Richard E. Burch, Jr.

RRichard E. Burch, Jr. (1st Term)
Representing: Virginia Fire Services Council
E-mail: rburch@roanokecountyva.gov

Chief Richard Burch’s career in the fire and rescue service followed a long family history in this field. His grandfather and father both worked and retired from the Richmond Fire Bureau. Combined, Chief Burch has 41 years of experience in all facets of the fire service, from volunteer, to career, to combination departments. Chief Burch began volunteering at Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 14. After completing a tour in Vietnam, he continued to volunteer in Hanover County and pursued a career with Richmond Fire Bureau.

Chief Burch left Richmond to accept a position as Deputy Fire Chief of Hanover County, which was a predominantly volunteer system with a few career personnel. He remained there until 1996 when he accepted his current position as Fire and Rescue Chief for the County of Roanoke. Under his leadership during the past 10 years, this combination fire and rescue department has grown substantially and is still staffed with 200 active volunteers and 125 career personnel.

Chief Burch holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science and an Executive Fire Officer graduate from the National Fire Academy. He has remained active in fire service organizations throughout his career. He has served as the President of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA), President of the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs (SEAFC), and appointed a member of the newly formed IAFC Emergency Management Committee. He remains a standing member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).

 

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