The City of Suffolk
Invites you to apply for
Fire Chief
ABOUT SUFFOLK Suffolk was founded by English colonists in 1742 as a port town on the Nansemond River in the Virginia Colony. Originally known as Constant’s Warehouse, for John Constant, Suffolk was renamed after Royal Governor William Gooch’s home of Suffolk, a county in East Anglia, England. Before European contact, indigenous American tribes lived in the region for thousands of years. At the time of English settlement, the Nansemond Indians lived along the river. In the early colonial years, the English cultivated tobacco as a commodity crop, but later turned to mixed farming. It became the county seat of Nansemond County in 1750. In 1974, the independent cities of Suffolk and Nansemond merged under Suffolk’s name and charter.
Suffolk remains one of Virginia’s fastest growing cities. With outstanding schools, a AAA bond rating, a qualified labor force, workforce development programs, buy-local pride and an overall excellent quality of life, it is easy to see why so many say “YesSuffolk”. The construction of a new elementary school, a new middle school, new recreation centers, increased waterway access and numerous public infrastructure projects are just a few examples of direct municipal responses to the welcoming population. Suffolk attracts a diverse mix of industries thanks to its prime mid-Atlantic location, room for expansion and pro-business climate. World-class medical and healthcare providers, new hotel construction, desirable retail, restaurants and a multitude of new or growing vibrant and livable neighborhoods can all speak to the strength of Suffolk’s economy. Proximity to the Port of Virginia and convenient access to rail and highway are important facets of an efficient supply chain to many of Suffolk’s industrial companies. Advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processors and many distribution centers rely on Suffolk’s infrastructure network in order to receive and ship out materials or finished product. Established icons such as Planters Peanuts, Lipton Tea and Birdsong Peanuts have long called Suffolk home, and other wellknown existing companies such as Target, Ace Hardware, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, Smucker’s and soon, Peet’s Coffee & Tea all manage significant industrial operations within the city’s boundaries. The technology sector, including Navy Cyber Information Dominance Forces and Old Dominion University’s Virginia Modeling & Simulation Center (VMASC), is ripe with opportunity. Here, you can reap the amenities of a big city, while at the same time retain the flavor and character of a small town.
The City hosts several major events every year that instill a deep sense of community that make it unique among larger metropolitan areas. With one of the lowest crime rates in the Hampton Roads region and excellent public schools, Suffolk is the ideal place to raise a family. As Suffolk continues to grow and script its ongoing history, now is the time to begin your journey in a City poised for growth in the years to come!
The Position The Fire Chief is responsible for management of the day to day operational activities of the City’s fire, rescue and emergency services department. Housed at Fire Station 6, located at 300 Kings Fork Road, the Fire Chief is expected to exercise a high degree of leadership and professional expertise while fostering trust, respect and credibility within the department and the community. This high profile position serves as Chief Fire Marshal and oversees natural and unnatural incidents protecting the interests of the City and the public. The department provides public safety services in the areas of Fire Prevention, Fire Safety Education, Fire Rescue and Suppression, Emergency Medical Services and Transport, and Emergency Management. Annually, the department’s 250 full-time and 30 part-time employees respond to over 13,000 calls for service, utilizing 10 Stations, 13 Engine Companies, 3 Ladder Companies, 8 ALS Medic Units, and 1 Rescue. Three volunteer fire departments and one volunteer rescue squad work with the department to protect over 430 square miles of urban, suburban, village and waterfront area in the southeast portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Key strategic initiatives for the department include: Improve standard operating procedures and work towards accreditation; improve the city’s ISO rating; provide leadership over facility expansion; and oversee implementation of a newly developed and validated entry level fire rescue testing and hiring process.
The Ideal Candidate The City desires an innovative and visionary leader with progressively responsible experience in Fire and Emergency Services. The ideal candidate will have the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, colleagues, stakeholders and the general public while proactively managing the department’s $26.5 million budget. In addition, strong problem solving, change management, and communication skills are required.
Graduation from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program is preferred.
Benefits Excellent salary and benefits. Some benefits include personal leave, health insurance, short term & long term disability, optional life insurance, legal services and many more.
Application Process If you are seeking an opportunity to be a Fire Chief in a growing and economically strong city, please apply through the City of Suffolk’s website at www.suffolkva.us. The position will be open until filled. Application submissions will be treated as confidential. The City of Suffolk is an EOE.
Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in fire science administration or a related field, and 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible command experience in emergency medical services, firefighting and emergency management. Requires a valid driver’s license.