Acting Fire Chief Scott Liebold joined the City of Newport News as a firefighter in 1982 and progressed through the ranks. Chief Liebold holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Christopher Newport University and has completed two graduate programs-one in Local Government Management through Virginia Tech and one in Public Safety Leadership/Public Management through Christopher Newport University.

Chief Liebold also received the professional designation of “Chief Fire Officer” in 2007. The Chief Fire Officer Designation Program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competencies. Chief Liebold was awarded the Medal of Valor and the Governor’s Medal of Merit for a heroic water rescue and the department’s Employee of the Year award in 2006.