Warren County Addresses Chester Gap Emergency Services Response Coverage Changes Effective July 1st

Wednesday afternoon, May 6, 2026, Royal Examiner received the following press release regarding alterations to the working agreement between Warren and Rappahannock Counties for emergency service responses across County lines. As noted below, those changes will take effect on July 1st at the request of the Rappahannock County government. Here is the Warren County Press Release in its entirety, with a contact number for further information:

WARREN COUNTY, VA, May 6, 2026 – Warren County has received notification that the current staffing agreement between Rappahannock County, Warren County, and the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department will expire effective June 30, 2026, at the request of Rappahannock County due to their shifting of resources to the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station.

Beginning July 1, 2026, fire and EMS (Emergency Medical Service) response coverage for residents within the Chester Gap response area, which includes Lake Front Royal, Point of Woods, Harmony Hollow, and surrounding areas, will utilize an operational response model intended to provide the fastest and most effective emergency response from the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and surrounding Stations to the community.

Under this response plan, any available Chester Gap volunteers will continue to be dispatched to incidents in the Chester Gap response area and throughout Warren County as part of a longstanding Automatic Aid Agreement. In addition, Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) will automatically dispatch the next closest staffed station/resource to calls within the Warren County portion of the Chester Gap response area, ensuring an immediate response service. WCFR will continue to provide mutual aid response in Rappahannock County when requested, ensuring regional cooperation and emergency coverage for residents in and around the Chester Gap community.

Warren County remains committed to supporting the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department and the residents it serves. Warren County will continue its annual financial contribution of $44,698.00 to the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department in support of volunteer emergency services operations.

The County appreciates the continued dedication and service of the Chester Gap Volunteer Fire Department members and recognizes the important role volunteers continue to play in protecting our community.

Residents are reminded that emergency services response will continue without interruption throughout this transition.

All questions regarding this transition should be directed to the Warren County Fire and Rescue Administration.

Royal Examiner inquired with Assistant Fire Chief Gerry Maiatico, who verified the departmental contact number, 540-636-3830.