Richmond announces permanent fire chief

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- After nearly an entire year of searching, the City of Richmond has announced that the city's interim fire chief will be appointed as the permanent chief later this month.

Jeffrey Segal took the lead position of the Richmond Fire Department in January 2025 after then-chief Melvin Carter announced his retirement.

“I am grateful to be able to continue in service to a community I have grown to love deeply,” Segal said. “I look forward to building on this Department’s strong legacy and thank the Mayor and our CAO for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility.”

The interim chief joined the city's fire department in 2020, where he oversaw the North Division and served as a shift commander. Prior to his time in Richmond, Segal served the Baltimore City Fire Department for over 30 years.

“For the last quarter I have had an opportunity to partner with Chief Segal in setting the foundation for the future of Richmond Fire,” said CAO Odie Donald II. “Chief Segal not only has the trust and respect of his department and the community, his commitment to ethical leadership and best in class service delivery fully aligns with both Mayor Avula’s vision for Richmond and the City’s rich firefighting legacy.”

In addition to his new appointment, Segal announced that the fire department will be introducing a new role, "Senior Business Officer," to oversee finances and general administrative activities. City of Richmond Organizational Strategist Jeff Gray will step into the senior leadership-level unsworn position.

The fire department has also proposed three new policies:

1. Fire Inspection Control Measures and Guidance: Provides clear guidance for inspections to ensure they are done the same way across the city.
2. Anti-Corruption Policy: Reinforces the department’s commitment to honesty and accountability.
3. Purchasing and Procurement Policy: Ensures that resources and supplies are purchased responsibly, with a streamlined process.

"One of my top priorities is taking Richmond’s local government and transforming it into a model public-sector organization," said Mayor Danny Avula. "That work happens through continuous, focused improvements to the way we do business. That's exactly what I’ve asked CAO Donald to do, and in collaboration with Chief Segal that’s exactly what these new announcements deliver. This kind of nuts-and-bolts progress is how we build trust with our residents. More to come!"

Segal's appointment as permanent fire chief will begin on Nov. 29.