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The New Chief And The 16 Initiatives: 5 Vital Updates From Winchester Fire And Rescue (VA)

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The Winchester Fire and Rescue Department (WFRD) is currently navigating a period of significant change and strategic advancement, with the most critical update being the appointment of a new departmental leader. As of , the department, which serves the City of Winchester, Virginia, is focused on bolstering its commitment to firefighter safety, operational excellence, and community preparedness, with a fresh emphasis on the core principles of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The department’s recent activities underscore its role as a leader in combination fire and rescue services across the Shenandoah Valley.

This deep dive explores the crucial, up-to-the-minute details defining WFRD’s current trajectory, from the new command structure to their dedication to a national safety framework and the infrastructure supporting their emergency response. The department is actively working to integrate new leadership strategies with its established network of volunteer and career professionals, ensuring continuous, high-quality emergency medical services (EMS) and fire suppression for the community.

The New Era of Leadership: Chief Drew Savage's Profile

The City of Winchester, Virginia, recently concluded an extensive internal and external search to appoint its new Fire and Rescue Chief, selecting Drew Savage to lead the department. Savage officially succeeded former Chief Jon Henschel, who retired on April 1st, marking a significant transition in the department's command structure.

Complete Biography and Key Experience

  • Name: Drew Savage
  • Current Role: Fire and Rescue Chief, Winchester Fire and Rescue Department (WFRD)
  • Location: City of Winchester, Virginia
  • Predecessor: Jon Henschel (Retired April 1st)
  • Experience: Savage brings nearly two decades of extensive experience in the fire and rescue service.
  • Previous Leadership Role: Prior to joining WFRD, Chief Savage was recognized for his leadership within the Norfolk Fire-Rescue department, where he gained valuable operational and administrative experience in a major urban setting.
  • Appointment Process: His selection followed a comprehensive search, indicating a focus on finding a leader with proven success in managing complex emergency services.
  • Current Command Staff: Chief Savage’s leadership team includes Assistant Chief JD Orndorff overseeing Administration and Assistant Chief Brandon Krippner managing Operations, ensuring a balanced approach to the department’s strategic goals.

Chief Savage’s appointment signals the department’s commitment to leveraging modern leadership and best practices to enhance the safety and efficiency of all WFRD personnel and operations. His background in a large, active department like Norfolk Fire-Rescue is expected to bring a wealth of operational knowledge to Winchester.

Commitment to Safety: The 16 Life Safety Initiatives and WFRD's Mission

A cornerstone of the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department’s strategic goals is its continuous work to meet the 16 Life Safety Initiatives. This framework, established by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in 2004, is central to the department's mission of ensuring that “Everyone Goes Home.”

The 16 Initiatives represent a comprehensive roadmap for reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. WFRD’s public dedication to these principles highlights a strong focus on internal safety culture, which directly impacts the quality of service provided to the community.

Key Focus Areas of the 16 Initiatives at WFRD

The department integrates these initiatives into its daily operations, training, and administrative policies. The goal is to move beyond mere compliance toward a proactive safety culture. Key areas include:

  • Safety Culture: Promoting a departmental culture that prioritizes safety and health above all else.
  • Risk Management: Developing and implementing effective risk management policies and procedures.
  • Training and Certification: Ensuring all personnel, including career and volunteer firefighters, receive standardized, high-quality firefighter training and certification.
  • Wellness and Fitness: Implementing comprehensive physical and mental health programs for all emergency responders.
  • Technology and Apparatus: Utilizing new technology and ensuring all fire apparatus, including the high-value ladder truck, meet modern safety standards.
  • Data Collection: Improving the collection and use of data from fire and EMS calls to inform safety decisions, as evidenced by the availability of recent call data from August and September of 2025.

The involvement of WFRD personnel, such as Battalion Chief Scott Gray, in national forums like the NFFF's 20th Anniversary Firefighter Life Safety Summit, further demonstrates the department's active role in advancing firefighter safety on a broader scale.

Inside WFRD Operations: Stations, Apparatus, and Community Focus

The operational backbone of the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department relies on a well-distributed network of fire stations and specialized emergency apparatus. As a leading combination fire and rescue service, the WFRD utilizes both career staff and volunteer companies to cover the entire City of Winchester.

WFRD Stations and Infrastructure

The department operates from several strategic locations, ensuring rapid response times across the city. The administrative heart of the operation is located at the Headquarters/Admin offices at 21 South Kent Street, Suite 301. Key operational stations include:

  • Fire Station No. 1: Located at 627 North Pleasant Valley Road.
  • South End Fire Station: A significant facility that includes a three-story hose tower, which is used for hose storage and critical firefighter training exercises.
  • Volunteer Companies: WFRD works in close partnership with historic and essential volunteer fire companies, including the Friendship Fire Company, the Rouss Fire Company, the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Department, and the South End Fire Company.

Specialized Apparatus and Equipment

To handle all types of emergencies, from structure fires to technical rescues and medical calls, WFRD invests heavily in modern fire apparatus. A notable recent acquisition was a 2019 Pierce Enforcer ladder truck. This specialized vehicle was purchased for over $1 million and equipped with an additional approximately $170,000 in specialized equipment, significantly enhancing the department’s aerial and heavy rescue capabilities.

The department's operational readiness is also visible in its commitment to diverse training. For instance, the Winchester Fire Department in Massachusetts (a different entity, but part of the broader "Winchester Fire" network) recently conducted specialized Ice Rescue Training, a necessary skill for departments operating in regions with cold weather and water bodies. This reflects a shared emphasis on advanced, technical rescue skills across the fire service.

Recruitment, Growth, and Future Outlook

The Winchester Fire and Rescue Department actively promotes opportunities for growth, positioning itself as an attractive career path for new recruits. The department emphasizes that new employees can expect significant advancement opportunities within their first five years of service. This focus on recruitment and retention is vital for maintaining a strong, experienced force capable of meeting the demands of a growing community.

The department’s future outlook under Chief Drew Savage is clearly defined by a continued emphasis on the safety and well-being of its personnel, combined with a strategic investment in modern equipment and facilities. By adhering to the 16 Life Safety Initiatives and fostering strong relationships with its volunteer partners, WFRD is poised to remain a top-tier emergency service provider in the Shenandoah Valley. Their dedication to transparency, evidenced by the public release of Fire and EMS Calls data, further reinforces their commitment to community trust and accountability.

The New Chief and The 16 Initiatives: 5 Vital Updates from Winchester Fire and Rescue (VA)
winchester fire and rescue
winchester fire and rescue

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