After a nationally competitive executive recruitment, City Manager James F. Parajon has appointed Felipe Hernandez Jr. as fire and emergency medical services chief for the City of Alexandria, effective Monday, July 8. Chief Hernandez will be the first Latino to serve as permanent fire chief in Alexandria’s history.

“Chief Hernandez impressed our team with his experience and technical competence in fire and emergency medical service,” said Parajon. “He brings a modern, data-driven approach to public safety. “But most importantly, Chief Hernandez knows that strong relationships with good people will ensure we continue to grow and thrive as an organization. He is a highly effective communicator and leader with the qualities and resilience to lead our fire department for years to come.”

Hernandez has spent more than 25 years in the fire service and was previously the Fire Chief in the City of Rochester, New York. where he oversaw a highly rated, accredited department of 482 sworn and 24 civilian personnel. Hernandez retired from Rochester in 2023 and most recently served as the Superintendent of the New York State Academy of Fire Science.

In Rochester, Hernandez began as a firefighter and progressed through the ranks. He eventually held leadership positions in the department’s administrative, operations, training, and emergency management divisions, with continuous focus on recruitment, volunteer support and professional development. Hernandez is a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designated by the Commission on Professional Credentialing and a National Emergency Medical Technician, with additional certifications in fire officer instruction, health, and incident safety. He has a master’s degree in leadership from Nazareth College and a bachelor's degree in business administration and management from State University of New York, Brockport.

Hernandez will take over from James Schwartz, who has been serving as Interim Chief since January. Schwartz, an Alexandria resident, retired in 2021 as the Deputy County Manager for public safety and technology in Arlington, Virginia. Prior to that, he served in the Arlington County Fire Department for 32 years, including the last 11 as Chief.

“We cannot thank Chief Schwartz enough for his unwavering commitment to Alexandria,” said Parajon. “Chief Schwartz came out of retirement to assist us because he loves the City, the fire and emergency medical services and the department. We are extremely grateful to him for his guidance, wisdom, and support as we continue to move forward.”

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.

Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria's 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.