Suffolk Fire & Rescue announces new Deputy Fire Chief

Trinity Lee and Madie MacDonald

6 minutes ago

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Suffolk Fire Chief Michael Barakey announced that David P. Harrell will be promoted to deputy fire chief, effective Sunday, July 7.

Chief Harrell joined Suffolk Fire & Rescue in January 1997 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, captain in 2005, battalion chief in 2015 and deputy fire chief in 2023. He also earned an associate degree in fire science, a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and is currently completing his master’s degree in public administration.

According to a press release from Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Chief Harrell helped create Suffolk Fire & Rescue’s Technical Rescue Team and Marine Rescue Team, while also serving as program manager.

Chief Harrell was named Firefighter of the Year in 2013 and also received the Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence in 2017.

Chief Harrell is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program and earned the title of Chief Fire Officer from the Public Safety Center of Excellence.