Spotsylvania Taps Campbell County Public Safety Director For Deputy Fire Chief

Campbell County's Public Safety Director Scott Hechler will be Spotsylvania County's new deputy fire chief, succeeding Monty Willaford, who resigned in February shortly after the Board of Supervisors didn't support changes that would have provided around-the-clock fire and rescue service coverage.

Hechler has 29 years of service in fire departments and public safety and has served on the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and Department of Transportation. 

Hechler also worked with the U.S. Navy Fire and Emergency headquarters in Washington D.C. Hechler will step into his new position June 18, according to the Lynchburg newspaper.

Although Willaford never gave a reason for his resignation, he supported efforts to bring 24/7 coverage to Spotsylvania County, which has been a system goal for a decade. Willaford also helped rebuild the system after a Feb. 5, 2010, fatal fire brought to light numerous challenges the combined system faces. A state study finished in 2010 recommended a true combined system of volunteers and paid employees working together at the same times, which Willaford helped develop.