CFD Administration

City of Charlottesville Fire Station 1

Our Stations & Fleet

We operate out of three fire stations within the City of Charlottesville, staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our fleet includes:

  • Four Fire Engines
  • Two ALS Ambulances
  • One Tiller Ladder Truck
  • One Mid-Mount Tower
  • Several support vehicles

Updates to the Stations

Charlottesville Fire Department added a state-of-the-art fire station in 2013 - the first new station in the city in 50 years. Its location on Fontaine Avenue improves our emergency response capability to the University of Virginia and provides greater protection to the citizens and property located in the southwest sector of the city. The Ridge Street Station has recently undergone major renovations, completed in early 2018. The renovations included changes to the vehicle bays, a new gear room, an updated kitchen, and a remodel of the sleeping areas.

About Us

  1. Hezedean Smith

    Dr. Hezedean Smith, CFO

    Fire Chief
    Email Chief Smith
    Phone: 434-970-3323
    Fire Chief Dr. Hezedean Smith, originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, is a US Air Force veteran, where he served as an Emergency Medical Service Specialist from 1988 to 1992. His fire service career started in 1992 in Central Florida. He served from 1996 to 2020 in the Orlando Fire Department and retired as a Chief Officer. Chief Smith joined the Charlottesville Fire Department family in 2020 after retiring from Orlando (FL). Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Management degree from the University of Phoenix, a Master's Degree in Organizational Management, and degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services. His credentials include Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Certified Public Manager, Executive Fire & EMS Officer, a Fellow in the American College of Paramedic Executives, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Certified Occupational Safety Specialist, and a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

  2. Emily Pelliccia

    Emily Pelliccia, MA

    Deputy Chief of Emergency Preparedness
    Email Emily Pelliccia
    Phone: 434-970-3550

    Deputy Chief Emily Pelleccia is the department's emergency management coordinator and leads the health and safety functions.   A life-long resident of the city, Emily joined the CFD family in 1994. Chief Pelliccia holds a Masters in Homeland Security & Defense from the Naval Postgraduate School and is a nationally registered paramedic.


  3. Joe Powers

    Joe Powers, MPA, CFO

    Deputy Chief - Community Risk Reduction
    Email Joe Powers
    Phone: 434-970-3528

    Deputy Chief Joe Powers is responsible for the Community Risk Reduction Bureau, including accreditation, ISO, planning, fire marshal's office, public information, and internal affairs. In addition, he is the city's appointed fire official. Chief Powers joined CFD in 2020 after serving twenty years in Henrico County, Virginia. Chief Powers holds a master's degree in public administration, is a nationally registered paramedic, and is a credential Chief Fire Officer.


  4. Mike Rogers, Deputy Fire Chief

    Mike Rogers, BA

    Deputy Chief - Business Services & Operations
    Email Mike Rogers
    Phone: 434-970-3244

    Deputy Chief Mike Rogers, a second-generation Charlottesville firefighter, leads the department's business management efforts, including budget administration, facilities, logistics, fleet, training & professional standards, and emergency operations.  Mike joined CFD in 2000, holds a bachelor's in labor, health, and safety, and is a nationally registered paramedic.