Henrico Fire officials honor 2, promote 24 others

Henrico County Division of Fire officials honored two of their own and celebrated the promotions of 24 others during a ceremony at J.R. Tucker High School Aug. 3.

Battalion Chief Scotty Southall (Michael Holder Leadership Award) and Assistant Fire Marshal Tim Edwards (Wayne Greenwood Mentorship Award) each were presented with awards for their efforts within the division. Both accolades require a minimum 20 years of service with Henrico Fire and are awarded annually to members who demonstrate superior knowledge, skills, and professionalism.

The division also celebrated the advancement of a number of its leaders: two new deputy chiefs and three assistant chiefs assumed their roles in May, while three battalion chiefs, five captains, and 10 lieutenants reported to their new posts in June and one civilian was promoted in July.

“Choosing a career in the fire service is admirable in and of itself," said Henrico Fire Chief Jackson Baynard. "It’s important that we take time to recognize the accomplishments of these individuals and their contributions to the community.”

Among the sworn personnel who earned a new rank are Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction Douglas Clevert and Deputy Chief of Support Services Jason Wood. Clevert and Wood join Henrico Fire’s executive leadership team alongside Baynard, Director of Administration Catherine Latimer, and Deputy Chief of Operations Jim Courtney.

Mark Cumashot, Bryan Miers, and Michael Roth are Henrico Fire’s newest assistant chiefs, and each oversees one of the division’s three shifts. Approximately 170 firefighters and EMTs serve on each shift. Monty Dixon, a longtime civilian employee, was promoted to the division’s director of emergency medical services. She previously served as coordinator of healthcare & patient services.

“Firefighters and EMTs are constantly seeking ways to elevate their skills and better serve the community,” Baynard said. “Similarly, our civilian members work tirelessly to ensure that our team is well supported and that our neighbors receive the best care and service possible. The ambition of our civilian and sworn members speaks volumes to the character of public safety professionals.”

New battalion chiefs are Michael Crawford, Bryce Grissom and Robert Owens, while new captains are Michele Greep, Joey Plaster, Randy Shelton, Peter Younes and Dave Wood, Jr.

Those recently promoted to lieutenant are: Brien Carr, Richard Cuneo, Travis Cotman, Julian Day, Michael Gouldin, Matthew O’Donnell, Amanda O’Neal, Kathy Palmer, Mike Pratt and Russell Traner.

“Our members serve with pride, and they model professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication, and empathy in all that they do,” Baynard said. “I consider myself lucky to be a part of this mission, and I'm truly grateful for the work this team does day in and day out."