HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Four members of the Harrisonburg Fire Department recently graduated from one of the state’s most prestigious fire officer training programs.

Lieutenant Robert Hilley and Captain Hunter Desper completed the Virginia Chief Officer Academy (VCOA), and Lieutenant Brandon Dyer and Lieutenant Joel Bradley completed the Virginia Fire Officer Academy (VFOA). Dyer and Hilley completed their programs in Abingdon, Va., earlier this year, while Desper and Bradley completed their programs in Richmond in June.

Capt. Hunter Desper
Captain Hunter Desper

Desper just completed his 16th year with HFD. Currently assigned as the department’s training officer, Desper oversees all HFD training, including promotional testing for the driver/operator rank. Desper holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s
degree from Liberty University. He recently completed the promotional process for the rank of Battalion Chief.

Lt. Robert Hilley
Lt. Robert Hilley

Hilley is currently in his 18th year of service with the City of Harrisonburg. He has served in both the fire department and police department, holding certification as a firefighter, fire officer, police officer, fire investigator and paramedic. Currently assigned to the Rock Street Fire Station #4, Hilley commands an engine company on B Shift. He also is a SWAT Medic and a member of the HFD Bike Team. Hilley is a 2022 graduate of the VFOA. He has also completed several courses at the National Fire Academy.

Lt. Brandon Dyer
Lt. Brandon Dyer

Dyer has been a HFD member for nearly 11 years and is currently assigned to Fire Station #4 on “A” Shift, where he commands a crew of firefighters. Dyer is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, SWAT Medic and member of the HFD Bike Team. He also is the team leader for the Division II Heavy Technical Recue Team, a Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)-sponsored regional specialized group of responders trained to deal with a wide array of high-risk events that can threaten the safety and well-being of served communities.

Lt. Joel Bradley
Lt. Joel Bradley

Bradley is a nearly seven-year veteran of HFD and commands the newly created Engine Company #5 on A Shift. Bradley is a student of the fire service, holding certifications in firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials management and technical rescue. Bradley also serves as a member of the department’s structural firefighting protective equipment maintenance program.

“For generations, the Harrisonburg Fire Department has maintained a deep commitment to training at all levels,” HFD Chief Matthew Tobia said. “When our personnel invest their time in professional development, our entire community benefits. We could not be prouder of their commitment to themselves and the HFD. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association for implementing and supporting these courses of instruction.”