[Archived] City Manager Appoints Gary Mesaris Alexandria Fire Chief

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

City Manager Appoints Gary Mesaris
Alexandria Fire Chief

Alexandria City Manager Philip Sunderland has appointed Gary A. Mesaris as Alexandria Fire Chief beginning June 9, 2003. Mesaris has been fire chief of the City of Fairfax for more than 12 years. He served 22 years with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department including three years as chief deputy fire chief. Mesaris replaces Thomas Hawkins who retired in December 2002 after nine years as Alexandria Fire Chief.

“Mr. Mesaris brings critical fire fighting and management experience to the City of Alexandria,” said Sunderland. “He will be an outstanding leader of our Fire Department and a wonderful addition to the Alexandria community.”

During his career with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Mesaris rose through the ranks to become second in command of an organization with more than 1,400 employees. During his tenure with the City of Fairfax, Mesaris was an active member of the City Manager’s Leadership Team and supervised all activities of the Fire Department.

Mesaris has a Master’s Degree with a concentration in Public Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration and Technology from George Mason University. He is married to Tammy Mesaris. They have two children, Matthew and Meredith.