Lynchburg Names State Fire Programs Director Brad Creasy as Next Fire Chief

Veteran emergency services leader brings more than 30 years of experience and a track record of organizational improvement, firefighter wellness, and community engagement.

The City of Lynchburg has selected veteran fire service leader Brad Creasy as its next Fire Chief following a nationwide search that attracted 31 applicants from 16 states.

Creasy brings more than three decades of experience in fire and emergency services, including leadership roles at the local, regional, and state levels. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, where he oversees firefighter training, professional development, grant administration, and fire prevention initiatives serving more than 35,000 firefighters across Virginia.

Before joining the state agency in 2022, Creasy served as Fire Chief for the Town of Bedford from 2008 to 2022 and previously held leadership positions with Roanoke Fire-EMS. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for improving organizational performance, strengthening firefighter wellness programs, securing grant funding, and modernizing emergency service operations.

City Manager Wynter C. Benda said Creasy emerged from the recruitment process as a respected and accomplished leader with a proven record of service.

“Brad Creasy distinguished himself throughout this process as a highly respected leader with a proven record of service and innovative organizational leadership,” Benda said. “His experience leading at the local, regional, and state levels, combined with his commitment to workforce development, community engagement, operational excellence, and firefighter wellness, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Lynchburg Fire Department into the future.”

A graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Business Management and Administration, Creasy has received numerous honors during his career, including Virginia Fire Chief of the Year in 2021 and Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Chief of the Year in 2022. He also holds the Center for Public Safety Excellence's Chief Fire Officer designation.

His appointment to lead the Virginia Department of Fire Programs by Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2022 and subsequent reappointment by Governor Abigail Spanberger in 2026 reflects broad confidence in his leadership within Virginia's fire service community.

Creasy said he looks forward to building on the department's strong foundation and working alongside firefighters, elected officials, and community partners.

“I am deeply honored and excited to accept the opportunity to serve as Lynchburg’s next Fire Chief,” Creasy said. “I have tremendous respect for the proud tradition that has been built by the men and women of this organization, and I look forward to working alongside our firefighters, elected officials, and community partners to continue that legacy.”

The City partnered with executive recruitment firm Raftelis to conduct the search process, which included multiple interview rounds, leadership assessments, and opportunities for input from department personnel, city leaders, residents, and community stakeholders.

Creasy is expected to begin his duties in July pending completion of standard pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation.