Brad Creasy Officially Sworn In as Lynchburg Fire Chief

Veteran Fire Service Leader Begins New Role Following National Search

Brad Creasy officially became the new chief of the Lynchburg Fire Department during a public swearing-in ceremony Wednesday attended by city leaders, firefighters, retirees, elected officials, family members and community partners.

Originally scheduled to take place at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Miller Park, the ceremony was moved indoors because of extreme heat. The event included the presentation of colors, an invocation, the administration of the oath of office by Lynchburg Circuit Court Clerk Todd Swisher and the ceremonial pinning of Chief Creasy by his son, Brycen Creasy, a firefighter with Roanoke Fire-EMS.

City Manager Wynter Benda welcomed Creasy to Lynchburg, praising the department's long tradition of service and expressing confidence in its future.

"The Lynchburg Fire Department has a strong tradition of service to our community," Benda said. "I am confident that under Chief Creasy's leadership, we will continue building on that foundation while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Creasy brings more than three decades of fire and emergency services experience to the position. Most recently, he served as executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, overseeing statewide initiatives involving firefighter training, technology modernization, strategic planning, employee wellness and professional development. He was selected following a nationwide search.

Addressing those in attendance, Creasy said he intends to build upon the department's existing strengths.

"As I assume this role, I recognize that I am inheriting an excellent fire department," Creasy said. "My commitment is to work alongside our members to build upon that strong foundation and continue the journey toward becoming a truly world-class fire department."

The Lynchburg Fire Department serves approximately 80,000 city residents while also providing emergency response for thousands of people who commute to Lynchburg each day for work, education and recreation. The department operates eight fire stations and includes 223 personnel providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response and fire prevention services.