Manassas Hires William Garrett As New Fire Chief

MANASSAS, VA — The city of Manassas hired William A. Garrett to serve as its new chief of Fire and Rescue services, the city said Friday. Garrett comes to the city from Winchester where he served as fire chief and before that from Fairfax County where he served as deputy fire chief.

Garrett has experience managing a combined fire and rescue system, like the Manassas' system, with both paid staff and volunteer staff.

Garrett will replace Rob Clemons who announced in February that he was retiring as fire chief in July. Clemons had been in the role since 2016, when he was sworn in following the retirement of longtime fire chief Brett Bowman.

“I am confident that William has the passion and commitment to continue building our excellent Fire & Rescue Department,” Manassas City Manager W. Patrick Pate said in a statement. “His background and experience will be an asset to our leadership team.”

While working in Fairfax County, Garrett's roles included deputy chief for support services and operations shift deputy. In 2009, Garrett was awarded the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Firefighter of the Year.

“I am deeply honored and very excited to join the City of Manassas Leadership team,” Garrett said in a statement. “It is a privilege to be entrusted with the care of the Manassas community, the men and women of the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue System.”

Garrett began his career as a volunteer in 1988. He became an EMS provider/paramedic in 1990. His first day on the job in Manassas is Aug. 31.