Leadership

VA Chief Hanging Up Helmet after Four Decades

June 16, 2020

Portsmouth Fire Rescue Chief James Hoffler, who has spent his entire 41-year fire service career with the city, has announced he'll retire on July 1.

By Ana Ley

Source The Virginian-Pilot

Portsmouth Fire Rescue Chief James Hoffler.

After 41 years with Portsmouth’s fire department, Chief James E. Hoffler is retiring.

Hoffler has spent his entire professional firefighting career in Portsmouth, according to an announcement released by the city Tuesday afternoon. He became deputy fire chief in 2012 and was tapped for the department’s top job three years ago.

He graduated from Manor High School and received emergency training through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and also studied at Tidewater Community College, Hampton University and Columbia Southern University.

The city credited Hoffler with working to recognize and prevent cancer among firefighters and pushing for new gear and equipment to modernize the department, protect firefighters and better help patients.

In retirement, Hoffler says he’s looking forward to time with his wife Holly and their dog Daisy Mae.

Nestor Mangubat, who has served as a deputy chief, has been named acting fire chief. Hoffler’s retirement is effective July 1.

———

Visit The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.) at pilotonline.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.