5 Critical Changes: Inside The Richmond VA Fire Department’s New Era Under Chief Jeffrey Segal
The Richmond Fire Department (RFD) is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marking a new era of leadership and operational focus in late 2025. Following the retirement of long-time Chief Melvin Carter at the end of 2024, Interim Chief Jeffrey Segal was officially appointed as the permanent Fire Chief in November 2025, signaling a renewed commitment to accountability, modernization, and "best in class service delivery" for the capital city of Virginia. This shift is not just a change at the top; it includes a complete overhaul of key policies and the establishment of new leadership roles designed to strengthen the department's capacity and longevity in serving the community of Richmond, VA.
The core intention behind these recent changes is to bolster consistency and fairness across all RFD operations, from emergency response to administrative functions. The department, which responds to over 30,000 calls for service each year, is leveraging its current $38.5 million operating budget and significant federal grants to roll out strategic initiatives focused on operational improvement and internal oversight. This deep dive explores the five most critical updates, new policies, and the essential profile of the leadership steering the Richmond Fire Department into its next chapter.
The New Era: A Profile of Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal and Key Leadership Changes
The appointment of Jeffrey Segal as the permanent Fire Chief in November 2025 solidified the new direction for the Richmond Fire Department. Chief Segal brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for enhanced accountability and service standards.
Jeffrey Segal: Biography and Career Highlights
- Current Role: Permanent Fire Chief, Richmond Fire and Emergency Services.
- Appointment Date: Officially named permanent Chief in November 2025.
- Previous Experience (RFD): Joined the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services Department in 2020.
- Prior Career: Held a lengthy career with the Baltimore City Fire Department, where he served before moving to Richmond.
- Focus: His leadership is centered on implementing a new structure and enhanced policies to ensure the department operates at a "best in class" standard.
Expanded Leadership and Command Structure
To support the new mandate, the RFD has broadened its leadership capacity, introducing new roles to ensure robust support and longevity for the department.
- Department Chief (14-0): Jessica Miller
- Fire 1st Assistant Chief (14-01): Chris Weber
- 2nd Assistant Chief (14-02): Brenden Gillen
This expanded leadership team is crucial for managing the department's operations, which include 421 members operating out of 20 fire stations across the city.
Mandate for Modernization: New Policies and Strategic Initiatives
A cornerstone of Chief Segal’s tenure is the introduction of several key initiatives and proposed policies aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.
Three Critical Accountability Policies
The Richmond Fire Department is proposing three new policies to ensure its work remains consistent, fair, and aligned with city standards. These measures are a direct response to the need for greater internal controls and uniform procedures.
- Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance: This policy establishes uniform inspection procedures citywide, ensuring consistency in fire safety enforcement across all districts.
- Anti-Corruption Policy: A vital step toward internal integrity, this policy aims to prevent misconduct and ensure ethical practices across all ranks.
- (Third Policy): While details on the third policy are pending, the overall goal is to enhance accountability and consistency across the entire department.
New Roles to Support Operational Efficiency
In addition to the command structure changes, the RFD has created a new administrative position to streamline business functions. The new role of Fire Services Business Manager is designed to support efforts in numerous administrative and strategic planning areas, allowing fire suppression and EMS personnel to focus more directly on emergency response.
Recent Incidents and Community Safety Focus
The RFD remains on the front lines, dealing with devastating incidents that underscore the importance of their work. Following a recent fatal house fire in the city's East End, Chief Segal issued a strong public safety message, urging residents to prioritize fire safety measures. This proactive community engagement highlights the department's commitment not only to response but also to prevention and education, especially regarding smoke alarms and escape plans.
Furthermore, the department played a role in the broader Virginia fire community by hosting the 27th annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters & Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service in June 2024, honoring the dedication and sacrifice of personnel across the state.
RFD by the Numbers: Operations, Recruitment, and Budget
The Richmond Fire Department is a large, complex organization with substantial resources dedicated to protecting the city. Understanding the department's operational scale provides context for the new leadership's challenges and goals.
Operational Scale and Resources
- Annual Call Volume: The department responds to more than 30,000 calls for service annually.
- Personnel: The RFD operates with approximately 421 members.
- Fire Stations: Services are delivered from a network of 20 fire stations strategically located across Richmond.
- Apparatus Concept: Richmond deploys the Quint Concept, operating 20 quint apparatuses that combine the functions of a fire engine and a ladder truck, enhancing versatility and efficiency.
Financial Strength and Investment
The department’s financial resources reflect a significant investment by the city and federal government into public safety infrastructure.
- Operating Budget: The RFD manages an operating budget of approximately $38.5 million.
- SAFER Grant: In FY 2023, the department received a substantial Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant totaling $13.7 million. This critical funding was instrumental in enabling the RFD to boost its staffing levels and resources.
Recruitment and Firefighter Salary
The RFD is continuously seeking dedicated individuals to join its ranks. While the application window for Entry Level Fire Recruits may close periodically, the department encourages interested candidates to check back for openings and provides a dedicated recruitment team contact.
- Average Department Pay: As of late 2025, the average annual pay for a position within the Fire Department in Richmond, VA, is estimated to be around $104,719.
- Firefighter I Salary: The average annual salary for a Fire Fighter I in Richmond, VA, ranges from approximately $44,066 to $58,988, with an average of $58,988 per year.
The changes underway at the Richmond VA Fire Department represent a comprehensive effort to modernize and strengthen its commitment to public safety. Under the confirmed leadership of Fire Chief Jeffrey Segal, the introduction of new accountability policies and strategic administrative roles ensures that the RFD is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of a major metropolitan area. From the deployment of the Quint Concept across 20 stations to the strategic use of the SAFER Grant, the department is actively building a more resilient, transparent, and high-performing organization for the citizens of Richmond, VA.
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