FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2022
Charlottesville Fire Department (CFD) Promotes New Battalion Chiefs
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Fire Department will promote new Battalion Chiefs effective September 17, 2022.
Fire Chief Dr. Hezedean A. Smith, who has served since December 1, 2020, continues to focus on the health and safety of the department's firefighters through organizational growth and realignment. Based on 21st century Fire & EMS principles, CFD places a strong emphasis on operational all-hazards readiness.
The city recently committed $1.1 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to support the department's personnel staffing needs. Three new Battalion Chief positions will ensure alignment with the national standards for health & safety, accountability, and accreditation.
Chief Chadwick Bingler (EMT-B) has served since 2000 (22 years). He is a US Marine, Fire Investigator, Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Boys' Scout Leader, and has served on the CISM team for 12 years. He will transition from the Fire Marshal's office to Fire Operations. Chief Bingler has been intimately involved in multiple critical incidents, acting as both commander and fire investigator throughout his station as senior captain.
Chief Lance Blakey (EMT-B), a Charlottesville native with a Bachelor of Science degree, has served since 2005 (17 years). His new assignment to Professional Standards will include the following oversights: ISO Compliance, Recruitment & Retention, Professional Development, Fire Training, Technical Rescue, and Special Operations.
Chief Marc Ellis (EMT-B) has served since 2007 (15 years) in various capacities as a Captain in Resources, on truck and ladder companies, and as the department’s Blue Card Command Instructor. He will now be assigned to Fire Operations. Marc is also a graduate of the Virginia Fire Officers' Academy and continues to pursue professional and educational growth.
Four firefighters who met the captains' educational and core competency requirements were reassigned as "Acting" Captains. The captain’s promotional testing process will be held in November. The career development and succession planning assignments align with our commitment to professional development, internal growth, recruitment, and retention.
Media Contacts
Dr. Hezedean A. Smith, Fire Chief
Charlottesville Fire Department
(434) 970-3323
smithhez@charlottesville.gov