James Williams is Loudoun County Combined Fire & Rescue System Chief

Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams has been selected to serve as the system’s new chief, effective April 11, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet announced on April 7. Williams was the successful candidate following an extensive national search. Williams will succeed Keith Johnson, who will retire this month after serving as chief of the system since 2018.

Williams began his service with Loudoun County in 2001 as a firefighter recruit and has risen through the ranks of the system as a captain, battalion chief and deputy chief and has served as assistant chief of operations since 2018.

As assistant chief of operations, Williams has been primarily responsible for day-to-day management and administration of fire and rescue services as well as emergency medical services, training and special operations within the Combined Fire and Rescue System.  Williams is a staunch advocate for first responder health, safety, and wellness; his advocacy and efforts led to the system’s Center for Fitness, Wellness, and Support Services and the start of the Behavioral Health program.

“Throughout his career, Chief Williams has displayed a commitment to delivering prompt, effective and professional fire, rescue and EMS services to the community,” said Hemstreet. “He has played a key role in ensuring the success of our combined system of career and volunteer personnel and I am confident that under his leadership, the county’s fire and rescue system will continue to provide the community with world-class services.”

Williams holds a bachelor’s degree from Bates College and a master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Tech. He is credentialed as certified public manager by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Institute for Regional Excellence and George Washington University Center for Excellence in Municipal Management and completed the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire Service Executive Development Institute in 2023. 

Williams maintains professional affiliations with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fire Department Safety Officer’s Association and the International City/County Management Association. Williams is married; he and his wife Heather have two children, Luke and Emma.

Information about the programs and services of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System is available online at loudoun.gov/fire.