The Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced additional appointments to her administration to include Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Assistant Chief Todd Lupton.
Chief Lupton has been appointed to a four-year term on the Virginia Fire Services Board (VFSB), a policy board within the executive branch of government that provides direction to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Under the Code of Virginia, the VFSB evaluates all state programs or functions which have a bearing on fire prevention and protection and makes recommendations to improve the level of fire prevention and protection in the Commonwealth.
“Today, I am appointing Virginians who share my commitment to serving the people of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “Together, these leaders will strengthen our communities, enhance the essential public services Virginians count on, and support our economy as they serve across our agriculture and forestry, public safety and homeland security, and finance boards. I know they will bring the experience, vision, and common dedication to building the safer, stronger, and more affordable future that all Virginia families deserve.”
The VFSB consists of fifteen Governor-appointed members from various entities, including the State Fire Marshal, State Forester, Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (VFCA), Virginia State Firefighters Association, Virginia Professional Firefighters, Virginia Fire Services Council, Virginia Fire Prevention Association, Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, Virginia Municipal League and Virginia Association of Counties. Appointees also include representatives from the insurance industry, industries affected by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (SARA Title III) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, the public sector, and the Board of Housing and Community Development.
The VFSB, in concert with Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), is responsible for the development and administration of grant programs for qualified Virginia fire departments and local governments. Additionally, the VFSB in conjunction with the VDFP will produce locality-specific studies of fire and emergency services upon request. These studies provide guidance and strategies for improving delivery of emergency services within a specific jurisdiction.
Chief Lupton has over 29 years of Fire and Rescue experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Waldorf College and an associate’s degree in EMS Technology from Northern Virginia Community College. Chief Lupton started in the Fire Service as a volunteer in Warren County at the age of 14. He worked in Warren County, the City of Manassas Park, and the City of Manassas before joining Loudoun County in September of 2022. Todd has been married for 22 years to his wife Heather and together, they have a 15-year-old son, Brady.
“Chief Lupton will be an incredible advocate for the fire service in Virginia and for the public we are sworn to protect,” said Systemwide Fire Chief James S. Williams. “Chief Lupton’s appointment will ensure that Loudoun has a seat at the table when firefighting policies are developed for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, and that we have input on any changes proposed to the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.”
Along with his appointment to the VFSB, Assistant Chief Lupton will continue serving as Division Vice President for the VFCA. In this position, Chief Lupton’s duties include attending and participating in VFCA Board of Directors meetings and meeting with Division 7 Fire and EMS stakeholders to discuss key issues concerning their areas.
