Fire-Rescue Chief Dillard E. Ferguson, Jr. is pleased to announce the following Lieutenant promotions effective December 1, 2025. Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Jakeb L. Branch, Lieutenant Christopher R. Johnson, and Lieutenant Robert D. Mills.

Lieutenant Jakeb L. “Jake” Branch is highly deserving and has diligently prepared himself for this promotion over the course of 17 years with the Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services. Jake joined Manakin Company 1 in November 2008 as a volunteer member where he also served as a company officer. In July 2023 he was hired as a career Firefighter EMT also assigned to Station 1. He is a cleared ladder truck driver operator, a fire instructor, and a member of the Water Rescue Team. On his days off, Jake can be found at the Henley Fire-Rescue Training Center helping instruct our fire academies or assisting with fire in-service training. In 2024 Firefighter EMT Branch received the “Career Firefighter of the Year Award.” Firefighter EMT Branch says, “I’m honored to serve as part of the department’s training cadre, where I find great reward in teaching and mentoring new volunteers and career recruits. I take pride in leading by example and remain committed to ongoing training and professional development to provide the highest level of service to my crew, my department, and the citizens of Goochland County.”

Lieutenant Christopher R. “CJ” Johnson is highly deserving and has diligently prepared himself for this promotion over the course of six years with the Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services. CJ joined Goochland County Fire-Rescue in August 2019 as a career Firefighter EMT and has been assigned to Stations 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. and is a member of the Water Rescue Team. In 2013 he started in the fire service volunteering with Louisa County. He is a cleared ladder truck driver operator, a fire instructor, and a member of the Water Rescue Team. In 2020, Firefighter EMT Johnson received the “Community Outreach Award” and again in 2022 he was recognized with the DeWitt Clinton Lodge# 141 “Tucker Hill Memorial Public Safety Award”. Firefighter EMT Johnson proudly serves as the President of Goochland Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 4865, working collaboratively with the members and department leadership. During his off time, CJ is a motorsport drag car racer and an automotive diesel technician. Firefighter EMT Johnson says, “I am honored to promote to the rank of Lieutenant because I am ready to take on a greater leadership role within the department. I want to continue mentoring new members, supporting my crew, and contributing to the growth and professionalism of our organization. I am committed to upholding our standards, improving our operations, and leading with the same accountability and work ethic that I expect from others”.

Lieutenant Robert D. “Danny” Mills is highly deserving and has diligently prepared himself for this promotion over the course of 10 years with the Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services. Danny joined Goochland County Fire-Rescue in August 2015 and has been assigned to all six Fire-Rescue stations. In 2015 he started in the fire service volunteering with West Point Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighter EMT Mills is a National Registered Paramedic and is a cleared driver operator. As a senior firefighter, Danny often serves as the shift leader, mentors and trains new members, and serves as an EMS field training officer. Firefighter Paramedic Mills says, “in addition to my operational role, I serve on the department’s Peer Support Team, where I have had the privilege of providing support to fellow members during difficult times. These experiences have been deeply rewarding and have strengthened my appreciation for the sense of family and teamwork that defines our department. It has truly been an honor and a joy to serve Goochland County, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside the dedicated men and women of this department.”