Fire Department

A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF BEST

FIRE CHIEF
R. Stephen Best, Sr.

On behalf of the Chesapeake Fire Department, let me be the first to welcome you to our web site! The CFD is a progressive group of men and women that strive to serve the citizens of the City of Chesapeake by providing responsive and caring service to protect and improve their quality of life. We are very proud of the high customer service and satisfaction ratings that we have maintained for many years.

Since September 11, 2001 the world and fire service that we once knew has dramatically changed. In order to plan for and mitigate any threat, the Chesapeake Fire Department's Homeland Security Team constantly trains in all areas of special operations. Through response capabilities in Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Marine Incident Response, and Foam Firefighting we remain capable of dealing with emergencies through the all-hazards approach.

The largest portion of our responses are for Emergency Medical Services. In 2005 the CFD responded to 16,842 calls of a medical nature. Each Fire Engine and Ambulance in our fleet is equipped with Advance Life Support equipment allowing immediate and rapid life saving interventions to be made in the field. This is often the critical component that saves a life.

The Engine Company is the primary piece of response apparatus for any type of emergency. Engines respond to reports of fires and also to assist medic units with life threatening medical emergencies. In addition, Ladder Companies bring aerial firefighting and rescue capabilities as well as basic technical rescue equipment to the scene.

Included in the Fire Department is the Emergency Management Division. This office's primary responsibility is to plan and prepare for any wide spread emergency that the City of Chesapeake may experience. These emergencies may come in the form of a natural disaster or act of terrorism.

Our service delivery is not limited to response capabilities. We are proud to offer various other programs such as Child Safety Seat Installations, Fire Station Tours, Fire Extinguisher Training and the Community Emergency Response Team. Through these programs our proactive approach to public safety is best represented.

I would also encourage you to visit the "Volunteer Opportunities" section of our web site. Through these opportunities, you will be able to assist your community while learning valuable skills that may help save a friend or family member's life.

If you are visiting, I welcome you to our City. If you are a citizen, please stop by your neighborhood fire station and meet your City's firefighters. We are proud to be YOUR Fire Department and stand ready to serve you whenever needed!