HCTV Programs

Despite the gloomy news about the housing market, new homes are still being built in Henrico County. Henrico's team of building inspectors make more than thirty visits to each new house to make sure that projects go according to plan. Join HCTV as we get an insider's look at how thorough our inspectors are and how we're all better off for having these building code enforcers.

Decades ago, none of us had ever heard the term "active shooter." Unfortunately, it's all too commonplace in our world today, and it can happen anywhere at any time. If you were involved in an active shooter incident, what would you do to survive? Run? Hide? Fight? Join HCTV as we learn from public safety agents and officials what we can do if we ever find ourselves in this horrific position.

The birth of a child is the best day in a parent's life. The Henrico County Circuit Court gives adoptive parents the opportunity to feel the same happiness with an Adoption Celebration. Join HCTV as we talk to several families about the joy of their Adoption Celebration Ñ a moment in time that they will never forget.

At the age of 18 young adults in the foster care system must make a daunting decision: opt out of foster care now, or age out at 21 and receive benefits to help transition into adulthood.ÊHCTV features four young adults who share their struggles and successes, as well as their decisions to opt out or stay in foster care. Join us as we hear their stories, and learn what foster care professionals say about remaining in the system until age 21.

Henrico Police's Traffic Safety Unit is completely focused on ensuring safety on the county's roadways. Whether they're investigating a crash, arresting a drunk driver, educating students or simply informing citizens of a new law, the 15 members of this unit are serious about traffic safety. Join HCTV as we look inside theÊDriving Force: Henrico's Traffic Safety Unit.

Most children reach developmental milestones around the same age, though some children require additional support to reach these goals. Henrico's Parent Infant Program works with children who are in need of support services from birth to age three. Join HCTV as we see early intervention in action and how children can thrive with these specialized support services.

Henrico County is not immune to severe weather. Tornadoes, flooding, ice storms and even earthquakes are possible, some striking without warning. When the moment arrives, will you be prepared? Having a plan is a good place to start, but there are other steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, thunderstorms, ice storms, and even earthquakes are year-round threats in Henrico County. Being prepared for emergencies can be as easy as having a plan, staying informed, and knowing what to do when disasters occur. Join HCTV as we learn from the experts how to survive severe weather emergencies.

Those charged with the task of maintaining public safety go to great lengths Ñ and great heights Ñ to accomplish their goal. This is certainly true of one elite police unit headquartered at Richmond International Airport. The Metro Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Counties of Henrico and Chesterfield and the City of Richmond. Pilots from each jurisdiction assist in a wide array of public safety functions over a landmass of more than 750 square miles with a population of nearly one million people. Fly along with HCTV as police pilots give us a spectacular view of what they do to keep us safe.

Henrico's quality development, managed growth and balanced mix of commercial and residential property is no accident. The Planning Department's professional team of experienced, talented staff imagines how the landscape of the county will look years into the future, often relying on lessons of the past and future trends to guide them. Join HCTV as we examine the Planning Department's processes and principles as they develop a vision for Henrico's future growth.

Heroin has become a rampant killer across the United States. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said use of the powerful narcotic had reached an epidemic level. Henrico officials have assembled a task force to work with the community and treatment providers to develop a strong, comprehensive approach to confront the challenges of heroin. Join HCTV as we look inside this public health emergency and find where help is available.

We all enjoy a good meal out, right? In fact, Americans dine out four to five times a week on average. No one plans to contract a foodborne illness as a result, but it happens far more often than is reported. The dedicated food safety team in Henrico's Health Department performs thousands of inspections each year on the county's more than 1,100 foodservice establishments to assess risks and protect the public from potential hazards. Join HCTV and our Environmental Health Specialists as we take you inside the inspection process.

From finding the source of a fire and enforcing fire laws, to educating school children and inspecting businesses for fire safety, the Office of the Fire Marshal covers a diverse and extensive area of responsibility to ensure the safety of Henrico residents. HCTV follows the Fire Marshals in the field as they investigate for possible arson, train to use firearms, simulate a fire escape for kids, put an accelerant-detecting canine to work and more inÊFrom Investigation to Education: Inside the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Since 1997, the Geographic Information System Ñ or GIS Ñ has continued to evolve and assist an increasing number of Henrico residents and internal agencies. This complex, computerized, geographic database assists everyone from 911 communication officers dispatching emergency responders to residents accessing a free, public parcel viewer. Join HCTV as we look inside GIS and its many cutting edge applications.

We depend on it every day for our survival, yet itÕs easy to take safe drinking water and sanitation for granted. You turn on the tap, and there it is. You flush a toilet, and away it goes. Largely out of sight, hundreds of dedicated Department of Public Utilities professionals keep the water flowing around the clock, every day of the year. It is a complicated and painstaking process, but by the end, the treated wastewater returns to the James River cleaner than the river itself.

Gangs are no longer a metropolitan or inner-city problem as they gain new territory in suburban communities Ñ they cross racial, ethnic, socio-economic and geographical boundaries. Henrico's Gang Investigative Team is committed to preventing, intervening and suppressing gang activity in our county. Join HCTV as we learn how Henrico County Police are actively identifying gang activity inÊGaining New Territory: Gang Awareness in Henrico.

Whether your game is pickleball, table tennis, volleyball, badminton or basketball, you can hit the courts in Henrico County's Open Gym program! Open Gym invites all ages and levels of experience (or inexperience) to get active and healthy without paying for expensive gym memberships or costly fitness classes. Join HCTV as we watch teens to seniors discover the benefits of exercise and meeting new friends inÊGet Your Game On: Open Gym.

Elevators provide a fast, practical way to move in our daily lives. The elevator Ñ or "lift" as it's known in some parts of the world Ñ was not originally designed with people in mind. They carried materials and freight for industry. However, elevators quickly became a selling point for hotels and helped bring about modern skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building. Join HCTV as we look at the evolution of the modern elevator and how Henrico's Department of Building Inspections ensures our county's elevators are safe and sound.

Through its divisions of clinical, environmental, emergency preparedness and epidemiology, the Henrico County Health Department is committed to the public health and well-being of our residents. From providing health care to refugees and expectant mothers, to ensuring proper operations of private wells, county restaurants and hotels, our health department staff is vigilant in their quest for the common good.

It takes a special person to become a firefighter for Henrico County Ñ a person with a heart for service. HenricoÕs Division of Fire is an internationally accredited, full-service agency and the bar is set high for new recruits. No exceptions, no excuses, all potential firefighters must pass both physical and written tests to make it to the top tier of eligible academy recruits. Join HCTV as we learn about this multi-layered, months-long process in A Heart for Service: The Path to a Career as a Firefighter.

Since the establishment of the Henrico Mental Hygiene Clinic in 1968 and the creation of the Community Mental Health Services Board the following year, area residents have had a trusted resource for their mental health concerns. From its humble beginnings, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services has been innovating and adapting to meet the needs of clients, and now provides a host of life-changing, community-based services including developmental disability, early intervention and substance use services for the 360,000 residents of Henrico, Charles City and New Kent counties.

Beautiful lawns depend on healthy soil, proper irrigation and regular mowing. Join HCTV and the Henrico office of Virginia Cooperative Extension as we explain how to collect soil samples for testing and understanding the results. We also show you how to set your irrigation system and offer turfgrass care tips to help your lawn thrive.

Learn the 50-year history of Henrico's Recreation and Parks and their commitment to serve the public.

When a serious crime occurs in Henrico, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and Police work together to prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law. Crime victims and witnesses are essential in bringing offenders to justice, and advocates in the Victim/Witness Assistance Program support them throughout the process. Advocates are committed 24-hours-a-day to advise in legal matters, provide protection and offer counseling to help victims and witnesses get through this difficult time.

Hermitage Enterprises provides vocational and day-support services to Henrico County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join HCTV as we meet these hard-working individuals at their warehouse on Hermitage Road and learn how the program helps to build their confidence, self-sufficiency and connections to the community around them.

Hermitage Enterprises' mission is to provide vocational and day support services to Henrico citizens with intellectual disabilities. Join HCTV as we meet these hard working individuals, and learn how Hermitage Enterprises supports, educates and trains its production staff while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency.

For more than four decades, Henrico's Division of Recreation and Parks has been committed to helping residents pursue good health and good times. With more than 4 million park visitors each year, the division has embraced the responsibility of caring for more than 3,600 acres of parkland, 140 recreational buildings and 35 historic sites. But the Division of Recreation & Parks had humble beginnings, with a few recreational activities organized at local schools. Join HCTV as we learn about the history of Recreation & Parks, and how the division has grown to serve the residents of Henrico.

Henrico's Hazardous Incident Team is ready to respond to any chemical, fuel or biological release that threatens the health and safety of Central Virginia residents. The highly-skilled firefighters at Henrico's Station 21 rely on their training and experience to respond to any HAZMAT situation. Join HCTV as we learn more about this specialized unit and its unprecedented reputation throughout our region.

The Henrico Social Services Department has many resources that can help adults who may be the victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Adult Protective Services are provided to elderly, infirmed and disabled adults. Join HCTV as we highlight the needs of our seniors in this exploration of Adult Protective Services.

When you think of Coca-Cola, Chap Stick, Oreos and Chips Ahoy, you think big manufacturing, made in the USA. But, do you think, "Made in Henrico?" They are, along with many other familiar products. Henrico-based manufacturers make many products that touch our daily lives in ways we may not realize. Join HCTV for a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of modern manufacturing right in our own backyard.

Henrico's firefighters specialize in bringing chaos under control in emergencysituations Ñ that's what they're trained to do. Be it fire, emergency medical service, hazardous materials spills or retrieving the cat from the tree, Henrico firefighters respond in the fast, efficient and cool-headed manner that we have come to expect. But becoming a firefighter is not for the faint of heart, or mind. Henrico's Fire Training Section chooses only a select few applicants who must then endure a grueling 23 weeks of intense training. HCTV embedded with Recruit Academy 61 for the entire process capturing all of the intensity, drama, and danger Ñ taking you where few have been.

Henrico County Drug Court is a structured, four-phase program designed to reduce crime and recidivism among substance abuse offenders. Drug Court works to intervene and rehabilitate participants so they can live clean and sober lives. Join HCTV as we delve inside Drug Court, meet the people who make it work and watch the addicts strive to succeed.

The James River has been a waterway for commercial vessels for centuries. Through the years, recreational activity on the river has increased in popularity and it's not uncommon to see anglers, skiers, canoers and kayakers year round. Henrico's Police and Fire Marine Patrol Units watch over the James ensuring public safety on the water just as they do on dry land. Join HCTV for an immersive look into the mission, tools and training of the men and women who patrol the river in On Board with the Henrico Marine Patrol.

Henrico County's Belmont Golf Course was first established in 1917 as Hermitage Country Club on Hilliard Road. The golf course hosted such prestigious events as the Valentine Invitational, The Richmond Open, and the 1949 PGA Championship. Henrico purchased the property in 1977 and named the golf course Belmont. The 18-hole course is open to the public, and is one of the area's finest recreational venues. Join HCTV as we meet the golfers and explore the history, fun and challenges of the course in On the Green: Belmont Golf Course.

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Ñ also known as MS4 Ñ is all around us, yet it is easy to overlook. It carries runoff from streets, parking lots and other land surfaces directly to streams and creeks. This water, and the pollutants that get swept up in it, does not pass through a treatment plant before emptying into the James or Chickahominy Rivers, and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. Learn what Henrico County is doing to prevent pollution from entering our watersheds, and what you can do to help in Only Rain Down the Drain! Protecting Our Stormwater System.

Henrico is open for business, and we know our corporate neighbors Ñ large and small Ñ enhance our community and quality of life. Our strong business climate is due in part to the ease with which local entrepreneurs can get established. Henrico agencies work with our start-up business owners to make the process fast and user-friendly. Join HCTV as we walk through the process and meet some business owners who turned their enterprise ideas into reality right here in Henrico.

Few people traveling through Laurel on Hungary Road seem to notice that they're in one of the county's historic districts, or that they're passing through the site of the state's first reformatory. HCTV takes an investigative journey into the dramatic and complex history of the Laurel Industrial School, examines its legacy, and sheds light on its place on the path to modern juvenile justice.

Do you have what it takes to become a member of the Henrico County Police Division? Find out as we take a look at the process to select and train future officers for this elite group. Over the course of 32 weeks, you will receive the training you need to make a difference in the lives of your friends, neighbors and all Henrico residents. HCPD is looking for people with a willingness to serve others and improve the quality of life in Henrico. Is that you?

In Henrico County, incarceration can provide a critical first step on a path to recovery from an opiate addiction. The Sheriff’s Office started the O.R.B.I.T., or Opiate Recovery by Intensive Tracking, program to help inmates regain control of their lives. The phased program begins by teaching the basics of recovery and helping participants create a personal relapse prevention plan. In later phases, they are allowed to work on supervised crews at county buildings and facilities, receive vocational training and reconnect with their families. O.R.B.I.T., which takes about 12 months to complete, provides support and random drug testing as participants progress to work release and home electronic monitoring.

Henrico's Public Works Department maintains more than 3,400 lane miles of roadways, typically resurfacing or repaving about 150 miles of roads each year. Because our crews survey the roads year round and prioritize paving work, our residents enjoy the ability to drive throughout the county on safe, well-maintained roadways. Join us as HCTV explores how the process works and what's involved in Paving Ahead: Building & Maintaining Roads in Henrico County.

Every year in Henrico County more than 30,000 calls are made to the Henrico Area Mental Health Crisis Hotline. Under the emergency services program, this hotline is available for anyone in the county experiencing acute mental stress. Whether callers feel suicidal, are experiencing panic attacks, or are feeling overwhelming depression, the crisis clinicians are there to help. Join HCTV as we hear stories from the professionals who staff this hotline, as well as those who have benefited from the service. If you or someone you love is experiencing significant mental stress and are unable to handle it alone, the crisis line (727-8484) is always there 24 hours a day.

Henrico's Permit Center is a one-stop shop designed to save you time and reduce the frustration often associated with obtaining permits for construction projects. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or a first-time do-it-yourself builder, The Permit Center is there to help you overcome problems and expedite your project.

With polish and precision, the honor guards of Henrico County lead by quiet example and command respect for the flags of our nation, state and county. They also help honor the men and women who serve and sacrifice for us all. The Police and Fire divisions and the Sheriff's Office each has its own ceremonial unit. They continue a proud military tradition that dates to 1784 and the end of the American Revolution.

Henrico's animal shelter, its officers and its staff play a vital role in keeping our community safe. They also provide care and humane treatment of animals that support long, rewarding relationships between residents and their pets. Join HCTV as we visit the state-of-the-art animal shelter, meet a few of its residents and talk to the Animal Protection Police Officers about the adoption process, and what we all need to know about pet ownership in Henrico.

If you're a county resident who is 65 or older or disabled, and own property in Henrico County, you may be able to save money on your real estate taxes if you meet the program's requirements. REAP has been growing steadily since its inception in 1973, and has made a dramatic difference in the lives of many participants. HCTV shows you how to REAP the benefits of this wonderful program.

Henrico County's mature buildings and commercial corridors have history and character worth preserving, and the Reinvest Program provides a partial tax exemption to encourage the renovation, rehabilitation or replacement of these older properties. Watch as HCTV shows how this commercial investment tax abatement program has resulted in the rejuvenation of local businesses and older corridors throughout the county. Henrico representatives, local developers and business owners tell us why Henrico's Reinvest Program is a positive proposition for everyone involved.

Now is a great time to renovate or remodel your home! With new home loans out of reach for many, staying put and updating your existing home is an increasingly attractive option, especially now that Henrico has introduced Reinvest! Let HCTV show you how an investment in your property can actually save you money in the long run.

Henrico County is committed to providing its public schools with a safe learning environment. That's why specially trained police officers are assigned to work in each elementary, middle and high school. These school resource officers partner with school security officers, administrators and teachers, but they do far more than maintain order. Join HCTV as we talk to the officers and learn how they mentor, guide and protect Henrico's students.

Henrico County is a community in constant motion. Thousands of lane miles of road connect neighborhoods, schools, businesses and other facilities Ñ any place you need to go. The safety of residents and motorists depends on streets that are properly designed, maintained and marked. Installing, repairing and replacing signs; placing lines and other roadway markings; and ensuring traffic signals are working as they should Ñ all of these duties, as well as the planning of new roads, fall to the Department of Public Works and its Traffic Engineering Division.

Imagine being forced to relocate your family to a foreign country because you fear for your life. There are more than 19 million refugees in the world today, and approximately 2,400 of them resettle in Virginia each year. Starting over in a region unknown can be overwhelming, but the Henrico Resettlement Program is ready to assist. Whether it's access to health care, school enrollment, or learning the English language, the people of Henrico are prepared to help ease the transition for refugees.

Each day, firefighters risk their lives in the protection of residents and their property. For Henrico County, the safety and well-being of public safety officers are a top priority. That’s why the county’s focus on firefighter safety has sharpened as concerns have risen across the country about a link between exposure to fire toxins and cancer.

Police officers put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect Henrico County residents. And sometimes, when the situation is complex, the stakes are high and lives are in danger, it's time to call in the SWAT team. Unified action and perfect precision are paramount to its successful operations, and team members must be ready to engage at a moment's notice. Join HCTV as we follow this elite, highly-trained, Special Weapons and Tactics team.

Someone has to do it. Garbage doesn't just magically disappear. The employees of Public Utilities' Solid Waste Division are out there every morning collecting trash and recycling from more than 6,000 homes. HCTV-17 takes you behind the scenes of this physically demanding job and introduces you to the people who help keep Henrico beautiful.

Therapeutic Recreation in Henrico County provides the opportunity for residents with physical and intellectual disabilities to participate in activities that benefit them socially, emotionally and physically. Join HCTV as we highlight programs including arts and crafts, sports, games, dance and drama offered by Henrico Recreation and Parks. Learn from recreation therapists, coaches, participants and parents as they describe the importance of these activities and how our disabled community benefits from these innovative programs.

Each year hundreds of thousands of seniors are abused, neglected and exploited in the United States. Many elder victims are frail, unable to care for themselves and depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Henrico's Adult Protective Services works with public and private agencies to stop the mistreatment of the county's elderly population. Join HCTV as we highlight the services that help detect, investigate, prosecute and prevent elder abuse cases.

Each spring and fall, the largest spectator sporting event in Virginia takes place right here in Henrico County, at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR draws enormous crowds, and with an event this big you can bet many months of planning goes on behind the scenes. Learn how Henrico's public safety agencies work closely with RIR staff to ensure a safe, healthy, fan-friendly experience every time inÊA Unified Plan: Behind the Scenes with Police and Fire at Richmond International Raceway.

A safe water supply is vital to our community. Henrico's Water Treatment Facility is committed to supplying our residents with the safest, cleanest water in the region. Join HCTV as we follow the process from the raw product extracted from the James River, to the refined, crystal clear water delivered to Henrico homes and businesses in Water, Clean and Clear: Henrico's Water Treatment.

Join HCTV for an on-the-job look at Henrico County’s 911 dispatchers. Get a glimpse of the challenges they face and the difference they make in people’s lives every day and learn more about this rewarding career. Do you have what it takes to answer the call?

It can happen at any time, anywhere, without notice. A water main can suddenly burst, disrupting service and causing roads to buckle and crumble. Are they happening more often lately? Truthfully, no. Water main breaks are simply a reality for communities as they grow and mature, and based on its size, Henrico has fewer than half as many breaks as the national average. Join HCTV as we learn how our crews respond to water main breaks 24-7, 365 days a year.

We've all known someone with mental health challenges, whether it be a family member, coworker, friend or have had struggles ourselves. Until recently, "recovery" was seldom uttered in the same sentence with "mental illness," but times are changing. We've come a long way from the mental institutions and sanitariums of a generation ago, but the shackles of stigma still remain. In 2011, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services launched an innovative campaign to combat the stigma of mental illness and granted HCTV full access to the process.