Bedford County Administrator Robert Hiss is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Ferguson as chief of the Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue. Ferguson will begin his new role on August 17.

Ferguson joins Bedford County from nearby Botetourt County, where he currently serves as chief of the Department of Fire & EMS. He began his career in 2000 as an emergency department technician-paramedic with Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital before joining the Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS as a paramedic in 2001.

Over the next 15 years, Ferguson advanced through the ranks in Botetourt County, serving as fire and EMS training coordinator, captain, division chief, battalion chief and deputy chief before being appointed chief in 2018.

In addition to his local leadership roles, Ferguson served in a flex-time position as a paramedic transport specialist with Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation’s critical care flight team from 2015 to 2021. He also served as an adjunct instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs from 2011 to 2021.

Ferguson holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency services and an associate’s degree in emergency health sciences from Jefferson College of Health Sciences. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and Virginia Tech’s Local Government Management Program.

Upon accepting this new role in Bedford County, Ferguson stated, “I am extremely excited and humbled to have the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated men and women of Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue. I look forward to collaborating with community stakeholders for the continued betterment of essential services throughout Bedford County.”

Robert Hiss added, “Jason has an outstanding reputation as an effective chief with substantial understanding and knowledge of fire and EMS systems. As our public safety system continues to evolve, his leadership in a combination career and volunteer system will prove beneficial for Bedford County. Jason’s experience and skills will be critical in advancing organizational goals, enhancing service delivery, and supporting the department’s long-term vision.”