RICHMOND, Va. - The City of Richmond Fire Department is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Deputy Chiefs to oversee the Operations, Support Services, and Administration functions of the Department, taking us one step further in the direction of a City that gets things done. The appointments are as follows:

Deputy Chief of Operations Rodney Epps 

Deputy Chief Epps has served as the Acting Deputy Chief of Operations since March 2025. He joined Richmond Fire over 27 years ago, starting his career at Fire Station 10. Since then, he has held key leadership positions in technical rescue operations, training, fire investigations, and field operations. Deputy Chief Epps brings extensive operational expertise and proven leadership during critical organizational transitions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Old Dominion University.

As the permanent Deputy Chief of Operations, Epps will oversee citywide response services, to include the management of twenty engine companies, eight truck companies, four Battalion Chief offices, an air/light unit and a shift safety office. Additionally, he will provide oversight and leadership for the Department's Staffing Office and Safety Office.

Deputy Chief of Support Services Paul Moore III

Deputy Chief Moore brings over 28 years of fire service experience, having advanced through the ranks to Assistant Chief with the Baltimore City Fire Department before joining the Norfolk Airport Authority Fire Department. He holds a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master's in public administration from the University of Baltimore. He led major initiatives including Baltimore's Insurance Services Office Class 1 rating achievement, the design of a new training facility, and the rollout of innovative programs that improved response safety and enhanced fire station facilities through public-private partnerships.

As Deputy Chief of Support Services, he will oversee the divisions that sustain operational readiness, including training, EMS, logistics, facilities, and fleet. These divisions are critical to ensuring operational reliability, protecting firefighter health and safety, and preparing firefighters for any number of operational eventualities which may come their way.

Deputy Chief of Administration Bailey Martin

Deputy Chief Martin has been with the Richmond Fire Department for 23 years, having served in swift water rescue, heavy technical rescue, HAZMAT operations, and administrative roles. He holds a bachelor's degree from Randolph-Macon College, a master's degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School and is currently pursuing a second master's degree in data science.

As the Deputy Chief of Administration, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the Department's strategic direction by ensuing the organization is equipped to deliver effective and efficient emergency services. He will lead comprehensive strategic planning, resource management, and the development of operational policies and procedures to guide daily and long-term fire operations. He will be a central leader in building organizational capacity, strengthening operational readiness, and ensuring the department delivers high-quality emergency response services to the community.

"With over 75 years of fire service experience between them, Deputy Chiefs Epps, Moore, and Martin bring the professionalism, determination, and know-how we need to advance Richmond Fire as a top tier firefighting outfit," said RFD Chief Jeffrey Segal. "These Chiefs have my respect and my trust and I am honored to have them by my side in leading this fine organization."

The announcement builds upon other recent personnel announcements at RFD, including the appointment of Chief Jeffrey Segal as the Department's permanent Fire Chief and of City Organizational Strategist Jeff Gray as Fire Service Business Manager. In his position, Gray will serve as a strategic partner to the Department's leadership team, overseeing critical organizational functions including employee services, administration, finance, fire department procurement, technology, and special projects across the department. He will help Chief Segal and his team to drive departmental strategy by developing metrics and performance standards, managing the overall budget, procurement process, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, supervising assigned staff, and building collaborative relationships with City leadership and other departments.

"Best in class emergency services require strong leadership at every level," said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "These appointments demonstrate the depth of talent and experience that now lead Richmond Fire. Deputy Chiefs Epps, Moore, and Martin have each distinguished themselves throughout their careers, and their combined expertise in operations, support services, and administration will be instrumental in driving the organizational improvements and operational efficiencies our community deserves."

Posted November 25, 2025

 ~ Construction begins next month, weather permitting ~

RICHMOND, Va. –   As part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) to enhance pedestrian safety for access to Mary Munford Elementary School and the adjacent playground. The construction of this project will begin in early December, and weather permitting it is expected to be completed by Summer 2026.

The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians and bicyclists safely cross busy or higher-speed, multi-lane roadways and uncontrolled intersections. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain “Dark” until a pedestrian pushes the call button to activate the beacon. 

This project provides for the installation of the traffic signal mast arm poles, high visibility crosswalk, pedestrian indicators (countdown) and activations (push buttons), and ADA ramps.

Instructions on How to Use the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon:

1. The beacon is “DARK MODE” for motorists until pedestrians/bicyclists push the button to activate it and pedestrians/bicyclists approaching the crosswalk see a steady "Don't Walk" indication.

2. When pedestrians/bicyclists press the button:

   • Motorists will see a FLASHING YELLOW indication for a few seconds, signaling that the beacon has been activated and motorists should SLOW DOWN and be prepared to STOP

   • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must wait 

3. The flashing yellow is followed by a SOLID YELLOW indication

   • Motorists should STOP if able to safely do so

   • Pedestrians/bicyclists will continue to see a "Don't Walk" indication and must continue to wait 

4. The solid yellow is followed by double SOLID RED indication

   • Motorists are required to come to a complete STOP 

5. Pedestrians/bicyclists receive a "WALK" indication and, if clear, can begin to cross the road in the marked crosswalk. The double solid red is followed by alternating FLASHING RED indication

   • Motorists are required to STOP, or remain stopped, until pedestrians/bicyclists have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution after coming to a stop to ensure that no one else is walking across the street.

6. Once the person has safely crossed, the beacon goes back to the DARK MODE and drivers may proceed through the crossing at or below the posted speed limit.

During construction, there will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures. Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

This project is funded through our partnership with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) and has an estimated cost of $275,000.

For more information on DPW, please visit us online at rva.gov/public‐works or email us at askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on activities and events visit us on (X) @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. The Department’s mission is to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

Posted November 24, 2025

~Training and practice dry run simulation helps the city prepare for snow removal season ~

RICHMOND, Va. – In preparation for inclement winter weather and to ensure snow removal readiness, the Department of Public Works (DPW) recently conducted training for staff and completed practice runs of its 60 snow routes.  Dry runs are a critical part of the city’s winter preparedness plan. They allow city crews to familiarize themselves with their routes, test equipment, identify any operational issues, and ensure that plow operators can safely navigate challenging areas before the first major snowfall. By conducting these practice runs in advance, the department can address mechanical needs, adjust staffing plans, and confirm that all equipment is ready for deployment when winter weather arrives.

To support winter operations, the city currently has 5,000 tons of salt and 2,000 tons of sand along with 2,000 tons of a mixture of sand and salt, as well as chemicals designed to prevent bridge surfaces from freezing when the temperature is colder than 35 degrees. 

During inclement winter weather, the city’s 1860 lane miles are prioritized for pre-treating and snow removal using the following priorities:

• First Priority: bridges, major thoroughfares, arterial streets and emergency routes
• Secondary Priority: minor thoroughfares and designated transit routes - these streets must be cleared first to make them passable for emergency vehicles and to permit entry and exit into the city.  Secondary arterial streets will be cleared to bare pavement within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling, dependent upon accumulation and temperature.
• Third-Tier Priority: Residential and other local streets

For more information on the Department, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! During winter storm events, be sure to get up-to-date notifications on the city’s Twitter (X) account @CityRichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 225 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1

RICHMOND, Va. - Earlier this week, the City of Richmond advanced its collective commitment to being a city that tells its stories by passing the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan (CHSP) through the Planning Commission.

The plan provides a framework that will guide how the City identifies, recognizes, and conserves its diverse cultural and historic assets for generations to come. It represents the culmination of extensive work by the City's Department of Planning and Development Review (PDR), led by preservationists, historians, artists, and planners from its authentiCITY studio, in cooperation with the Virginia Department Historic Resources and in collaboration with hundreds of residents and community leaders whose voices shaped the vision and priorities of the document.

"This Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan is exactly the kind of guiding document we need to fulfill our commitment to being a City that tells its stories and tells the truth about its past," said Mayor Danny Avula. "As I've shared in my Mayoral Action Plan, we cannot move forward as a community without honestly reckoning with our history-all of it-and this plan gives us the roadmap to do that work thoughtfully and inclusively. This is how we build a Richmond where every resident sees themselves reflected in the story of our city."

The Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan builds directly on Richmond 300, the City's comprehensive plan, which established a goal to "preserve culturally, historically, and architecturally significant buildings, sites, structures, neighborhoods, cemeteries, and landscapes that contribute to Richmond's authenticity." The CHSP provides the strategic framework and actionable steps to achieve that vision.

"This plan represents an evolution in how we think about historic preservation," said authentiCITY Studio Senior Manager Kimberly Chen. "It's not just about buildings and monuments, it's about the living culture of our neighborhoods, the stories of our diverse communities, and ensuring that preservation serves all Richmonders, not just a privileged few."

The development of the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan included robust community engagement, with input sessions held across the city's neighborhoods, bringing together longtime residents, cultural practitioners, historians, and community advocates to ensure the plan reflects Richmond's full diversity of experiences and perspectives. It also included significant cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that the policies within support the full breadth of City priorities including, importantly, affordable housing development goals as well as zoning priorities reflected in Code Refresh.

With the Planning Commission's approval, the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan now advances to Richmond City Council for final adoption. Once adopted, the plan will guide city policies, programs, and investments related to historic preservation and cultural heritage for years to come.

For more information about and to read the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan, please visit go.rva.gov/CHSP.

Nearly a quarter of all outstanding audit findings have been resolved this period, strengthening accountability, performance, and a City Hall that thrives.

Richmond, VA - On November 21, Mayor Avula announced significant progress in closing outstanding audit findings across multiple departments, a milestone that reflects the administration's commitment to accountability, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement, a central goal of Mayor Danny Avula's commitment to building a thriving City Hall that stewards resources effectively, meets community needs, and has the trust of residents.

With this audit report, the City of Richmond has made major progress in strengthening accountability, internal controls, and operational performance across departments. During the first period of FY26, the City Auditor confirmed 31 audit recommendations were fully implemented and closed. This period's closures span seven departments under the Mayor's authority: the Department of Public Utilities, Social Services, General Services, Public Works, Emergency Communications, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

The Department of Public Utilities alone closed 19 recommendations, including two high priority that tighten financial controls over millions of dollars of materials and reduce the risk of improper billing.

"From day one, I said we would look for it, find it, and fix it. Every audit issue we resolve means better service for Richmonders and a more responsive, reliable government. I'm genuinely excited by this progress and we're going to keep pushing until every item is closed. I know we can do it!" said Mayor Danny Avula.

"The audit process is an opportunity for the administration to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and increase effectiveness. This audit update, with the most finding closures in recent history, is an early example of the culture of performance we've committed to build," said Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer. "And we're not stopping here - Richmond deserves a government that owns its challenges and delivers solutions, and this is another example that is exactly what we are building."

At the beginning of the review period, 137 audit recommendations were open across City departments. Twenty-five new recommendations were issued, and 31 were closed, including eight high-priority items. The City and the Office of the City Auditor will continue working together to drive down the remaining 130 open recommendations, most of which already have corrective actions in progress.

You can find the Audit Report here.