WASHINGTON — Corey A. Smedley, the current acting fire chief for Alexandria, will be stepping into a more long-term role after being appointed as the city's permanent fire chief.
The 48-year-old, who took over after Robert C. Dubé retired in June, will be the first African American to serve in the role in Alexandria's history.
He's served over 25 years in the county, working for the City of Alexandria in 2015 as Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, after 20 years with the Prince George’s County Fire Department.
Alexandria City Manager Mark B. Jinks said that the decision to appoint Smedley to the role was based off his many accomplishments with the department.
"Throughout his 25-year career, Chief Smedley has been involved in nearly every aspect of fire and emergency medical service," Jinks said. "His leadership both within the Fire Department and with our community and regional partners shows he has the necessary qualities and experience to lead our Fire Department into the next decade."
Smedley worked with multiple regional agencies in creating a recruit training program with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority during his time as acting fire chief. He also helped centralize the Fire Marshal's Office and was an inaugural chair of a committee focused on the allocation of federal homeland security funding to area localities.
Beyond being a certified fire inspector and a nationally registered paramedic, Smedley also holds degrees from John Hopkins University and The George Washington University.
Officials with Alexandria Fire said the decision is effective immediately.
