Retiring Manassas Fire Chief Expects 'Great Things' From Garrett

MANASSAS, VA — The passing of the fire chief's helmet in Manassas is official, as newly hired Chief William Garrett took over this week for Chief Rob Clemons, who is retiring from the department. Garrett, whose first day on the job was Monday, comes to the city from Winchester where he also served as fire chief.

The Manassas City Fire and Rescue Department welcomed Garrett on his first day by taking a photo of him at his desk before he could get fully settled into the job.

Garrett dropped by the fire department last Friday for Clemons' retirement luncheon. "It’s bittersweet to see Chief Clemons go, but we are excited to have Chief Garrett on board and ready to run," the fire department posted on its Facebook page.

Earlier on Friday, fire department cameras caught Clemons going for one last morning run around Old Town Manassas. Last week, Clemons also stopped by each shift and gave department members a personalized baseball to remember him.

Clemons was sworn in as fire chief in May 2016. "I’m so proud of all of the people who have contributed to my success as the fire chief here in the city," Clemons said in his last video as chief.

He described Manassas as a "hidden gem" and a "special place," due primarily to the wonderful members of the community.

Clemons and his wife are leaving Northern Virginia and moving to the Myrtle Beach area in South Carolina. For his successor, Clemons said he hopes the community gives Garrett the same level of support it gave him during his four years as chief. Garrett will "accomplish great things" as the city's new fire chief, Clemons predicted.

Prior to working in Winchester, Garrett served as a deputy fire chief for Fairfax County. In 2009, Garrett was awarded the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Firefighter of the Year.