[Archived] Andrew D. Snead Named Alexandria's Interim Fire Chief

City Manager Rashad M. Young has announced the appointment of Assistant Fire/EMS Chief Andrew D. Snead as Interim Fire Chief for the Alexandria Fire Department. Snead replaces Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel, who is resigning his position to accept an appointment by Governor Terence McAuliffe as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Snead, who joined the Alexandria Fire Department in 2008, has extensive experience in emergency medical incidents, safety, management of EMS, resource management, communications, apparatus, information technology, all hazards incident management, and human resources. Prior to his appointment in Alexandria, Snead served 26 years with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, progressing through the ranks and retiring at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief.

“Chief Snead brings more than 30 years of  experience to this position and he has the leadership, management skills and dedication that the Fire Department needs during this time of transition,” said City Manager Young. “I am confident that the Department is in capable hands as we begin the search for a permanent fire chief.”

Snead, a 2007 graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Urban Studies and Planning. He has served as President of the Progressive Firefighters of Fairfax, a chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. He also served as an Executive Board Member for International Association of Firefighters Local 2068. 

In addition, Chief Snead has appointed Assistant Fire/EMS Chief Rudy Thomas to head the Alexandria Fire Department Operations Section, which includes fire suppression and EMS.