ISLE OF WIGHT
A former paramedic for Isle of Wight back in 2011 has returned to the county, but this time in a new leadership role.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Terwilliger is the new chief of Emergency Services. Hired in mid-January, he began his duties on Feb. 17.

“He hit the ground running,” said County Administrator Anne Seward during his introduction to the Board of Supervisors at its most recent meeting.

According to his biography handout, Terwilliger started his career in the emergency services field with the City of Portsmouth for 19 years where he rose through the ranks to Battalion Chief prior to his retirement in 2013.

Following that, Terwilliger went on to become the director of Public Safety for Accomack County that year. There he oversaw the emergency management program and the delivery of fire and rescue services for a combination department consisting of 15 stations, 50 paid staff and 600-plus volunteers.

Education background features earning an associate degree in fire science from Tidewater Community College; his bachelor of science degree in Organizational Management from Bluefield College; his master of science degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University; and he attended the senior executive institute of the University of Virginia.

In addition to being a certified paramedic, Terwilliger is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program, and is a designated Chief Fire Officer. He also has earned many state emergency management and fire service certifications.

Additionally, he serves on the Tidewater EMS Council Board of Directors, and has recently been selected to serve on the Virginia Fire Chief’s Association’s Board of Directors.

“I will work diligently,” Terwilliger said at the meeting. “I’m very confident, and I look forward to working with everyone.”