Chief's Office

Fire Chief Edwin W. Smith oversees the second largest fire-rescue department in the state of Virginia with an annual budget of approximately $50 million. Henrico County Division of Fire (HCDF) is staffed with 540 employees, more than 500 of whom are sworn uniformed firefighters. The men and women of the HCDF serve more than 300,000 residents, businesses, and visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Fire Chief Edwin Smith is a 35-year veteran of the HCDF. He established his career as a firefighter and moved through the ranks to the position of Fire Chief. Chief Smith has served in every position as a firefighter and officer. He is a certified Hazardous Materials Specialist and sworn Virginia Fire Investigator. After serving as a Division Chief for six years, Chief Smith was appointed to Fire Chief in August 2007.

A resident of Henrico County, Chief Smith was educated in the Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School. He continued his education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where he received an Associate's degree in Fire Science. Furthering his studies at the University of Richmond, he was awarded a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree.

He is a Past Master of Friendship Lodge 19, a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, and Central Virginia Fire and Arson Association.