(Roanoke County) Monday, March 2, 2015 — Roanoke County Administrator Thomas Gates announced Monday that Deputy Chief Joey Stump will serve as Acting Fire & Rescue Chief, effective April 1. Current Fire & Rescue Chief Richard Burch announced his retirement in September. Burch’s last day is March 31.
“Joey has a wealth of knowledge about fire and rescue programs, and Roanoke County,” said Gates. “I know he will step seamlessly into this role and provide excellent leadership for the benefit of the County and its citizens.”
"It has been my pleasure to work with Chief Burch over the past 18 years,” said Stump. “I look forward to working with Mr. Gates and the excellent Fire and Rescue staff to continue moving forward until a permanent Chief is hired."
Stump began his fire service career in 1979, at the age of 16, as a volunteer with the Bent Mountain Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He served as Volunteer Fire Chief with the organization before being hired as a career firefighter with the Roanoke County Fire Department in 1986.
Stump progressed through the ranks, serving as Battalion Chief of Hazardous Materials, Battalion Chief of Training, and Battalion Chief of Support Services, just prior to the arrival of the newly hired Chief Rick Burch.
Following the reorganization of the department under Chief Burch’s direction, Stump was promoted to Division Chief, serving as Division Chief of Operations, Division Chief of Administration, Division Chief of Support Services, and assumed the role of Division Chief of Homeland Security which also serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Roanoke County.
Stump’s training and varied responsibilities within the department have resulted in a leader with a wide span of fire and rescue knowledge, including heavy tactical rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency management. Stump has had the opportunity to share his expertise by instructing classes throughout Virginia, along the east coast, and as far away as Cuba.