HENRICO COUNTY, Va. – Officials announced Henrico’s interim fire chief, Jackson Baynard, has been named the agency’s new chief.
The news came during Saturday’s grand opening of the "state-of-the-art" Firehouse 20 on Willis Road just off Staples Mill Road.
The more than 12,700-square-foot station includes a fitness center, kitchen, bunk rooms and more.
"Firehouse 20 represents Henrico County’s ongoing commitment to employee health, citizen safety, and sustainable infrastructure,” Baynard said. “It also represents an investment in a county that’s growing and thriving.”
Henrico Fire officials said the "state-of-the-art design" will promote firefighter well-being and will in turn improve response times.
Baynard credited multiple people and ideas who "came together as one team with one mission” for coming up with the design of the station.
“It’s that sort of forward-thinking and collaboration that reflects the spirit of our community," Baynard said.
Officials said Firehouse 20, which began taking calls on Jan. 4, is averaging 10 calls per day. It is the county’s 22nd fire station. Officials said a 23rd is planned for the county's East End.
