New Fire and Rescue Chief Comes From Next Door

MANASSAS, VA -- A veteran firefighter for Prince William County will become the fire and rescue chief for the city of Manassas, City Manager William Patrick Pate announced Friday.

After a months-long search, the city selected Robert Lee Clemons Jr., Pate said. Clemons, 51, is currently a battalion chief with Prince William's Department of Fire and Rescue.

On June 20, he will take over for Chief Brett Bowman, who is retiring to North Carolina, said Patty Prince, a city spokeswoman. Bowman became the city's fire chief in 2011.

Clemons has more than 28 years of experience in fire and rescue services, all with Prince William County, Prince said, along with numerous certifications.

“I am excited to begin this new adventure and cannot wait to get started working for the City of Manassas,” Clemons said in a statement. “The sense of community in the City of Manassas is wonderful and I look forward to becoming a part of it.”

Clemons is a graduate of the International Public Safety Leadership Institute, as well as a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Fire Department Safety Officers Association and the Society for Human Resources Management.

Image: Robert Lee Clemons Jr. (City of Manassas)