FEMA today named former Fairfax County (Va.) Fire Chief Glenn A. Gaines as deputy assistant administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration. Gaines will assume the role left vacant by Charlie Dickinson last year.

“I’m thrilled and determined to do my very best to represent the fire service at the federal level and firefighters in the field in volunteer and career departments," Gaines said. It’s an honored position, and I won’t let the fire service down.”

A 37-year veteran of Fairfax Fire Department, Gaines has spent the past eight years as a consultant for Homeland Security programs, particularly the Assistance to Firefighters and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant programs.

“It’s time to take a reflective look at our responsibilities and measure our performance and our outcome,” he said.

Gaines began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter and fire officer. He rose through the various ranks to become fire chief in Fairfax County, a metropolitan community serving over one million people. Along the way he served in key roles in training, prevention and operations, as well as overseeing a nationally recognized Urban Search-and-Rescue team.

Gaines holds a degree in fire administration, has authored several texts and articles on fire service issues, and has served as an instructor at the National Fire Academy.

Gaines also will serve as acting administrator until the USFA names a permanent replacement for Greg Cade. Dr. Denis Onieal has been acting administrator since January.