The Richmond Fire Department has appointed three new deputy chiefs to oversee operations, support services and administration.

Rodney Epps will become the permanent deputy chief of operations after serving in an acting role since March. He joined Richmond Fire more than 27 years ago at Fire Station 10 and has held leadership roles in technical rescue, training, fire investigations and field operations. Epps has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Old Dominion University. He will oversee citywide response services, including 20 engine companies, eight truck companies, four battalion chief offices, an air/light unit and a shift safety office as well as the department’s staffing and safety offices. 

Paul Moore III brings more than 28 years of fire service experience, including time as assistant chief with the Baltimore City Fire Department and at the Norfolk Airport Authority Fire Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Baltimore. Moore will oversee divisions that sustain operational readiness, including training, EMS, logistics, facilities and fleet. 

Bailey Martin has worked at Richmond Fire for 23 years in swift water rescue, heavy technical rescue, hazmat operations and administrative roles. He holds a bachelor’s from Randolph-Macon College and a master’s in homeland security from the Naval Postgraduate School. As deputy chief of administration, Martin will lead strategic planning, resource management and policy development to guide daily and long-term operations. 

“With over 75 years of fire service experience between them, Deputy Chiefs Epps, Moore and Martin bring the professionalism, determination and know-how we need to advance Richmond Fire as a top-tier firefighting outfit,” said RFD Chief Jeffrey Segal. “These Chiefs have my respect and my trust and I am honored to have them by my side in leading this fine organization.” 

The appointments follow other recent changes at Richmond Fire, including Segal’s permanent appointment as fire chief and Jeff Gray as fire service business manager, overseeing employee services, administration, finance, procurement, technology and special projects across the department. 

“Best in class emergency services require strong leadership at every level,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald. “These appointments demonstrate the depth of talent and experience that now lead Richmond Fire.”