August 31, 2017 – The RVFD membership elected a new fire chief at their regular meeting on August 30, 2017. Deputy Chief James Vagonis was elected as the new fire chief after Chief Scott Emmons stepped down after 6 1/2 years in the position. Chief Emmons will still serve as a deputy chief.
Chief Vagonis moved to the Potomac area from the Detroit, MI area in 1990 and joined the RVFD in January of 1991. He has served in multiple positions of increasing responsibility within the Department including firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief and first deputy chief. Chief Vagonis is also qualified as a Volunteer Duty Operations Chief within the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
Chief Vagonis is the owner and president of Hassle Free Home Services, Inc. located in Rockville. He has been married for 25 years with three children, two of whom served with RVFD, one currently.
We congratulate Chief Vagonis on his election and wish him the best in his endeavors within the RVFD.