City Manager James F. Parajon named Felipe Hernandez Jr. as the new fire and emergency medical services chief for the City of Alexandria, according to a release from the city.
Hernandez is the first Latino to serve as a permanent fire chief in Alexandria and comes to the city after 25 years with the City of Rochester, where he previously served as chief of the fire department.
Hernandez retired from Rochester in 2023 and most recently served as the Superintendent of the New York State Academy of Fire Science.
In Rochester, Hernandez began as a firefighter and progressed through the ranks. He eventually held leadership positions in the department’s administrative, operations, training, and emergency management divisions, with continuous focus on recruitment, volunteer support and professional development.
Hernandez takes over from James Schwartz, who has been interim chief since January.
“We cannot thank Chief Schwartz enough for his unwavering commitment to Alexandria,” Parajon said in the release. “Chief Schwartz came out of retirement to assist us because he loves the City, the fire and emergency medical services and the department. We are extremely grateful to him for his guidance, wisdom, and support as we continue to move forward.”
