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SUFFOLK, Virginia –  Suffolk Fire Chief Michael Barakey announced that David P. Harrell will be promoted to Deputy Fire Chief, effective Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Chief Harrell started his fire service career in 1995, joining the Driver Volunteer Fire Department.  He was among the first to enroll in the Southside Regional Fire Academy as a volunteer and graduated in 1996.  Following his graduation, Chief Harrell joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue in January 1997.  Chief Harrell was promoted to Lieutenant in 2002, Captain in 2005, Battalion Chief in 2015, and Assistant Fire Chief in 2023.

Chief Harrell helped establish and served as program manager for the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Technical Rescue Team and the Marine Rescue Team.  He earned an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, and is currently finishing his Master’s Degree in Public Administration.  Chief Harrell was named Firefighter of the Year in 2013 and was also awarded the Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence in 2017.

Chief Harrell is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and has earned the designation of Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.