Staunton announces retirement of Fire Chief

The city announced Garber’s departure in a press release on Monday.

“Chief Garber has dedicated his career to the safety of the citizens and visitors of Staunton, and for that, on behalf of the entire city, I thank him,” said City Manager Leslie Beauregard.

Garber joined the department in 1995 and was named chief in 2009. Garber was awarded by governments and firefighting associations during his term, including:

• Governor’s Virginia Fire Service Award for Excellence in Fire Service Management in 2014.
• Governor’s Virginia Fire Service Award for Excellence in Fire Service Training in 2015.
• Governor’s Virginia Fire Service Award for Virginia Career Fire Chief of the Year in 2021.
• Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Glenn A. Gaines Leadership Legacy Award in 2020.
• Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs 2022 Career Fire Chief of the Year.

Garber previously reflected on his time in an interview marking his 25th year with the department.

"Being a firefighter, there’s always the thrill or exhilaration of it. I’ve been in the fire service now for almost 30 years because I started as a volunteer, but no two calls are the same,” Garber said in the interview. “We see a lot of interesting things, we help people all the time, and that’s probably what it comes down to — being a servant to the community and helping people. That’s what any of these guys that work here will tell you. It’s about being the good and helping the community."

Deputy Fire Chief Jason Ball has been appointed Interim Fire Chief until the city formally fills the position.

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.