Gregory Dean, head of DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, who has been serving since 2015, is stepping down.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser named John Donnelly, who previously worked as associate fire chief, to replace Dean on Friday.
The mayor thanked Dean for his service, while the retired chief did not give a specific reason for his decision and said he originally planned to announce it in May, but delayed it after the coronavirus pandemic broke out.
Dean was appointed by Bowser in 2015. Prior to that, he had led the Fire and EMS in Seattle, Washington, for 10 years.
“To the men and women who have worked with me over the past 38 years, from you I have learned how to be an EMT, a paramedic, a firefighter, an officer, a father, and a husband,” Donnelly said after being nominated by Bowser. “I hope to emulate the best of all of you as the Fire and EMS chief.”
Donnelly needs approval from the DC Council to officially assume the position.