Suffolk has new deputy fire chief

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Suffolk Fire Chief Michael Barakey announced David P. Harrell will be promoted to deputy fire chief, starting on Sunday, July 7.

Deputy Chief Harrell joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue back in January of 1997 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, captain in 2005, battalion chief in 2015 and assistant fire chief in 2023. He also earned an associate’s degree in fire science, a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and is currently finishing his master’s degree in public administration.

According to a press release from Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Deputy Chief Harrell helped to establish the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Technical Rescue Team and the Marine Rescue Team, while serving as program manager.

Harrell was named Firefighter of the Year in 2013, and also was awarded the Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence in 2017.

Harrell also graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, and has earned chief fire officer rom the center for Public Safety Excellence.

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