The Role of the Deputy Chief of Support Services

The Deputy Chief of Support Services manages departmental budget for logistical support and purchasing functions. This position manages the development of effective training programs for career staff, and development of department-wide health and safety program. Also responsible for researching, formulating, and recommending departmental budgets, policies, plans, and procedures.

Chief Taylor

Deputy Fire Chief Elmond D. Taylor began his fire service career in Gainesville, Florida September 22, 1980. His first tour of duty was a four year assignment to the busiest engine company in the city. He would later be assigned for one year to the hazardous materials team. He would soon qualify to drive fire apparatus and work out of classification.

In March or 1986 Chief Taylor was promoted to the rank of Fire Lieutenant. As a Fire Lieutenant he began on an engine company but would later be assigned to a Truck Company. In March of 1988 he was promoted to the rank of District Chief. As a District Chief he worked on special projects such as management of the breathing air systems, HazMat vehicle specifications, and facility upgrades.

In 1987 Chief Taylor attended Santa Fe Community College and became a paramedic. Through out his career he has held a number of other certifications such as: Basic Life Support (BLS); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS); CPR Instructor; and Municipal Fire Safety Inspector.

Chief Elmond D. Taylor was promoted to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief in October 1992. The Assistant Fire Chief served as Division Manager for the Fire Safety Management (Prevention) Division. As such he served as third in command of this medium sized fire department and reported directly to the Fire Chief. His area of responsibility included fire prevention, training, and emergency management. He also played a vital role in recruiting, public education, public information, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials response.

Chief Elmond D. Taylor came to Richmond, Virginia in March 2006 to accept the assignment of Deputy Fire Chief of Support Services. In Richmond he , along with the Deputy Chief of Operations, serves as second in command of this Metro Fire Department and reports directly to the Fire Chief. He is a member of the executive team for the department. His areas of responsibility include planning, logistics, and finance. He has general oversight of code enforcement, training, budget, human resources, facilities, fleet, and information technology. The three offices in the Support Services portfolio are the Fire Marshals Office, Fire Training Academy, and Fire Administration.

Deputy Fire Chief Elmond Taylor has attended numerous courses at the National Fire Academy. He has also received instruction and training from Santa Fe Community College, Central Florida Community College, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and Florida State Fire College.

Throughout his career Chief Elmond D. Taylor has enjoyed many opportunities to serve the fire service in an expanded role. He has served as chairperson of the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council; member Board of Directors for Florida Fire Marshals Association; member Board of Directors (and one of the founding members) of the Southeast Burn Foundation; member Florida Fire Chiefs Association Life Safety Task Force; and member Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention.

Deputy Fire Chief Elmond Taylor has been married to Lasonya Taylor since 1982. Their two daughters, Serinna and Shirelle also now call Richmond home. Elmond Taylor is active in the community volunteering no less than 20 hours each month. He enjoys sharing a meal socializing with friends.