Chain of Command

Director/Fire Chief:

  • Appointed by mayor, confirmed by City Council
  • College degree required
  • Five years administrative experience in public safety required

Deputy Director/Assistant Fire Chief:

  • Appointed by mayor, confirmed by City Council
  • Five years experience in administration of firefighting, emergency medical personnel, equipment and apparatus required

Division Chief:
Operations Division chief
Rescue Division chief
Emergency Preparedness Division chief
Fire Prevention Division chief
Training Division chief
Administrative Services Division chief

  • Appointed by mayor, confirmed by City Council
  • At least five years experience in the administration, training or management of fire fighting, emergency medical personnel, fire code enforcement, equipment and apparatus or other commensurate training and experience required

Battalion Chief:

  • Appointed by fire chief from among the district chiefs

District Chief:

  • Civil Service exam
  • One year service in class of fire captain (Combat, Prevention or Rescue) required to be eligible for promotion to this rank

Captain:

  • Civil Service exam
  • One year service in class of fire lieutenant (Combat, Prevention or Rescue) required to be eligible for promotion to this rank

Lieutenant:

  • Civil Service exam
  • One year service in class of firefighter-engineer required to be eligible for promotion to this rank
  • Valid Florida Class D driver's license with E endorsement required
  • Florida Emergency Vehicle Operator's Certification required
  • Additional requirements for Combat, Rescue or Prevention, depending on activity

Engineer:

  • Civil Service exam
  • One year service in class of firefighter required to be eligible for promotion to this rank
  • Must be free of facial hair that prevents use of breathing apparatus or safety equipment
  • Must be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products
  • State certification as emergency medical technician or Paramedic required
  • Valid Florida Class D driver's license with E endorsement required
  • Florida Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course certification required
  • Pump Operator/Aerial Ladder Certification required

Firefighter:

  • State certification as emergency medical technician or Paramedic required
  • Valid Florida Class D driver's license with E endorsement required
  • Must pass physical ability test and required medical exams prior to and during employment
  • Must complete required training courses and exams during probationary period
  • Must be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products
  • Must be free of facial hair or any condition that would prevent the use of breathing apparatus or safety equipment