Fairfax County’s next fire chief will be a veteran firefighter who has led Howard County’s fire department for the past four years and served two combat tours as a Marine, the Board of Supervisors has announced.
John S. Butler is set to take over the 1,400-strong department in September, replacing Richard Bowers, who retired in April. Butler began his career with the Howard fire department in 1993 as a paramedic, moving up the ranks until he was appointed chief in 2014.
“We had a number of strong candidates, however, Chief Butler demonstrated the leadership, vision and communications skills that will move our excellent Fire and Rescue Department forward,” said County Executive Bryan Hill. “His proven experience and successful leadership at the helm of a large department will continue to strengthen our culture and contribute to a positive future for the department.”