Hopewell Fire & EMS announces new deputy chief

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- Hopewell Fire & EMS has welcomed Robert Williams as its new deputy chief.

Williams has served as emergency management coordinator with the department since 2022, and previously served as the emergency management specialist with the City of Hopewell since 2017.

In addition to bringing 39 years of experience in Fire and Emergency Services to the position, he serves as chair of the training committee for the Emergency Management Alliance of Central Virginia.

"Robert has proved to be a valuable member of our team here at Hopewell Fire & EMS," said Ben Ruppert, Hopewell Fire chief. "He has been crucial to the City's response to emergencies like COVID-19, the ice storm/water system failure of 2021, as well as capability development, like operationalizing the department's drone program. We are excited to see what he will bring to his new position here in the City."

Williams officially started his new role on Jan. 21.