A Northern Virginia native, Jim Clarke is the son of a long time career Virginia Police Officer and is a U.S. Navy veteran. Jim joined the FCVFD in March 1991 and has served the department as Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and Chief. He also has served twice on the Board of Trustees (1992 to 2003 and 2008 to present).Jim has completed certifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Firefighter III, Instructor I, Officer I & II, Driver/Operator for Pumpers, Hazmat, Vehicle Extrication and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
During his career with the FCVFD Jim has received numerous awards including
• Falls Church American Legion’s Fireman of the Year
• Arlington County Outstanding Volunteer Award
• FCVFD Firefighter of the Year Award
• Arlington Fire & Rescue Association Officer of the Year (twice)
On September 11, 2001 as an Assistant Chief with FCVFD Jim assisted at the Pentagon Terrorist attack by providing air replenishing of firefighter breathing apparatus, emergency lighting and escorting private contactors into the damaged area of the facility.Outside the fire service Jim is a retired Civil Service Systems Accountant and a graduate of Strayer College in Washington, D.C. He currently resides in Arlington County with his wife, Mary. They have three sons and six grandchildren.