City Manager Ken Larking announced today the retirement of Fire Chief David Eagle, who has served in that position for 12 years and 25 years as a firefighter. Though retiring from the City of Danville, Eagle will join the City of Williamsburg as fire chief.
Larking informed City Council members on Tuesday. Eagle’s last day with the City of Danville will be Oct. 11. He will join the City of Williamsburg on Oct. 15.
“I am proud of everything our Fire Department has accomplished under David’s leadership over the past several years,” Larking said. “I wish him and his family all the best as he transitions to Williamsburg.”
Eagle, at age 50 and with 25 years of service, became eligible to retire under the City of Danville’s policy.
“It has been a great honor to serve my hometown as fire chief,” Eagle said. “I have been privileged to serve with an outstanding team of dedicated firefighters, and I am confident that the high level of service that our community has grown to expect will continue.”
Eagle became fire chief in April of 2007. As fire chief, Eagle is responsible for a department with 145 personnel and a $9 million budget. He also serves as emergency management coordinator.
During his tenure, Eagle oversaw the merger of fire and 911 communications operations, the construction of the new headquarters/fire station on Lynn Street, and the department’s award of international accreditation.
Last year, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) reclassified the Fire Department as an ISO Class 1. This classification is the highest available rating.
Also, Eagle implemented the use of mobile data terminals that assist medical services in the field. These terminals provide GIS mapping and improve patient outcomes by sending electrocardiogram or EKG heart monitor readings from the field to the hospital.
Before being named fire chief, Eagle worked his way up the ranks in Danville. He joined the City as a firefighter/ emergency medical technician. In 1997, he was named assistant fire marshal. In 2003, he was promoted to fire marshal.
In Williamsburg, Eagle will direct the fire department and serve as the emergency management coordinator. The fire chief functions as a member of the City’s executive team and reports directly to the city manager.
“Williamsburg is a renowned community, and I am humbled for the opportunity to serve as their next fire chief,” Eagle said.
For Danville’s next fire chief, Larking said he would conduct a comprehensive search using a process similar to the one that resulted in the hiring of Police Chief Scott Booth.
The Fire Department has been serving the Danville community since 1884. Today, 145 firefighters and staff work in seven stations across the city.