Orange County Insight September 2025

Julee McFarland Joins the Team as Interim ECC Director By: Orange County Communications Department

Orange County’s Emergency Communications Center is welcoming Julee McFarland to the Interim Director Role. While a search is conducted for a permanent Director, the Center will be in good hands thanks to Julee’s 22 years of experience with Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC). During that time she has been recognized as VA APCO Telecommunicator of the Year, and her effective leadership led to progressive career growth and increasing responsibility - from call taker, to dispatcher, to supervisor, and finally her current role as Communications Operations Manager. As Manager, she is responsible for a squad of four supervisors and 35 communicators during her shift, including daily operations as well as ensuring her team is set up for success and well-prepared to serve

the community through proper training and career development opportunities. Additionally, she collaborates with Police, Fire Service, and Emergency Management personnel on large scale, high-risk incidents and natural/man-made disasters impacting Fairfax County. Beyond daily functions, Julee participates in the development and execution of strategic planning initiatives for the department. In recognition of her leadership accomplishments, she was awarded the Excellence in DPSC Supervision during the departments 2022 award ceremony.

We’re thrilled to have you on board, Julee!

Ronald Mastin to Serve as Interim Fire & EMS Chief By: Orange County Communications Department Orange County is excited to welcome Ronald Mastin to the team as interim Chief of our Fire & EMS Department. Mr. Mastin’s extensive professional expertise in the field will enhance departmental operations while a thorough recruitment process is conducted for a permanent chief.

Mr. Mastin currently serves as a Lead Instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmittsburg, MD. The NFA provides cutting-edge leadership-level courses related to fire prevention and control, emergency medical services, emergency management, and more. His long-term involvement with the NFA ensures that Mr. Mastin brings with him in-depth knowledge of how to teach and apply industry best practices.

Interim Chief Mastin talks with COFEMS staff before they begin the Memorial Stair Climb (see page 5).

Prior to his time with the NFA, he built an extensive, multi-decade career in the fire service, culminating in his appointment as the Fire Chief for the County of Fairfax, Virginia. In that role, he oversaw and managed the activities of Virginia’s largest fire and rescue department, including fire prevention, emergency medical services, urban search and rescue, technical rescue, and hazardous materials. Responsibilities included disaster planning and working with the area’s 11 volunteer companies to ensure a coordinated and effective emergency response. After retiring from Fairfax County, Mr. Mastin has assisted localities throughout the Commonwealth on a temporary basis by filling in the role of Interim Chief during recruitments. Welcome to the team, Chief Mastin!

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