Lynchburg fire captain honored at awards ceremony

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — A member of the Lynchburg Fire Department was honored with an award at the 2022 Governor's EMS Awards Ceremony in Norfolk.

Health & Safety Captain Jennifer Collins was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health & Safety Award at the awards ceremony.

“Captain Collins has distinguished herself in the area of provider health and safety by developing and managing initiatives that address both the physical and mental health of the members of the Lynchburg Fire Department," Deputy Chief Robert Lipscomb told the award panel while nominating Collins for the honor. "These programs include the Firefighter Occupational Risk Management Athletic Training (FORMAT) Program. Additionally, Captain Collins has worked to continue the development of the department’s Peer Counselor and Chaplain programs these programs have had a significant impact on the overall health and wellness of all members of the Lynchburg Fire Department, uniformed and civilian.”

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Collins, who has been with the Lynchburg Fire Department for 21 years, said she was honored to receive the award and that her field is an area she is passionate about.

“I'm honored to have received this recognition. I am passionate about the health and safety of our firefighters and the biggest priorities for us right now are fitness, mental stress, cancer risk reduction, and cardiac health. I've tried to use my strengths to improve these areas but honestly, it wouldn't be possible without the backing from my Chiefs and the hard work of the members of these special teams," Collins said.