The Charlottesville Fire Department swore in Joe Powers as the new Deputy Chief alongside three new firefighters on Thursday at the Ridge Street Fire Station.
Powers will lead the Community Risk Reduction Section, which will help members of the community and business owners prevent fires by providing leadership, direction, and initiatives.
He served the Henrico County Division of Fire for 19 years, holding operational and administrative positions.
He is excited to meet members of the community and lead this new initiative.
"Coming from a large organization in Henrico and coming to the city of Charlottesville gives me the opportunity to know everybody like family and I'm really looking forward to that," said Powers.