Assistant Fire Chief James Hanson currently commands the Department’s Services Bureau. The primary responsibility of this assignment is to direct, coordinate and lead the Department’s Health and Safety Division, Fleet Maintenance Division, Logistics Division, and Property Management Division.
From 2021 to 2022, Chief Hanson led the Professional Development Bureau, which included the Recruiting Division, Training Division, Human Resource Management Division, Professional Standards Division, and the Medical Services Division.
Prior to his promotion, Chief Hanson served as Deputy Fire Chief and Director of the Property Management Division where he provided strategic leadership, coordination and administrative oversight of $60M in capital construction projects, facility management of 33 firehouses, and comprehensive logistical support services to the Department.
Promoted to Battalion Fire Chief in 2016, Chief Hanson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, which was responsible for protecting residents and visitors of Capitol Hill. In 2017, Chief Hanson transferred to the Department’s Special Operations Battalion. His responsibilities included commanding response teams, engaging community partners, operational response preparedness, protecting national landmarks and other critical infrastructure, along with coordinating responses with multiple agencies for CBRNE, Active Shooter, MCI, and Urban Search and Rescue. He was also responsible for the program management of the department’s Type I Hazmat Team and Marine/Port Security Operations Division which included development of regional response policies and cross-agency training.
Chief Hanson has served 23 years with the District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department where he has held assignments in some of the department’s most active and specialized units, including Engine Company 10, Rescue Squad 2, Department Safety Officer, and Captain of the South Mass Casualty Task Force.
Chief Hanson holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a graduate of the Naval Post Graduate School’s Executive Leaders Program. He has also earned his Certified Public Manager designation and Lean Six Sigma certification from George Washington University.