MEMORIALS
This page is dedicated to our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their job. We value and appreciate their sacrifice and service to their communities and families. Gone but not forgotten.
Captain Sean Land died on February 5, 2020, at the age of 50 due to a medical condition. Captain Land served the city of Virginia Beach for 30 years. He was hired on January 1, 1990, and served at Company 11-C, Company 14-C and Company 16-C. Sean was promoted to Captain on July 1, 2002, and served on Engine 11-B, Engine 12-B, Engine 2-B and Engine 17-B. We remember Sean’s passion for serving his community and his immeasurable contributions to the fire service and the city of Virginia Beach.
Sean Land
Master Firefighter Carl “Alan” Barber (Badge #38) died in the line of duty on November 6, 2008, as a result of occupational lung cancer from cumulative exposure to the byproducts of combustion while performing his firefighting duties. Master Firefighter Barber was a non-smoker. He served 32 years with the Virginia Beach Fire Department and spent most of his time assigned to the busy 3rd Battalion. He was very dedicated and took tremendous pride in his job. He was an inspiration to many.
Carl “Alan” Barber
Michael B. Painter died suddenly on June 24, 2021, from a medical condition related to his 33 years as a Virginia Beach Firefighter.
Mike was a member of the Virginia Beach Fire Department for 33 years and served as an Assistant Fire Marshal in his last assignment. He was a devoted family man and loved the Virginia Beach Fire Department. He always gave the best of himself and served honorably.
Mike was a funny, larger than life person who kept us laughing and smiling. He may no longer be with us physically, but our memories of him will forever remain in our hearts.
Michael B. Painter
William “Duke” Lee died on August 5th 2008 as a result of occupational lung cancer from long term exposure to the byproducts of smoke while performing firefighting duties for 18 years. Duke spent much of his career at VBFD Station 11 at the ocean front. Duke was a non-smoker.
William “Duke” Lee
Matthew Chevy Chiaverotti
The Virginia Beach Fire Department lost Captain Matthew Chiaverotti in the line of duty from occupational cancer due to long term exposure to carcinogens. Chevy was just 44 years old.
Captain Chiaverotti began his career as a Virginia Beach Firefighter in July 2002. Matt was a 20-year decorated and beloved veteran of the VBFD. At the time of his diagnosis, Chevy served as the A-Shift Captain of Engine 7, the "Busiest Engine " in the VBFD. Over his 20 year career, Chevy "charged hard" with the support of the finest VBFD firefighters by his side. Chevy considered the men and women he worked alongside to be his brothers and sisters. Chevy was also a FEMA Search Team Manager with Virginia Task Force 2 and was with the team for over sixteen years. During his career, Chevy selflessly responded to thousands of calls to help the citizens of Virginia Beach. These calls included structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, medical calls, and technical rescue incidents. Matt was respected and admired by so many for his
Matthew A. Gallina
Matthew A. Gallina died on August 21, 2024, as a result of occupational esophageal cancer due to exposure to the products of combustion.
In 2000, Matt began his fire service career after graduating from the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy, Class 73. He joined the Virginia Beach Fire Department in February 2002, serving at Engine 2C, Ladder 2C, Engine 14C, Engine 8C, Ladder 8C, and eventually moving to the Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Investigator. Matt was a proud member of the International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Arson Investigators.
Outside of his professional life, Matt had a deep passion for baseball. He enjoyed playing, coaching and watching the game, often spending time at the ballpark with his family and friends. He loved training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he earned his black belt. He was also an avid shooter and enjoyed spending time at the range. His quick wit, loyalty, and loving nature made him a cherished father and devoted husband.
