[Archived] City of Alexandria Selects Adam Thiel New Fire Chief

Speaking earlier today, City Manager Hartmann said “Chief Thiel is the professional we need at this time to take our fire department to the next level of excellence and professionalism. His background, experience, and technical knowledge will benefit the men and women of our Fire Department.”

Since November 2004, Chief Thiel has been the deputy chief of emergency services for the City of Goodyear, Arizona, managing the city’s response to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material releases, and rescue situations. He is a certified fire officer, fire-rescue instructor, rescue diver, hazardous materials technician, and former paramedic.

In 2002, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner appointed Chief Thiel as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. During his tenure as Executive Director, he served as a member of the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group, the Virginia Emergency Response Council, the State Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Advisory Committee, and the Critical Infrastructure Working Group. From 1995 to 2002, Chief Thiel was a member of the Fairfax County, Virginia Fire and Rescue Department, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

“My excitement about this opportunity is tempered by a sense of the awesome responsibility inherent in serving the community,” said Chief Thiel. “I appreciate the confidence of the City’s management team and look forward to working alongside the men and women of the Alexandria Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department.”

Chief Thiel earned Bachelor degrees in history (UNC-Chapel Hill) and fire science (University of Maryland University College), and a Masters in public administration from George Mason University. In 2004, he attended the Harvard University Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He has served as an adjunct instructor at several colleges and universities.

Chief Thiel’s appointment is effective August 6. He succeeds former Chief Gary Mesaris, who was named Fire Chief of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority’s Fire and Rescue Department on March 5.