From the City of Fredericksburg:
Michael Jones has been named as the next Fredericksburg Fire Chief by City Manager Tim Baroody, succeeding Eddie Allen, who will retire in March. Jones is the current Deputy Chief for the Fire Department.
“Mike has a depth of experience and knowledge of fire and rescue service that makes him well-qualified for this promotion,” said Baroody. “He has a deep understanding of the Fredericksburg Fire Department’s culture and future needs. I am confident he can lead the department through transformational changes in the City in the years to come.”
Jones has served as Deputy Fire Chief since 2012. He was hired by the City as a firefighter in 1983 and steadily rose through the ranks as a Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. He holds an A.A.S. in Fire Science and has served as an officer and instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
“It will be an honor and privilege for me to lead the men and women of the Fredericksburg Fire Department. They do an outstanding job each and every day of the year. We will work together to enhance our mission of providing outstanding response to our community and provide the highest level of service possible,” Jones commented on his promotion.
D.C. Jones spearheaded a 2017 analysis of the fire station needs of the Department resulting in the Manitou Study, which also made recommendations on fire service staffing and integrating the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad into the City’s public safety services. Personnel management, procurement, and project management are among his current responsibilities.
Jones is expected to assume his new responsibilities in March. He will replace Chief Eddie Allen, who has worked in the Fredericksburg Fire Department for 45 years, the last 16 as Fire Chief. Allen expressed his support of Jones’ promotion. “Mike has been an excellent officer and Deputy Chief throughout his career. He has demonstrated his ability and judgement to serve as Chief in this Department,” he said. “It has been my hope that Mike would be the next Chief who will help the Department grow and continue its traditions of excellence.”
For more information on the Fredericksburg Fire Department, please visit www.fredericksburgva.gov or call 540-372-1059.
