Acting Fire Chief Assumes Permanent Position In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria has named Corey Smedley as the fire chief effective immediately. He has been the acting fire chief after Robert Dubé retired this past summer and is the first African American to assume the role in Alexandria.

"His leadership both within the Fire Department and with our community and regional partners shows he has the necessary qualities and experience to lead our Fire Department into the next decade," said City Manager Mark Jinks in a statement announcing the appointment.

Since becoming acting fire chief, Smedley coordinated with regional agencies on creating a joint recruit training program with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, centralized the Fire Marshal’s Office, and increased minimum staffing on fire engines and trucks. A $1.5 million federal grant awarded to the city allowed the fire department to hire nine new full-time firefighter/emergency medical technicians, helping fulfill the goal of having four-person staffing on all fire trucks and engines. Another major development in the fire department is the ongoing project to replace Fire Station 203 in the Beverley Hills neighborhood.

Before becoming acting fire chief, Smedley was assistant fire chief of administration. He joined Alexandria in 2015 as deputy fire chief of emergency management and homeland security, working with local and regional partners to update the city's Emergency Operations Plan and the Threats and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Plan. He also led the launch of the City’s new Emergency Operations Center in May 2019.

Smedley has been in the fire and emergency medical service field for 25 years. He has a Nationally Registered Paramedic certification and is a certified fire inspector, instructor, investigator and public manager. He previously worked for the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department in Maryland over 20 years, serving in roles such as deputy chief, operations duty chief, fire marshal and FedExField Stadium commander.