County Administrator, Bryan Hill, has announced Ryan Ashe as the County’s Fire Chief effective Dec. 1, 2015. Ashe has been Acting Chief since June 19, 2015, following the retirement of former Fire Chief Tal Luton.
“The citizens of James City County deserve the best, which includes a local government that is looking ahead to meet the needs of a growing community. Over the past 14 months, I have been impressed with Chief Ashe’s ability to be forward-thinking while considering how we can make James City County a better place to live, work and play,” says Hill. “As we develop our strategic plan for the next five, ten, fifteen years and beyond, it is imperative that we have effective leaders who can help move the County forward. Chief Ashe has shown the leadership qualities I, as well as the Board of Supervisors, desire in a Fire Chief,” he added.
Ashe has been with the Fire Department since 2003 and brings a variety of training and work experience to the position. A graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Technology, he is certified as an Executive Fire Officer with the National Fire Academy and also a certified paramedic with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Ashe completed the Hampton Roads Fire Officer Command School in 2006 and is on the Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue. He is also an adjunct instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve the department and our citizens. I look forward to working with our team to continue moving the department and the County into the future,” says Ashe.
As Fire Chief, Ashe will lead a department that includes 110 uniformed emergency responders who respond to over 9,800 calls for emergency service each year. The Fire Department has five divisions, including operations, support services, the Fire Marshal’s Office, emergency communications and emergency management.
Media Contact: Jody Puckett, Communications Director
757-253-6605; jody.puckett@jamescitycountyva.gov