Richmond, VA - The Richmond Fire Department (RFD) is excited to share a series of initiatives focused on improving operations, strengthening its commitment to accountability and ensuring excellence in delivering public safety services. These changes reflect a proactive investment in the future of the department and ensure that the Richmond Fire Department is well equipped to meet the evolving needs of the City of Richmond.

"One of my top priorities is taking Richmond's local government and transforming it into a model public-sector organization. That work happens through continuous, focused improvements to the way we do business. That's exactly what I've asked CAO Donald to do, and in collaboration with Chief Segal that's exactly what these new announcements deliver. This kind of nuts-and-bolts progress is how we build trust with our residents. More to come!," said Mayor Danny Avula.

New Leadership Positions

Today, the RFD is announcing the creation of a new role to support these efforts: A Fire Services Business Manager. This senior leadership-level unsworn position will oversee the department's finances and general administrative activities, while ensuring the department consistently remains in alignment with citywide administrative and ethical standards. This new position also builds on the recently hired Internal Standards Officer, who focuses on monitoring compliance, makes sure that RFD's processes remain fair, and helps the department maintain a high level of trust.

Additionally, the Richmond Fire Department has posted three Deputy Chief positions to support in broadening leadership capacity and supporting longevity within the department. The new Deputy Fire Chiefs will serve on the senior leadership team and provide more dedicated oversight across the department and a stronger support system to firefighters. RFD is now accepting applications: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/richmond

"This new civilian Fire Services Business Manager will provide us with subject matter expertise to bring RFD's finance and operations in line with citywide standards and industry best practices" said Chief Segal. I am excited to strengthen our leadership team with this addition-and expand our capacity through the appointment of three new Deputy Chiefs. It's a great time to join the Richmond Fire Department!"

New Proposed Policies to Ensure Consistency and Accountability 

Along with expanded leadership, the Richmond Fire Department is proposing three new policies to make sure its work stays consistent, fair, and in line with citywide administrative and ethical standards. Those new policies include:

1. Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance: Provides clear guidance for inspections to ensure they are done the same way across the city.
2. Anti-Corruption Policy: Reinforces the department's commitment to honesty and accountability.
3. Purchasing and Procurement Policy: Ensures that resources and supplies are purchased responsibly, with a streamlined process.

Together these initiatives build on work that is already underway within department, including biannual internal audits, supervisory oversight of inspection reports, and random accountability checks. With public trust and accountability at the forefront of these new initiatives, the Richmond Fire department is proud to be taking intentional steps to ensure that the city of Richmond continues to receive fire services that are professional, trustworthy, and reliable.

"Best in class service delivery is our focus citywide. In the fire service that is seen through the "triple objective" of life safety, incident stabilization, and property and environmental stabilization. The combination of this new structure and enhanced policies will keep the Fire Department running smoothly and ensure the department meets the high administrative and ethical standards our residents expect." I appreciate Chief's hard work and willingness to, as the Mayor says, 'Look for it, find it, fix it.'" said CAO Odie Donald II.