L’Allier looks back on his career in Virginia. Former chief takes pride in department’s accomplishments

Former Virginia Fire Chief Dan L’Allier has a lot of great things to say about his time in Virginia. L’Allier joined the department in 2006 and rose up through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2011. He recently left Virginia where he is now the Deputy Public Safety Director in Lino Lakes. In his new position, L’Allier will be in charge of setting up the city’s new fire department. “The accomplishments and achievements that came forth in Virginia during my tenure as Fire Chief are a tribute to my family, my staff and the mayor and Virginia city council,” said L’Allier. “With their patience and support, we really made some great things happen.” Perhaps one of the biggest changes was moving the ambulance license from the Virginia Regional Medical Center to the fire department. “The move enabled us to generate revenue which led to new ambulances and improved equipment. We went from three ambulances to six and we were also able to increase our staffing, which will soon be 29. This in itself was pretty major,” added L’Allier. The Virginia Department also increased its fire suppression operations by adding an additional engine and going with 5″ LDH. Other improvements included four gas monitors, mobile data computers in the rigs, a second set of rescue tools and electronic patient care reports and rig checks. “We moved the department into the electronic age and we just kept going.” The Virginia Fire Department would also become part of the ARMER system and work with neighboring communities to develop a severe weather warning system using a series of state of the art sirens. As this story is being written, the City of Virginia will be installing 60 video cameras, which will provide a whole new level of protection to the community. “While this project is somewhat controversial,” stated L’Allier. “In the end it will be a deterrent to various crimes like vandalism, burglary and even violent situations. Plus, it will aid us in that we will have a first hand view of an accident or fire. This will be a good tool for us and for public safety.”
L’Allier said his decision to leave Virginia was extremely difficult, but in the end was based on his family. “We are closer to our family members and with three young children, Tabitha and me felt it would be the best for all of us. It was really a tough decision, but I know it will be a significant and enjoyable challenge.”
In leaving the Virginia Fire Department, L’Allier takes a lot of pride in what occurred during his time there and he foresees a lot more for the department. “The Virginia Fire Department really has the ability to continue to be a very progressive organization. They have some really dynamic people who can lead the department into the future. I’m very proud that I was part of that team and I wish all of them the very best. It was a wonderful experience to be there.”
Dan L'Allier picture
Former Virginia Fire Chief Dan L’Allier