Johnson named inaugural chief of Charles City Fire Department
James "Jimmy" Johnson (center) was named as Charles City County's first Fire and Rescue chief during a May 25 ceremony. He is joined by District 2 Board of Supervisor and Chairman Bill Coada (left) and Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson (right).Robb Johnson photo
Charles City County has had many great years of volunteer service from firefighters and emergency medical transport teams. However, with time, change must come. That change took another step on the evening of May 25.
James “Jimmy” Johnson was pinned as the first chief of Charles City County Fire and EMS during the Wednesday afternoon service.
What started off as a goal for County Administrator Michelle Johnson to bring fire and rescue services 24 hours a day, blossomed into a full-fledged commitment upon Jimmy Johnson’s hiring in 2018 as the Director of Fire and EMS for the county. His growth spearheaded the hiring of the county’s first paid firefighters.
Jimmy Johnson accepted the fact that he needed to grow and make a change. From there, he furthered his education and conducted changes, many that he says the county may not understand. But Johnson is hopeful that his appointment as chief will provide a new beginning and outlet for Charles City County.
District 2 Supervisor and Chairman Bill Coada spoke about the process and vision in making this day come to fruition.
“This is a historic day in Charles City,” the chairman said. “When I was elected in 2012, we did not have an ambulance service for 24 hours. We had no EMS with 24-hour service, and the volunteer fire department was doing the best they could do.
“But then we hired Michelle Johnson [as county administrator] and she said she wanted to start a paid fire department,” Coada continued. “I thought she was crazy because we did not have the money, but she said she would find a way.”
The county administrator’s plan came full-circle with Jimmy Johnson’s coming on board, something Coada fondly remembers during his interview.
“The day we interviewed Jimmy Johnson, we had three people come through,” Coada commented. “When Jimmy came through, he had done more research and put more effort to get the job than anyone I have ever seen apply for a job.
“He gave us a Bible,” the District 2 supervisor added. “I mean, it was professional, and we hired Jimmy. He is a good leader, and a good leader surrounds himself with good people. Jimmy took nothing and you made something ,and the Board of Supervisors are proud.”
Michelle Johnson talked about the vision and endless pursuit to bring emergency services around the clock to the county.
“Because of your [Jimmy} hard work and dedication, your hard work ensures our citizens, visitors, and community are safe,” she commented. “I appreciate you because I could still be in a place where you don’t know if an ambulance or fire truck would show up.
“Right now, we are averaging a little over 800 calls a year,” the county administrator added. “We are getting to people’s houses in less than ten minutes in Charles City County, and that’s awesome.”
The newly appointed Chief Johnson made comments about his new position and set his goals for the advancement of county emergency services.
“I take this very seriously,” he said. “I tried to build this department with integrity and transparency. I understand the responsibilities it takes to be the chief of a department and being responsible for 7,000 people’s emergency needs.
“When I signed up for this position, there is a saying that goes like this; “Do not complain about what is on your plate when your whole objective is to eat.” That is why I signed up for this,” Jimmy Johnson concluded.
Over the span of four years, Charles City has added five fire apparatuses and is in the process of constructing a new fire station on Roxbury Road (Route 106). For Johnson, he considers it an honor to be named as the county’s inaugural chief.
“I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator for giving me the honor of becoming the first fire chief and the first African-American fire chief in Charles City County,” Johnson concluded.