Another new face in town

County hires fire-rescue chief

Goochland’s new Fire-Rescue Chief William D. Mackay will report for duty on June 28,according to a press release announcing his hiring.

Currently serving as chief in Niagara Falls, New York, MacKay brings a wide range of experience to the job in Goochland.

Happily, MacKay, a native of Merrick, New York on Long Island’s south shore, began his fire-rescue career as a volunteer. This will enable him to understand the motivations and frustrations of those who give freely of their time and talent to save lives and protect property in Goochland.

MacKay will no doubt respect the achievements of those whose efforts transformed the handful of young men who took that first firefighter training course more than 50 years ago into the fine organization that it is today.

He will need to keep the course, already charted, that has added a handful of excellent career providers to Goochland Fire-Rescue last year.

Coming to the job in this era of severe budgetary constraints will require a deft leadership skills and the creativity to leverage existing assets.

Although there are pitfalls, the rewards of a job well done are many. Our fire-rescue providers both career and volunteer are well-trained, well-equipped and motivated to serve the citizens of Goochland.

MacKay’s broad experience will enable him to bring new insights to Goochland Fire-Rescue and collaborate with the volunteers and staff to craft strategies that will move the organization forward as the county grows.

Welcome Chief MacKay!

Below is the press release announcing MacKay’s appointment as Fire-Rescue Chief.

May 7, 2010
Goochland County Administrator Rebecca Dickson announced today the appointment of William D. MacKay, as Goochland County’s new Fire and Rescue Chief effective June 28.
Mr. MacKay has over 30 years of experience in the field of emergency response both fire and rescue. Mr. MacKay is currently the Fire Chief for the City of Niagara Falls, New York. As Fire Chief, Mr. MacKay is responsible for the operations and management of a 150 person municipal fire department. Prior to his appointment in Niagara Falls, he served in Fairfax County, Virginia for about 26years beginning in 1980. From 1980 to 2005 he served in various capacities ultimately retiring as Battalion Chief, Special Operations.
From 2005 through2006 Mr. MacKay served as Deputy Coordinator of Emergency Management for Fairfax County. Mr. MacKay is a certified instructor at the National Fire Academy.
He served as the Operations Chief for the response to the World Trade Center attack and as Emergency Operation Center Manager for Katrina Deployment to New Orleans.
Mr. Mackay began his fire career as a volunteer on Long Island.
Rebecca Dickson, County Administrator, stated that she is looking forward to Mr. MacKay coming on board. “Goochland County has a terrific reputation in the field of Fire and Rescue. Over 40 applications were received for the position and the process to select Mr. MacKay was strenuous. Mr. MacKay brings strong leadership ability,
comprehensive knowledge and years of emergency management experience to the position of Goochland County Fire and Rescue Chief. He will be a welcome addition to our dedicated Fire and Rescue volunteer and career staff and a tremendous asset for Goochland“ stated Ms. Dickson.

“My wife and I look forward to the opportunities that Goochland affords and to work with the men and women of the Goochland Fire and Rescue Department. It is an honor and privilege to have been selected and I look forward to many productive years in an organization with the reputation that Goochland is known for” stated Mr. MacKay.

Mr. MacKay will receive an annual salary of $83,000.