News Flash

Meet the City of Roanoke's newest Fire-EMS paramedics and officers. Watch highlights from a promotional ceremony held January 15, 2026

Get a look inside Roanoke County's new Fire Station 12 in Bonsack! Celebrating one year of service, see how the facility's innovative design and strategic location are lowering response times in the area by 50%. You'll also get a taste of what a day in the life of a firefighter is like.

With the graduation of Roanoke's Police Academy 91, RVTV's Inside the Academy has completed it's 22 episode run. Watch the whole series on RVTV's YouTube Page, or television apps on Roku, AppleTV and Firestick.

What is peer recovery work and how does it support people in the Roanoke Valley experiencing substance abuse addiction and other challenges?  Bailey Medeiros, Director of the Roanoke Valley Collective Response, sat down with Brian Bailey, Peer Recovery Specialist from the Bradley Free Clinic and Dr. Kimberly Horn, Author for Friendships Matter for Life to talk about the power of peer recovery work - why these relationships matter, how meaningful support changes outcomes, and the role the Peer Recovery Network plays in strengthening recovery across our community.

Watch the full 2025 Investiture Ceremony for members of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and the Roanoke County School Board held on Monday, December 15, 2025

We’re Roaming Roanoke County at the Fire and Rescue Academy. Laura Schneider, the Community Outreach Coordinator for Fire and Rescue, and Em Poertner try their hand at the physical agility test that recruits have to complete as part of their application.

Watch the annual State of Roanoke County Address now on RVTV.org

Roanoke's director of Public Libraries is retiring after 43 years of dedicated service to the community. Get a look inside Sheila Umberger's retirement celebration at the Grandin Theater.

Hazardous or flammable wastes like paints, oils, pesticides and batteries need to stay out of our landfills! On this episode of Let's Talk Trash, the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority reminds you how to properly dispose of these items if you live in the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, City of Salem and Town of Vinton. 

Valley Metro celebrated 50 years of service by honoring the dedicated staff that make reliable public transportation possible. Find out how things have changed over the years and see highlights from a recognition ceremony. Valley Metro proudly serves the City of Roanoke, Town of Vinton and City of Salem.

The Town of Vinton celebrated Veterans Day with a ruck walk, followed by the placement of 300 flags in front of the Vinton War Memorial. Find out why dozens of participants came out to recognize our local heroes.

The Roanoke County Citizens Public Safety Academy is now enrolling for 2026. Find out what the program is all about and hear from recent participants how the experience impacted their understanding of public service.

Check out the new public art on storm drains at Roanoke County's Vinton Library and South County Library! See how local artists have brought to live designs submitted by youth and teens this summer. It's all part of a  place making initiative by Roanoke County's Planning Department which will continue with an upcoming wall mural at Bent Mountain Library. #publicart #stormdrains #placemaking 

The Roanoke County Citizens Public Safety Academy is now enrolling for 2026. Hear from recent participants how the experience impacted their understanding of public service in this podcast from the Roanoke County Police Department.

On a mission for accessible transportation in Roanoke County? CORTRAN offers services for residents ages 65 and older or with a disability, operated by Virginia Regional Transit. In this informative music video the Soul Brothers use the service to get to their performance on time. 

It's National Community Planning Month! See how Roanoke County's planning department is working to improve safety on Plantation Road with help from citizen feedback. A recent road safety audit identified a few ways to improve walkability in a busy corridor

Ever wondered what it's to hose down a fire burning at over 1200 degrees? The Roanoke County Public Safety Academy recently gave citizens a chance to participate in flashover training with Fire & Rescue.  It's part of a six-month program that provides a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of public safety departments. Enrollment for the next session begins soon.

Mayor Cobb addressed the Roanoke Police Academy Class 90 at their graduation ceremony in September. His son, one of the graduates, shares his passion for public service. Hear from both of them about why they chose to serve and the importance of public safety in the City of Roanoke.

Roanoke Police Department recently held is graduation ceremony for Academy Class 90. Hear from Chief Booth, Mayor Cobb, and some of the new officers as well as Class 91 recruits as they celebrate this milestone.

Get a first look at this year's Art By Bus campaign from Valley Metro, Art in Roanoke, RIDE Solution  and the Bus Riders of Roanoke Advocacy Group (BRAG). 🚍 This year's bus features artwork by Joe Lee, along with a comic book that takes the reader on a ride through Roanoke Valley neighborhoods, local landmarks and history, with the important message that all are welcome on the bus. #ArtByBus #WeekWithoutDriving

Each month the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority and RVTV are taking you behind the scenes to find out what happens after the can hits the curb. Look for new episodes on the last Thursday of each month, highlighting the people, equipment and technology used to properly dispose of waste.

⛈️When disaster strikes, be prepared.⚡️It’s important to be able to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. Storms, power outages, and other emergencies can happen anytime. Check out these helpful tips! A little preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. #preparednessmonth #weatheraware #roanoke #safety

Keeping your little ones safe starts with making sure they are properly buckled in every ride, every time! Follow safety tips from Roanoke Fire-EMS and Carilion Clinic to protect your children on the road.

Only rain should go down storm drains! On a new episode of Roam RoCo, we're spray painting storm drains to remind people about the importance of protecting our waterways. Last year over 100 storm drains were painted through a volunteer effort that you can participate in!

Valley Metro is an easy and affordable way to get around the Roanoke Valley, with service to the City of Roanoke, City of Salem and Town of Vinton. In this video, learn how to plan your next trip and navigate the service. Plus get a look at other services offered by Valley Metro including MetroFLX, the SmartWay Bus, and the Star Trolley Line

Roanoke County unveiled a new metal fabricated LOVE sign to be displayed at Explore Park, and transported to special events throughout the year. Find out how a student from Burton Center for Arts and Technology helped on the project through an internship with Lift Arc Studios. Special thanks to Lift Arc for providing behind-the-scenes video of the fabrication process.

Are you ready to forge your path with a career in law enforcement in Roanoke County? Find out what to expect in the hiring process. Get a look inside the Roanoke County Criminal Justice academy. And learn about some of the unique benefits only offered by our department.

Mayor Joe Cobb delivered the annual State of the City address on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Hotel Roanoke. 

Last year American consumers reported losing $5.7 billion to investment scams. Want to avoid being a victim? Roanoke County Fraud Detective Harris joins Officer Forehand to discuss ways to identify fraud as well as protect your finances and privacy.

The second annual Cuts for Cops event was held on Saturday, August 9 at Carilion Children's Hospital. Roanoke County Police and area businesses teamed up to offer free haircuts, shoes, backpacks and school supplies as summer break comes to a close. Carilion and the Virginia Department of Health provided vaccinations, and Fleet Feet Roanoke donated over 600 new shoes to help students in need.

Learn about the Town of Vinton's new Comprehensive Plan which will guide community and economic development decisions for the next 25 years. Find out what's in the plan and how extensive citizen input made it possible.

Look inside a new 80,000-square-foot facility dedicated to providing resources designed to address the social determinants of health. The new Melrose Plaza houses Virginia's first adult high school, health resources, a finance center, cultural history and community gathering spaces.

As the 40th anniversary of the Flood of 1985 approaches, Roanoke's Stormwater division is looking for personal experiences to help preserve local history. Submit your story online at RoanokeVA.gov/stormwater

What's it like to be a Roanoke County police officer? Dozens of Roanoke County middle school students got a behind the scenes look at public service during the annual COPS camp held at Camp Roanoke. 

Roanoke is investing in the city's oldest neighborhood! Over the next few months, Gainsboro Road will be transformed with a vision of safety and increased mobility for all. Improvements include high visibility crosswalks, a mobility track, curb extensions, pedestrian signals and new on-street parking. 

On this episode of Roam RoCo, Em Poertner is taking Brenda, a Roanoke Adventure Dog, out for a day. The RAD program gives dogs at the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection an opportunity to get out of the shelter for a day, relax, and meet potential adopters! #ShelterDogs #Adoptables #adventuredogs 

Did you know that vehicle thefts increase during the summer months? Last year 385 vehicles were stolen in the City of Roanoke. A few simple tips from the Roanoke Police Department can help prevent you from becoming a victim.

School Resource Officers are very cruicial to ensuring safety and security in the school buildings as well as providing support and mentorship to young citizens. Hear from Roanoke County School Resource Officers Maxey & Wingate about their experiences working in the schools. 

If you're considering joining the team, apply now: 

https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/410/Careers

Distracted driving can cause accidents leading to serious injuries or even death.  Roanoke Fire-EMS responds to motor vehicles accidents that can often be avoided. Stay safe by keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel!  Together we can knock down the risk and drive distraction free! #KnockdownTheRisk #DistractedDriving #FireEMS

See if you have what it takes to pass the Roanoke Police Academy's Agility Course - watch a walk through video on RVTV.org

The region's best huddlers and cuddlers face off in a long-awaited rematch. Who will take home this year's K9 Cup? Will it be team RCACP or team Angels of Assisi?