Henrico names Clevert its new fire chief

Douglas W. Clevert Jr. has been appointed to serve as chief of the Henrico County Division of Fire, effective June 13.

He joined the division in 2020 as an assistant fire chief and was promoted to deputy chief in 2023. He succeeds Jackson P.F. Baynard, who was announced in May as Henrico’s next deputy county manager for Public Safety. 

Clevert has more than 21 years of experience in municipal fire service, including 15 years in senior leadership and incident command roles. Before joining Henrico Fire, he served 15 years with the Richmond Fire Department. He rose steadily through the ranks, serving as firefighter, lieutenant, captain, acting battalion chief and battalion chief. 

Clevert grew up in Henrico and graduated from Godwin High School. He went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in fire administration and a master of arts degree in executive leadership from Liberty University. He also holds an associate of applied science degree in fire science technology from Reynolds Community College.

As fire chief, he will oversee an agency responsible for fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation and disaster preparedness in Henrico.

The division has an approved budget of $102.5 million and 677 employees in fiscal year 2025-26. It responds to more than 60,000 calls for service each year and operates 23 firehouses. Henrico holds the highest-possible Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office, which is based on a comprehensive review of the county’s fire response, including its fire department capabilities and training.