Felipe Hernandez Jr. makes history in Alexandria as the city’s first Hispanic fire and emergency medical services chief.
Alexandria City James F. Parajon appointed Hernandez after a national search. He takes over the fire department on Monday, July 8.
Hernandez served as the New York State Academy of Fire Science’s superintendent. Before that, he was Rochester, New York’s fire chief, overseeing 482 sworn and 24 civilian personnel. He spent more than 25 years in fire service in Rochester, moving up the ranks and receiving multiple certifications. He also holds a master’s degree in leadership from Nazareth College.
Hernandez will be responsible for Alexandria’s department of over 300 professional personnel. The department includes firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff, and administrative support. Alexandria has 10 fire stations.
“Chief Hernandez impressed our team with his experience and technical competence in fire and emergency medical service,” said Parajon. “He brings a modern, data-driven approach to public safety. But most importantly, Chief Hernandez knows that strong relationships with good people will ensure we continue to grow and thrive as an organization. He is a highly effective communicator and leader with the qualities and resilience to lead our fire department for years to come.”
Hernandez takes over for interim chief James Schwartz, who came out of retirement to take the position when Corey Smedley retired in January 2024. Smedley was named Alexandria’s first Black fire chief in 2020, after holding the role of acting chief. (Smedley is now being considered to head Montgomery County, Maryland’s fire department.) Schwartz, a Del Ray resident, had been deputy county manager for public safety and technology in Arlington, and spent 32 years in Arlington’s fire department, with the last 11 as chief.
“We cannot thank Chief Schwartz enough for his unwavering commitment to Alexandria,” Parajon said. “Chief Schwartz came out of retirement to assist us because he loves the City, the fire and emergency medical services and the department. We are extremely grateful to him for his guidance, wisdom, and support as we continue to move forward.”
Feature image of Felipe Hernandez Jr. courtesy City of Alexandria
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