ABOUT
Our Department
Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) provides essential emergency services to the residents and visitors of Albemarle County including, fire suppression, emergency medical treatment and transport, technical rescue, water rescue, and hazardous materials mitigation. In addition, the department provides a wide array of non-emergency services such as business inspections, burn permits, child safety seat inspections, smoke alarm installations, public education, and emergency preparedness.
Services are provided through a combination of career staff, eight volunteer fire and rescue agencies, and regional partners.
Guided by the ACFR Way, our members are dedicated to the health and well-being of our community and each other. The men and women of ACFR, frequently referred to as our family, are our greatest assets and the foundation of our department.
The Community We Serve
Albemarle County, located in central Virginia, is home to an excellent school system, low crime, a skilled and educated workforce, and a wealth of cultural, historical, and recreational amenities. A strong economy and local arts, music, and cultures scenes are just a stone’s throw from the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as over 4000 acres in Albemarle County’s park system.
The Albemarle County government, with an annual budget of approximately $555 Million planned in FY 2024, prides itself in sustaining responsive and accessible services to its residents while emphasizing professionalism and efficiency. Albemarle County is recognized for quality services and innovative programs while still maintaining a comparatively low tax rate. The County government takes pride in being One Organization Committed to Excellence, valuing partnership and teamwork opportunities.
Dan Eggleston
Fire Chief
Heather Childress
Deputy Chief
Chief Eggleston is the leader of our department. Chief Eggleston has an extensive education including an AAS Degree in Engineering, a BS degree in business, and an MS degree in Emergency Management from the University of Richmond. Chief Eggleston is ultimately the man who will be hiring you.
David Puckett
Deputy Chief
Chief Puckett is the Deputy Chief of Operations. Chief Puckett is responsible for Fire Rescue’s emergency service delivery including fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and technical rescue response. He also oversees the Logistics Division, which purchases and maintains the Department’s apparatus and equipment.
Chief Childress is the Deputy Chief of the Member Services Section. Chief Childress is responsible for hiring and promotion of career staff, HR issues and employee discipline. She also oversees the Training and Professional Development Division, the Officer Development Academy and the Health & Safety Officer. Connect with Chief Childress by clicking here.
John Oprandy
Deputy Chief
Chief Oprandy is the Deputy Chief of Emergency Management and runs the County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Deputy Chief Oprandy is responsible for the County’s overall preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery programs related to man-made and natural disasters.
Emily Pelliccia
Deputy Chief
Chief Pelliccia is Deputy Chief of the Community Risk & Resilience Section and oversees the Fire Marshal’s Office and Community Engagement, offering programs and services to residents and businesses to reduce risk and promote a safe and healthy community.
Alyssa Mezzoni
Chief of Staff
Ms. Mezzoni is Chief of Staff for ACFR. Ms. Mezzoni provides strategic planning and business development oversight to ensure the department is effectively and efficiently meeting its goals and objectives.