Crime & Safety

County Fire and Rescue Chaplain to Retire in March

Grant McIntosh has served Fairfax County citizens for 50 years.

Grant McIntosh, chaplain for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will retire this coming March after serving the county for 50 years. This will be the second retirement in the 73-year-old, New Hampshire native's career. McIntosh first retired in February 1994 after serving as a firefighter for 30 years.

"I've enjoyed it, and I have no regrets," McIntosh recently told Patch. "I really hate to go, but it's time to go away to do something else."

McIntosh has served as chaplain for the fire department since August 1994 and is currently the associate pastor at Virginia Hills Baptist Church. During his career and service to the county, McIntosh became a member of the Critical Response Team and was a first responder when American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon in September 2001.

Find out what's happening in Annandalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Being a chaplain for the fire department and serving as assistant pastor at his church has never stopped McIntosh from supporting his community. He has served as president of the Groveton Civic Association and continued to serve as a board member for the organization at the end of his presidency. McIntosh was also involved with the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce and the Lee District Association.

As for what he plans to do after retiring, McIntosh said he and his wife, Ruth, are building their dream home in a 55+ neighborhood in Pennsylvania β€” Ruth's home state β€” where he plans to spend hours in his "man cave" and sitting on his porch in a rocking chair watching cars go by.

Find out what's happening in Annandalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I recently told [Supervisor] Hyland, that I've enjoyed my time here. I've served my county and the county has been good to me and my family," McIntosh said.

McIntosh said he's looking forward to doing nothing from time to time and celebrating his 51st wedding anniversary in February. He will be recognized by the Board of Supervisors for his service to the county and his community Tuesday, Feb. 12 as requested by Supervisor Jeff McKay.

He will deliver his final sermon at his church Jan. 27, and his last day as chaplain for the fire and rescue department is March 1.

See also:


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.