IAFC Has New Deputy Executive Director

A gain for the International Association of Fire Chiefs is loss for the Prince William County, Va. Department of Fire and Rescue.

Chief Mary Beth Michos announced today that after 12-and-a-half years, she is leaving the department for a post with IAFC.

"It's been a very emotional day," Michos said.

"I think we have one of the greatest fire departments there is and it's really the people who have made that experience so positive."

Michos will serve as the IAFC's deputy executive director. She says it has not yet been determined when she begins her new job, but plans on serving as chief through this summer.

"This is a great opportunity to still be in the fire service and make a difference," she said.

In February, former executive director Garry Briese left the IAFC for a private sector position. Former deputy executive director Mark W. Light was named as his replacement in May.

There are currently 350 career and 1,026 volunteer firefighters with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. The county has a population of 371,178 and boasts 19 fire stations and two state-of-the-art training facilities.