City of Winchester, Virginia Local Government

The City of Winchester has selected Drew Savage as its new Fire and Rescue Chief. Savage brings a wealth of experience, with nearly two decades in fire and rescue, including extensive training, operations, and organizational leadership. His journey began as a firefighter-paramedic with Norfolk Fire-Rescue in 2005, and he currently serves as their Assistant Chief of Administrative Support Services. “After an exhaustive internal and external search, Drew really distinguished himself among the applicants,” said City Manager Dan Hoffman. “He brings decades of experience in public safety and has demonstrated success with Norfolk Fire-Rescue. We are delighted to have Drew join the team and look forward to him leading our Fire and Rescue Department.” Savage will replace outgoing Winchester Fire and Rescue Chief Jon Henschel, who will retire as Chief on April 1, 2025. Until Savage arrives to assume his duties in early May, the Department will be led by Acting Fire and Rescue Chief JD Orndorff. Savage is known for his problem-solving skills and collaborative approach to addressing administrative, operational, and cultural challenges within Norfolk Fire-Rescue. He led the department’s response to COVID-19, supported recruitment efforts, supervised training and professional development, and has extensive experience in budget oversight and operational supervision. Savage holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership/fire rescue executive leadership and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program. “I am honored to serve the City of Winchester as the next fire and rescue chief,” said Savage. “Thanks to outgoing Chief Henschel and his team, the Fire and Rescue Department appears well-positioned to meet the City's current needs and evolve with the demands and challenges of the modern fire service. I look forward to continuing this success and helping position Winchester Fire and Rescue as a model department within Virginia.”

To celebrate Women's History Month, we're talking to women across the City of Winchester who impact our community. Next up is Rose Johnson from our Human Resources team. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInLeadership #PublicServent #CelebrateWomen #CommunityImpact

To celebrate Women's History Month, we're talking to women across the City of Winchester who impact our community. Next up is Heather Hovermale, Winchester Commonwealth's Attorney. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLAW #CelebrateWomen #CommunityImpact

?? YOU ROCK, Terri Mellott, our March Employee of the Month! Terri has been integral to the City of Winchester's Emergency Communications team since 2002. Over the years, she has worked a variety of shifts, showing her unwavering commitment to serving the community. Although the midnight shift is her least favorite at this stage in her career, Terri consistently puts the needs of the team first. This year, when it came time for shift assignments, Terri demonstrated her dedication to her colleagues by making a selfless decision. She knew that another team member, who was still relatively new to the department, preferred to be on the day shift due to family commitments. Without hesitation, Terri gave up her own chance at the day shift instead of taking on the midnight shift to help out the less-tenured employee. This act of thoughtfulness and support speaks to Terri’s outstanding teamwork and her willingness to go above and beyond for others. We deeply appreciate her positive attitude and commitment to the team, and her selflessness is a true reflection of the values we strive to uphold in the City of Winchester’s Emergency Communications Department. Congratulations, Terri!

Police Chief Ronnie Lewis joined us on the podcast to introduce himself and discuss his plans for the Winchester Police Department. We're also discussing where we are in the budget process and what's coming up in the City. ?? Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eG5TcAEx ?? Spotify: https://ow.ly/3JxE50V5zWN ?? Direct from the City's Website: https://ow.ly/Cyyg50V5zWO

To celebrate Women's History Month, we're talking to women across the City of Winchester who impact our community. Next up is Kelly Henshaw, Deputy Director of Public Services and our City Engineer. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInLeadership #PublicServices #WomenInSTEM #CelebrateWomen #CommunityImpact

To celebrate Women's History Month, we're talking to women across the City of Winchester who impact our community. First up is Ashley Hoffmann, Community Paramedic with Winchester Fire & Rescue Department. #WomensHistoryMonth #HerStory #ItsOurCity

Meet Cheryl, a Winchester Social Services intern turned employee! Listen in to hear what Cheryl had to say about her internship with Winchester Social Services. Winchester Social Services accepts interns every semester. Send this post to someone you know looking for an internship or APPLY TODAY! https://lnkd.in/dUAiPm8D

We are hiring for a Family Services Supervisor! Interested in applying? Apply today at - https://lnkd.in/eGj6JUMs

This year, Virginia is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and US Independence throughout the Commonwealth. This time on the Rouss Review, we're talking with Becky Ebert, the Winchester-Frederick County VA 250 Committee chair, and learning about local events coming up in our area to celebrate. ?? Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eG5TcAEx ?? Spotify: https://ow.ly/WlSL50V5zWP ?? Direct from the City's Website: https://ow.ly/OUMM50V5zWJ