County appoints James Bonzano, II, as Fire Chief

Warren County is announcing the appointment of James Bonzano, II, as the new Fire Chief for the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Mr. Bonzano has an Associate of Applied Science degree from Northern Virginia Community College in Emergency Medical Service Management, graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Management, and received his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Innovation from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Mr. Bonzano will begin his employment with the County effective January 1, 2021. He filled the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime Chief Richard E. Mabie, effective December 30, 2020.

Mr. Bonzano joins Warren County from Arlington County where he served in the Arlington County Fire Department (ACFD) in progressively responsible leadership roles for thirty-four (34) years, including Acting Assistant Chief, South Deputy Chief, Personnel Services Section Chief, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Battalion Chief. Following the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, he served as the EMS branch director for the emergency response. Most recently, Mr. Bonzano served as Arlington County’s Fire Chief from his appointment in 2016 until his retirement in 2018. Since 2018, he has served as a Public Safety Consultant for Interagency Readiness Solutions providing curriculum and training on multi-agency response procedures, continuity of operations planning, and vulnerability assessments for large-scale disasters.

After being introduced by Fire Marshal Gerry Maiatico, New Fire Chief James Bonzano II introduced himself to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning.

Cheryl Cullers, Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair, stated, “I am excited to begin working with Mr. Bonzano and am looking forward to what opportunities and ideas he can bring. I think he will be a great addition to and for the community.”

Ed Daley, Interim County Administrator, stated, “Chief Mabie has done an awesome job building the Fire and EMS system in Warren County. We look forward to having Mr. Bonzano with us as he works with our career and volunteer staff to prepare for the future challenges and opportunities in our community.”

Mr. Bonzano said, “I am honored and humbled to join the Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services leadership team. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the care of the community and all who comprise the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.”

The Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is located in the Public Safety Building at 200 Skyline Vista Drive, Suite 200, telephone (540) 636-3830. Office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.