Our Board

Joe Long

President

Joe Long started his career in 1976 as a junior squad member of the Davis Corner Volunteer Fire Department. He then served two years as a Crash Fire/Rescue Specialist at the Norfolk International Airport before starting his career with the Virginia Beach Fire Department in 1980, where he is retired from the Fire Marshal’s Office as an Assistant Fire Marshal. Joe’s experiences as a First Responder aided in the realization and forming of this vital service for all of our First Responders, and has taken on the role of President for Vigilant Watch, Inc.

Jeff Floyd

Vice President

Jeff Floyd joined the Ocean Park Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue Squad in September 1972. He spent his entire career in fire suppression, beginning his career with the Virginia Beach Fire Dept. in September 1975 and retiring March 2004. He has been associated with Vigilant Watch for the past 11 years, working “behind the scenes” on a majority of their fundraisers. He has dedicated his life to helping others in their time of need and is proud to step up to a Vice President position in Vigilant Watch.

Carol Barber

Secretary

In 2008, Carol Barber saw first hand the true meaning of Fire Department Brotherhood when her husband, a 30 year Virginia Beach Firefighter, Carl “Alan” Barber was diagnosed with lung cancer. As the Vigilant Watch, Inc. non-profit organization began to form, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. A few months after Alan’s passing in November 2008, Carol was asked to become part of the Executive Board and Secretary for Vigilant Watch, Inc. Without hesitation, she chose to accept the position knowing this organization will help make a difference in other First Responder’s lives.

Jennifer McInnis

Treasurer

Jennifer began her career in the fire service as a volunteer at Thalia Volunteer Fire Department in 1980. She started her professional career as a Fire Inspector at Little Creek Amphibious base in 1981 before joining the Virginia Beach Fire Department in 1984 as a Firefighter. She spent the majority of her time in Battalions 1 & 4 and retired from Company 5 in 2005. Jennifer has volunteered for several years for the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Convention in Virginia Beach before becoming involved with Vigilant Watch assisting with the annual golf tournament before being asked to step into the treasurers position. She has seen the good that Vigilant Watch has done in the past and continues to do now. Her goal in this organization is to continue the work of the previous treasurer with the same diligence and efficiency.

Joe Barakey

Assistant Treasurer

Joe Barakey started his professional fire career in Portsmouth Virginia in 1999. He got hired in the Virginia Beach Fire Department in 2001 and currently is still working in the VBFD assigned to Engine 2 in Haygood. He worked with Bill “Duke” Lee (line of duty death) at the Ocean Front Station and saw firsthand the devastating effects of how cancer affects public safety personnel and their families.

Kim Sandlin

Board Member

Kim Sandlin had been involved for the 14 years in every aspect of her husband Wayne’s career from 1996 through his retirement in 2009. She stood firm and strong through his fight with cancer, recovery and in her loyalty to the members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department and their families. Her dogged determination as Treasurer of Vigilant Watch, Inc. and the countless hours given in the service of our first responders has been a vital first step in the founding of this organization.