Kenny Waters Cause of Death: Henrico County Firefighter and 2026 Firefighter of the Year Dies Unexpectedly at 18-Year Service Milestone

The Henrico County Division of Fire in Virginia is mourning the unexpected death of veteran firefighter Kenny Waters, whose passing on November 4, 2026, has left colleagues, friends and loved ones grieving.

Waters died while off duty, according to an announcement from the Henrico Division of Fire. His death represents a significant loss for a department he served with dedication for more than 18 years.

The department shared the sad news on November 5, expressing its deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow firefighters. He leaves behind his wife and two children.

An 18-Year Career with Henrico County Fire

Kenny Waters joined the Henrico Division of Fire on March 17, 2008, beginning a career dedicated to protecting residents and responding to emergencies throughout the community.

During his 18 years of service, he became an established member of the department and was assigned to Station 13, B-Shift. He also served on the Division’s Dive Team, taking on responsibilities that required specialist skills and a commitment to public safety.

His colleagues remembered him as part of the department’s wider firefighting family, where professional dedication and teamwork are essential to daily operations.

Waters’ service reflected years of commitment to a demanding profession in which firefighters routinely place themselves in challenging situations to help others.

Named 2026 Firefighter of the Year

One of the most recent recognitions of Waters’ contribution came in June 2026, when he received the Firefighter of the Year award from the Short Pump Ruritan Club.

The honour was presented during the organisation’s annual awards dinner and recognised outstanding public safety professionals nominated for community service, professional dedication to duty or acts of heroism.

Receiving the award shortly before his death highlighted the respect and appreciation he had earned through his work.

The recognition also represented an important milestone in a career defined by service to others and commitment to the Henrico County community.

Family and Colleagues Mourn His Passing

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Waters was a husband and father. He is survived by his wife and two children, who are now facing the loss of a beloved family member.

The Henrico Division of Fire acknowledged the impact of his passing on those closest to him and on the colleagues who shared his years of service.

The department expressed its thoughts and deepest condolences to his family, friends and coworkers while asking the community to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.

Kenny Waters’ Legacy of Service

Waters’ unexpected death has prompted sadness throughout the Henrico firefighting community. His 18 years with the department, specialist experience on the Dive Team and recent Firefighter of the Year recognition form an important part of his professional legacy.

Although his career has come to an unexpected end, the contribution he made to public safety and the people he served will remain part of the department’s history.

As fellow firefighters remember their colleague, thoughts remain with his wife, children, relatives and friends.

The cause of Kenny Waters’ death has not been publicly disclosed. His family and colleagues are being given privacy as they mourn his passing and remember his life.