Montgomery County Fire-Rescue Service Chief Richard Bowers is leaving Montgomery County to become the new chief of the Fairfax County Fire Rescue Department.

The announcement was made on Feb. 12 by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Bowers succeeds Chief Ronald L. Mastin who plans to retire May 7. Local firefighters were notified of the news after 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Bowers' appointment is effective April 29, allowing overlap time for the transition of leadership, according to a Fairfax County press release.

A 35-year veteran of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Bowers has served as MCFRS fire chief since 2008, managing the combined (career and volunteer) service of over 2,100 firefighters/rescuers. While serving as chief, he managed an operating budget of $204 million and a six-year capital improvement program budget of $44 million.