Glenn Allen Gaines
March 19, 1943 ~ April 12, 2015
Glenn A. Gaines, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, April 12, 2015, at his home in Leesburg. His hometown was Vienna, Virginia.
Chief Gaines was born March 19, 1943, and is survived by his wife Linda of 51 years; daughter Christy Stuart; son-in-law, Sean Stuart; and twin grandchildren, Heather and Evan.
Chief Gaines began his fire service career as a member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. During his illustrious 35 year career with Fairfax County, he served in numerous capacities, including Fire Marshal, Chief Training Officer, and Chief of Operations, culminating in his appointment as Fire Chief from August 1991 until his retirement in December 1998. He was in charge of the nationally recognized Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Urban Search and Rescue team that frequently deployed throughout the United States and internationally.
After his retirement from Fairfax County, Chief Gaines served with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for the Department of Homeland Security from its inception in 2001 until 2009. He served as a principal architect and a member of the senior staff for three of the primary grants managed by FEMA's Grants Program Office. He was the Agency's lead in developing the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program in 2005.
In March of 2009, Chief Gaines began his tenure as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). He was responsible for managing USFA programs and training activities conducted at the National Emergency Training Center.
In May of 2010, Chief Gaines was awarded the prestigious President's Award of Distinction by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs. This award is given to individuals deemed worthy by their peers, and is presented by the President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
In May of 2011, Chief Gaines was awarded the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to a past or present Metro Chief based on a history of accomplishments, contributions to the organization, contributions to fire safety, demonstrated leadership, challenges overcome, and similar considerations.
In August of 2011, Chief Gaines was presented with the International Association of Fire Chiefs President's Award of Recognition for meritorious service to the fire service.
Chief Gaines received a degree in Fire Administration and authored a fire service text, contributed to several other texts, and wrote numerous articles for several trade publications. He served as a faculty member at the USFA's National Fire Academy, and was actively involved with organizations related to the professional development of fire and emergency services.
In addition to his fire service roles, Glenn Gaines was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather. He enjoyed playing softball, jogging, gardening, and traveling with his family.
To make a donation in Chief Gaines memory, please submit donations to: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmittsburg Maryland, 21727, www.firehero.org/donate/ or the
Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, 5430 Harris Farm Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Chief Gaines was born March 19, 1943, and is survived by his wife Linda of 51 years; daughter Christy Stuart; son-in-law, Sean Stuart; and twin grandchildren, Heather and Evan.
Chief Gaines began his fire service career as a member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. During his illustrious 35 year career with Fairfax County, he served in numerous capacities, including Fire Marshal, Chief Training Officer, and Chief of Operations, culminating in his appointment as Fire Chief from August 1991 until his retirement in December 1998. He was in charge of the nationally recognized Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Urban Search and Rescue team that frequently deployed throughout the United States and internationally.
After his retirement from Fairfax County, Chief Gaines served with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for the Department of Homeland Security from its inception in 2001 until 2009. He served as a principal architect and a member of the senior staff for three of the primary grants managed by FEMA's Grants Program Office. He was the Agency's lead in developing the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program in 2005.
In March of 2009, Chief Gaines began his tenure as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). He was responsible for managing USFA programs and training activities conducted at the National Emergency Training Center.
In May of 2010, Chief Gaines was awarded the prestigious President's Award of Distinction by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs. This award is given to individuals deemed worthy by their peers, and is presented by the President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
In May of 2011, Chief Gaines was awarded the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs' Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to a past or present Metro Chief based on a history of accomplishments, contributions to the organization, contributions to fire safety, demonstrated leadership, challenges overcome, and similar considerations.
In August of 2011, Chief Gaines was presented with the International Association of Fire Chiefs President's Award of Recognition for meritorious service to the fire service.
Chief Gaines received a degree in Fire Administration and authored a fire service text, contributed to several other texts, and wrote numerous articles for several trade publications. He served as a faculty member at the USFA's National Fire Academy, and was actively involved with organizations related to the professional development of fire and emergency services.
In addition to his fire service roles, Glenn Gaines was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a doting grandfather. He enjoyed playing softball, jogging, gardening, and traveling with his family.
To make a donation in Chief Gaines memory, please submit donations to: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmittsburg Maryland, 21727, www.firehero.org/donate/ or the
Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, 5430 Harris Farm Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
I worked for Glenn in various capacities during my career. No way you could ask for a better boss and friend. Both of us would spend many evenings at Waters Field in Vienna watching youth baseball during the years we both lived in the Town. For sure, the Fairfax County F.D. never had a more dedicated member. Rest well boss.
My heart is broken at the loss of a wonderful friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaines Family as they move forward without him. He loved you all so much and especially those grand kids. Love to each of you.
I will remember Glenn for always being so easy to talk to. And I am sure that like everyone else, there is a hole in your heart that will, take time to if ever heal. Glenn you will be missed.
Glenn never forgot where he came from, always had time for a cup of coffee and a chat and a laugh with the troops. A deep well of fire department knowledge which he never tired of adding to, or passing that knowledge on to the next generations. Truly a fine human being and I am proud to have had the pleasure to work under his command. RIP brother….
Glenn was an amazing man. My husband thought very highly of him and spoke frequently about Glenn’s accomplishments. Glenn gave the eulogy at my husbands memorial. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Glenn will be sorely missed by all of us that had the opportunity to know and work with him, as well as calling him a true friend and gentleman. As a young man in the late 1970’s, Glenn mentored me and other volunteer members at Company 3 while he was assigned there as the Station Captain. I learned so much from Glenn, including how to be a man. He always was such an inspiration to me. As the City of Fairfax Deputy Fire Chief, as well as the Chief of the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, I have one person to thank for my success. Glenn Gaines. May God bless you Sir and thank you for all that you did for me both personally and professionally. Godspeed !
Truly a great loss of a dear friend and mentor to so many. I always had lunch with Chief Gaines while working with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial each year. He was always the same genuine nice person. He touched many lives in such a positive way, and I will always remember his impact on me. God Bless you Chief.
Glenn was not only a true leader, but a friend to all that knew him. At dinner here in Lancaster, he was always interested in the past history of the Fire Department. We reminisced a lot. But the conversation always returned to our families. Not only did we lose a great leader, the United States lost one also. A man interested in making the fire service a safer place to work. Maybe we could add the World to that list. Rest in Peace Chief and dear friendW
Chief Gaines was an astute mentor and stalwart colleague. I recall fondly our policy discussions and his precious grandchildren. The Fire Service lost a great one this week. His legacy continues and his work will not be without tremendous impact for generations to come. Thoughts and prayers to Linda, Christy, and the family. ~bill
My condolences to the Gaines Family. I was introduced to Gaines through my husband(Willie Sheard) career as a firefighter in Fairfax. I had many interactions with Mr. Gaines personal and professionally during that time. My husband talked highly of Gaines and we considered him a good friend.
Glenn was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was devoted to his family beyond comprehension. Glenn was a loyal friend and a hero in the Firefighting field. I am privileged to call him my friend. Fly with the Angels Chief, your men will take it from here.
Glenn was one of the finest men I have ever know, a true leader, a loyal friend. I will never forget his kindness and his devotion to his family. RIP dear friend,fly amongst the Angels and watch over your men, they have it now.Pg
Glenn you were a great chief and friend.You will be missed
I wish I had been able to get to know Glenn so much better. I’m sure we could share stories of our mutual ancestor. We are both descendants of the same Gaines Ancestor of Culpeper, VA…..Capt. James Gaines, who lived his last years in Kingsport, TN, at the request of his uncle, Edmund Pendleton.
Though we didn’t see each other very often after our only softball year together in 2000, we always kept in touch. Thanks for taking care of me after my softball concussion that year! I am currently working in Kiev, Ukraine so cannot make your service. You will truly be missed my friend.
I had the privilege to know Chief Gaines for 35 + years during which are paths crossed often. There are Fire Chiefs and there are FIRE CHIEFS, Glenn was the latter; a Chief of eminence character, integrity, wisdom, compassion, vision and leadership….. who touched many lives. Fortunately for me, one was mine. Steve Souder, Fairfax County 9-1-1 steve.souder@fairfaxcounty.gov
While I knew Chief Gaines a relatively short period of time, I appreciate the brief opportunity I had to get to know him. I will miss his tutorials on the proper placement of an extension ladder against a house (firefighter standards of course) as well as logistics planning of his beloved snow blower, Marve, in advance of snowstorms. My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss, but know that he is a great gain for heaven.
Glenn – your incredible legacy lives on! There is no kinder or gentler man who believed in treating every person the same with dignity and respect. We have lost a friend and leader. Rest peacefully, not good-bye, but…until we meet again.
Our sincere condolences to the family. Tony & Nancy Giannini
Chief, I appreciate all the support that you gave me over the years. The apparatus committee and the big move to the Massey Building. You were a true leader. You will be truly missed. Until we meet again RIP.
The Gaines Family-I had the good fortune to serve in the Fairfax County PD at the same time he served with the FFD. From 95 thru 98 I served as the PD Chief and worked very closely with Glenn. He mentored me as a Chief and I learned so many things from him during those years. He was the consummate public servant and his legacy of integrity and professionalism has touched more than those in the Fire Service. RIP my friend.
We were deeply saddened and shocked at Glenn’s untimely passing. We will always remember him as a kind, wise, and humorous neighbor who brought much joy to his family and friends. Our hearts go out to Linda, Christy and family during this difficult time. God Bless.
igoingto miss me
Harry and I send our deepest condolences to Linda, Christi, her husband, and children. The four of us go way back to the days as young officers in the Fairfax Department. We mourn Glenn’s lost to his family, to his community, and to our nation. He will be greatly missed. Due to Harry’s health issues, we were not able to attend services. We hope that being surrounded by those who loved Glenn will bring peace and comfort to the family.. Love, Harry and Ginny
Linda and Christy, I am so sorry to hear of Glenn’s passing. I will always remember the good times we had together. Especially Christy standing on the picnic table singing “I am woman”. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Kenny and Joan Poole
To the Gaines family: We wanted to let you know how deeply saddened we were to learn of Chief Gaines passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. As a wonderful man, as well as a great leader in the fire service industry, Chief Gaines influence was felt well beyond Virginia and he will be greatly missed. Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences. Sincerely, The entire Deccan team
My condolences to Mr. Gaines family. I met Mr. Gaines at the Assistance to Firefighers Grant panels in 2004-2005. I remember his charismatic presence and the fact he seemed to know nearly all the firefighters who came! His commitment to the program and his heartfelt appreciation for the firefighters who served as panelists shined through.