Walter Blake Stephens is the Deputy Chief of Operations for Forest View Vol. Rescue Squad and has served as the Chief of Operations for several years. Chief Stephens overseas operations for one of the busiest volunteer rescue squads in Chesterfield County and the Richmond Metro area.  Forest View, located in the City of Richmond and Chesterfield County, Virginia was formed in 1955 to provide emergency care and currently operates three stations. 
Walter Stephens has a strong EMS background and has over 10 years of field experience. He is employed by Hanover Fire and EMS as a career firefighter and paramedic.  He obtained his undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University with concentrations in Environmental Science. He continued on to obtain his Masters degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Richmond where his studies focused on Organizational Behavior/Development, High Performance Team Development, and Building Leadership. Walter Stephens is the recipient of the 2010 Virginia Jaycees EMS Responder of the Year as well as Chesterfield County's Squad Officer of the Year.

Once graduating he has continued to work with peers from his cohort to develop leadership and management skills in public safety. From these efforts of their cohort Integritas Leadership Solutions LLC was created. Integritas Leadership Solutions studies and researches current issues in public safety and provides customized training as well as evaluation in: leadership, organizational development, and customized organizational leadership evaluation products.  

While serving as the Chief of Operations for Forest View Walter he has lead the organization to revamp their entrance process for new members that includes a small academy encompassing BLS certifications and Emergency vehicle operations. This process has provided structure allowing new members to move through the process effectively and efficiently. His tenor as chief has also included a strategic plan that has lead the organization to establish and implement Revenue Recovery a sustainable source of income in the current hard economic climate. 
 
Walter Stephens continues to work in Fire and EMS and looks to enhance his knowledge and experience in the field. He resides in Chesterfield County with his Wife Tasha.