 1960s

In 1959, a Lady’s Auxiliary was formed with an initial 7 women and the goal of "assisting the firemen in any way possible, co-sponsoring fundraising with the fire department, and, in general, the betterment, improvement and service of the fire department." These women volunteered their time to assist with administrative and station duties as well as fundraising. They also would respond to extended duration emergencies in support of the firefighters by providing them with hot coffee and meals.  

In 1962 when the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) was built the land that housed the station was used for the CBBT, and land was granted adjacent to bridge for a new fire station. Members built the new station brick-by-brick, relying on donations of labor, building supplies and time over a period of about 8 months. 

That same year, adding in the new responsibility of medical and rescue calls, the organization’s name was officially changed to Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Inc. A Cadillac ambulance was added to the fleet, and improvements to the station on Pleasure House Road including a sleeping area, a kitchen and supply room were made. 1965 brought the organization’s first brand new fire engine, and 1968 brought the construction of two additional bays for larger fire apparatus. 

1970s and 1980s

In the fall of 1972 with rising call volumes particularly on the CBBT and in the rapidly growing Shore Drive corridor, the City of Virginia Beach Fire Department assumed primary firefighting duties from CBVRS and the first paid city firefighters were quartered at Station 4. CBVRS volunteer firefighters continued to support the "paidmen" as well as maintain primary technical rescue capabilities. 

On August 22nd, 1976, CBVRS experienced it’s only Line of Duty Death when Assistant Chief Albert “Pappy” Benke experienced a medical emergency shortly after transporting a patient to the hospital. More information on Chief Benke's ultimate sacrifice is located in the “LODD” section. 

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, CBVRS along with our sister squads led the way for some of the first advanced life support in Virginia. The introduction of Shock Trauma Technicians (now "Advanced EMTs") and Paramedics allowed the rescue squads the ability to provide a higher level of care to the community.

1990s and 2000s

In 2004, CBVRS transitioned to an EMS-only organization, removing the heavy rescue “squad truck,” from service due to increasing costs, call volume and training requirements. Members were still able to assist in staffing other Virginia Beach squad trucks, including at Rescue 16 and 14, until the program was totally dissolved in 2015 and technical rescue responsibilities were shifted to our partners at the VBFD.  

Additionally in 2004, the first “career” Paramedics were hired by the City of Virginia Beach Department of EMS. With call volumes increasing each year as the city continued to grow, these Paramedics helped to supplement staffing in the field and provide shift supervision. Today, VBRescue remains one of the few volunteer-based EMS systems in the nation, with full and part-time Advanced EMTs and Paramedics from VBEMS providing supplemental staffing to the volunteers as well as shift supervision, leadership and administrative oversight. This model ensures rapid response times and readily available advanced life support care to our community. 

2010s and Today

In 2013, our crews moved into the new, state-of-the-art Virginia Beach Fire & EMS Station 4 located at the corner of Greenwell Drive and Shore Drive. This new station provides separate amenities to CBVRS and VBFD, is more gender friendly with separate bathrooms and individual sleeping quarters for on-duty members, and is more centrally located within the first due area allowing for quicker emergency response to our community. We share these quarters with VBFD Engine Company 4 and Battalion 2. In 2023, we sold our former station and property on Pleasure House Road to private ownership, and it's now a popular brewery. 

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, our organization rose to the unprecedented challenge with dedication, resilience, and adaptability. As front-line healthcare providers, our volunteers continued to serve the community without interruption, responding to emergency calls under extraordinary circumstances. We implemented enhanced safety protocols, secured critical PPE, and adapted operations to protect both patients and providers. Despite uncertainty and risk, CBVRS members demonstrated unwavering commitment, ensuring the continuity of lifesaving care throughout the crisis. Our actions during the pandemic reflected the strength of our mission—and the heart of our people.

In 2023, in an effort to better share our unique system with the community, Virginia Beach EMS and our 10 independent volunteer rescue squads with the help of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation and Rescue Council rebranded under "VBRescue". VBRescue - Chesapeake Beach logos were affixed to our apparatus and uniforms, and are shown alongside our traditional logo on social media and other print. 

In 2024 VBEMS and VBFD, in partnership with CBVRS, opened Fire & Rescue Station 22 to provide more rapid and dedicated response to the Burton Station area and northeast side of the city, along the Norfolk border. Station 22 is a CBVRS satellite station and we proudly share these quarters with VBFD Engine and Ladder 22.

Today, over 40+ volunteer CBVRS members respond to 911 emergency calls for service along with our ten sister squads as a part of the Virginia Beach EMS and VBRescue system.

Our members are proud to provide emergency medical services and transport to our community, and just like our initial founding members back in 1942, we continue to respond to emergencies and support the Virginia Beach area with dedication, pride, professionalism and service!