Thomas LaBelle is Prince William County’s new Fire and Rescue System Chief. He will start May 1, 2023, and make a $215,000 annual salary.
LaBelle replaces Tim Keen, who retired after 40 years at the county’s fire and rescue department last year. Interim Chief Jim Forgo has helmed the ship since Keen’s departure.
More in a press release:
With more than 30 years working in emergency services organizations, Chief LaBelle has most recently served as a Deputy Chief with the Henrico County Division of Fire, with expertise in Community Risk Reduction. He previously spent five years as the Division Chief with Albemarle County Fire Rescue, managing the Executive Board and volunteer components of their combination Fire Rescue System.
Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue System is comprised of the Department of Fire and Rescue and eight volunteer fire and rescue departments. These organizations work together to provide high-quality and efficient firefighting and emergency medical services to Prince William County and currently consists of a combination of 722 full-time employees and 391 operational volunteer personnel.
As the county’s Fire and Rescue System Chief, Chief LaBelle will be responsible for Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management Services. The county’s combined Fire and Rescue System provides emergency incident operations, emergency preparedness and staffing of the emergency operations center. The Fire and Rescue System also provides fire, injury and illness prevention for the community, along with training and education programs for the preparedness of department personnel.
“Chief LaBelle’s experience in public safety speaks to his understanding and insights in managing a combination fire system and building community relationships through engagement and public service,” said Chair At-Large Ann Wheeler. “We look forward to him joining us in Prince William County.”
“I have spent my entire life supporting fire and EMS personnel, fire departments and the communities they protect,” said LaBelle. “I’m excited to now be able to serve the Prince William Fire and Rescue System and the Prince William community. I truly believe that the career and volunteer workforce in the county’s Fire and Rescue System are outstanding, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to work side by side with its members.”
Chief LaBelle has worked extensively with volunteer companies. He also brings a vast knowledge of state and national labor organizations, local labor associations and collective bargaining units.“We are excited to welcome Chief LaBelle as the county’s new Fire and Rescue System Chief,” remarked County Executive Christopher Shorter. “Based on his knowledge and experience, he is well-positioned to continue in the development and leadership of our great Fire and Rescue System.”
Chief LaBelle has a Bachelor of Science from Hartwick College and is working toward a Master in Homeland Security from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program in 2019. He holds multiple certifications, including Chief Fire Officer – Commission on Public Safety Credentialing and Pro Board Certificated as a Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor II and Fire Investigator.
Recent Stories
If you’re missing a furry friend, check out the photos below! These animals were turned into the Prince William County Animal Services Center as strays between January 21, 2025, and January 23, 2025. The shelter posts pictures of strays brought to their facility multiple times weekly to help reunite owners with their pets.
What to Do If You Recognize Your Pet: If you think one of the animals is yours, contact the Center directly:
Phone: (703) 792-6465
Email: [email protected]
In-Person: Visit the shelter at 14807 Bristow Rd, Manassas, VA 20112.
Virginia Scope – The Virginia Senate is blocking multiple appointees from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration. A source told Virginia Scope that these appointees had no idea they were not going to be removed.
Jeff Goettman, Yesli Vega, Meg Bryce and Ken Marcus were among the appointees blocked.
When these appointments made it to the full Senate floor Friday afternoon, the debate lasted hours.
Fredericksburg Free Press – Community leaders and local officials in the Fredericksburg area are grappling with how to protect undocumented immigrants in the context of mass deportation efforts directed by President Trump and enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
One aspect of the president’s new border policy is particularly troubling to some in the Fredericksburg area — the removal of the protection of migrants at schools, churches and hospitals.
Spotsylvania County Public School Superintendent Clint Mitchell sent a letter to the “SCPS community” stating that school officials and administrators will not inquire about the immigration status of students, or their families and that confidential student information will only be disclosed to authorities “in strict compliance with state and federal laws.”
WRIC-TV — In an effort to improve workers’ rights, Virginia Democrats have introduced two bills during this year’s General Assembly session to allow all public employees at both the state and local levels to collectively bargain.
“We need collective bargaining and we need it now,” Harry Szabo, an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University said at a press conference on Friday.
Currently, public workers are allowed to join a union, but they can’t collectively bargain for higher wages or better working conditions unless collective bargaining has been approved by their locality.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
