The Winchester Fire and Rescue Department (WFRD) is pleased to announce the promotion of two employees, James “JD” Orndorff and Jonathan Henschel, to the position of Assistant Chief.
Assistant Chief Orndorff has been with the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department for over 20 years, most recently serving as the Deputy Chief with responsibility over health and safety, training, hiring, and budget development. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Waldorf University in Iowa. As a Paramedic, he has taught Paramedicine at Lord Fairfax Community College and helped manage the Virginia Fire Officers Academy. Chief Orndorff will continue to administer the Training, Health, and Safety program and other administrative functions.
Assistant Chief Henschel has also been with the Winchester Fire and Rescue Department for over 20 years. He is a Paramedic and has most recently served as a Battalion Chief, responsible for fireground command and station oversight. He has a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Fire and Rescue Executive Leadership from Waldorf University in Iowa; Executive Fire Officer Certification from the National Fire Academy; and Master of Science in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University in Alabama. Assistant Chief Henschel will be responsible for coordinating the operations of all station activities.
“The citizens of the City of Winchester and the members of the Fire and Rescue Department are fortunate to have these new additions to the leadership team. They are a welcome addition to help guide the Department into the future,” stated Interim Fire and Rescue Chief Hadden Culp.