The retirement of former College Station Fire Chief R.B. Alley lasted six months.
The veteran firefighter was named Monday as the new fire chief in Newport News, Virginia.
Before coming to College Station in 2005, Alley had been chief in nearby Virginia Beach, where he began his career as a volunteer in 1973.
According to the city of Newport News, Alley was one of five finalists and ten semi-finalists selected from a field of 51 candidates.
At the time of Alley’s retirement, the College Station fire department had nearly 140 personnel and has a budget of $13.1 million dollars. By comparison, Newport News has a staff of 380 and budget of more than $30 million.
Below is the news release from the city of Newport News announcing Alley’s appointment.
Newport News City Manager Jim Bourey today announced his selection of Robert B. “R. B.” Alley as Fire Chief. He will begin his new position on January 1, 2014, with an annual salary of $147,500, and will oversee a $30+ million operating budget and a staff of 380. Chief Alley is replacing Chief Scott Liebold who is retiring at the end of the month.
A native of Virginia Beach, Chief Alley has 40 years of extensive experience encompassing Fire and EMS Service, including serving for eight years as the Fire Chief of College Station, Texas, and four years as District Fire Chief with the City of Virginia Beach. During his career, Chief Alley has performed roles in Fire Administration, the Fire Marshal’s Office, Emergency Management, and as Fire Safety Officer. He is an active member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and was named the 2012 Fire Chief of the Year by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. Alley has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Additionally, he has completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer certification.
“We are delighted to have R.B. lead our nationally and internationally recognized Fire Department as Chief,” said Bourey. “His vast experience in the fire service will be a tremendous asset to our City and to the outstanding team of men and women who provide exceptional fire and EMS services to our citizens.”
“The Newport News Fire Department is known for being a leader in field of fire service, and it is an honor to be appointed Fire Chief,” said Chief Alley. “I am truly excited about the opportunity to work with the well-respected members of the department to continue to provide superior services the citizens and visitors of Newport News.”
“Scott has done an extraordinary job for this community and its citizens,” Bourey said in September when announcing Chief Liebold’s retirement. “Over his lengthy career with the city Scott has achieved many accomplishments that have not only strengthened the Fire Department, but made it one of the premiere departments in the country. Newport News has been fortunate to have had a person of Scott’s caliber to serve as Fire Chief.”
Alley was selected after a thorough process that included a national search, an extensive assessment center earlier this month, and a series of interviews with the City Manager, department directors, and a panel of select Fire Department employees. Additionally, the finalists participated in two open forums – one with Fire Department employees and one for citizens.