Beginning his career as a Leading Petty Officer and Search and Rescue Swimmer in the United States Navy, Chief Sergi demonstrated exceptional leadership by managing and developing 22 division personnel while supporting critical missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Joint Task Force Liberia.

 

Transitioning to Norfolk Fire-Rescue, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a Company Officer (Lieutenant and Captain) for over a decade before his promotion to Battalion Chief. In these roles, he was instrumental in fostering high standards of professional development, operational readiness, and consistent, realistic training programs for his crews.

 

Chief Sergi’s impact on Norfolk Fire-Rescue is extensive. He has organized and developed numerous department-wide in-service training programs, significantly contributed to the Elevator Operations and High-Rise Operations training manuals and policies. He helped with the creation of occupancy specific firefighting doctrine and driver/operator technical manuals. As chair of the departments Fire Operations Committee, he spearheaded the research and implementation of advanced firefighting techniques and equipment. 

 

Academically accomplished, Chief Sergi holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He is a State Instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and holds a comprehensive list of certifications, including Fire Officer 2, Fire Instructor 2, MAYDAY FF Down Instructor, and more.

 

Beyond his department, Chief Sergi is a respected figure in the broader fire service community. He is an NFPA 14 Committee Member and a sought-after instructor at prestigious conferences such as FDIC, Firehouse EXPO, Fire Rescue International, and the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference. His insights are also shared as a regular contributor to Fire Engineering Magazine, and he frequently instructs for various fire departments across the country. He is also a Virginia State Certified Paramedic, further enhancing his emergency response capabilities.