Christopher Lonzo
Fredericksburg
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management, excelling in EMS system design and executive leadership. Achieved recognition for health and safety initiatives, enhancing responder wellness and compliance. Proven track record in budget oversight and stakeholder engagement, driving operational excellence and clinical quality improvement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Assistant Chief — EMS, Health & Safety Division
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
Spotsylvania
07.2021 - Current
- Oversee EMS and health and safety for approximately 400 personnel, supporting over 23,000 incidents annually, and managing $2 million in operational and capital budgets.
- Direct health and safety programs aligned with NFPA, OSHA, and state standards; launched occupational health initiatives, including early cancer detection and cardiac screening.
- Designed and implemented the Officer Development Program, strengthening succession, mentorship, and competency-based promotion pathways.
- Lead the Spotsylvania County EMS Workgroup to standardize protocols and improve patient care and system performance.
- Serve on the Spotsylvania County Enterprise Risk Management Committee to collaborate with a consulting firm to ensure compliance with industry standards across the County.
- Represent Fire/Rescue ESF in EOC/ECC for major drills and activations.
- Department recognitions: Virginia Fire Chiefs' Association Health & Safety Award (2024); American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold (2024).
Battalion Chief
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
Fredericksburg
07.2018 - 07.2021
- Commanded a 5–6 company battalion, directing fire suppression, EMS response, and multi‑agency incident coordination.
- Served as incident commander for complex events with regional resource deployment.
- Led specialized training and tactical readiness programs; spearheaded rural water supply mapping.
Captain
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
Spotsylvania
09.2016 - 07.2021
- Managed new‑station opening and operations; expanded technical rescue capability and led certification programs.
- Served as acting battalion chief during extended vacancies.
Captain — Assistant Training Officer
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
Spotsylvania
06.2013 - 09.2016
- Designed and delivered recruit academies, leadership curricula, and continuing education.
- Implemented online learning platform and centralized driver/operator competency testing.
- Organized regional MCI drills and conducted post‑incident AARs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
01.2019
Skills
- Executive leadership and succession planning
- EMS system design and clinical quality improvement
- Health and safety program management
- Responder wellness initiatives
- Incident command and multi-agency coordination
- Training design and curriculum development
- Instructional delivery
- Enterprise risk management and policy alignment
- Budget oversight and fiscal stewardship
- Presentation skills
- Stakeholder engagement
Certification
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer IV (Pro Board), Virginia Dept. of Fire Programs
• NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor III (Pro Board), Virginia Dept. of Fire Programs
• NFPA 1035 Public & Life Safety Educator I, Virginia Fire Marshal Academy
• NFPA 1035 Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention I, Virginia Fire Marshal Academy
• NREMT — Advanced EMT (Intermediate)
• NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor III (Pro Board), Virginia Dept. of Fire Programs
• NFPA 1035 Public & Life Safety Educator I, Virginia Fire Marshal Academy
• NFPA 1035 Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention I, Virginia Fire Marshal Academy
• NREMT — Advanced EMT (Intermediate)
Professional Memberships
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Member, 2021, Present
- Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA), Member, 2009, Present
- Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), Member, 2021, Present
Selected Awards And Recognition
- Chief’s Award for Excellence, 2024, CMS Ground Ambulance Survey, Spotsylvania County Fire/Rescue
- Unit Citation, 2024, Spotsylvania County Fire/Rescue
- Chief’s Award for Excellence, 2021, Officer Development Program, Spotsylvania County Fire/Rescue
- Meritorious Service, 2020, Spotsylvania County Fire/Rescue
Community And Volunteer Engagement
- Assistant Coach, Spotsylvania County Little League, 2023, Present
- Coach/Assistant Coach, Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation, 2021, 2022
- Missions/Service Ministry/Security Ministry/Small Group Leader, Redeemer Bible Church, 2021,Present
Personal Information
Title: Assistant Chief — EMS, Health & Safety Division
References
Available upon request
Presentations And Instruction
- Commanding Mayday Operations, Virginia Fire & Rescue Expo, 2023
- Leading Where You Are Called, VFCA Company Officer Summit, 2024
- Leading the Mayday, VFCA Company Officer Summit, 2025
- Instructor/facilitator for leadership academies and regional training initiatives
Governance And Professional Leadership
- Board Member, Rappahannock EMS Council, 2024, Present
- Curriculum Development Committee Member, Health & Safety Officer Curriculum, Virginia Dept. of Fire Programs, 2025, Present
- Committee Member, Enterprise Risk Management Project, Spotsylvania County, 2024, Present
Timeline
Assistant Chief — EMS, Health & Safety Division
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
07.2021 - Current
Battalion Chief
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
07.2018 - 07.2021
Captain
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
09.2016 - 07.2021
Captain — Assistant Training Officer
Spotsylvania County Department of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management
06.2013 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University