The search is on for Plant City’s new fire chief.
The position was posted June 14, with a 21-day application period. Initial screenings will begin July 1.
Former Chief George Shiley retired about a year ago, after 13 years of service in Plant City. David Burnett has been serving as interim chief but decided he did not want to be a candidate for the permanent position. Instead, he will focus on his role as training chief, a position he held before the interim appointment.
“It’s always good to do a self-evaluation of yourself outside of the evaluation from your bosses,” City Manager Greg Horwedel said. “He did that and decided he wanted to stay with professional development, as well as have more time to focus on his family. I respect him for that and understand his decision.”
During his time in Plant City, Shiley transitioned the department into a complete fire-rescue operation, adding basic life-support service and giving members of his staff an opportunity to return to school to become paramedics. Renamed Plant City Fire Rescue, the department now has 36 firefighters, of whom 26 also are trained paramedics.
“The landscape of our department and, really, fire departments across the country, is changing,” Horwedel said. “Fire emergencies are no longer the bulk of our calls.”
Horwedel said about two-thirds of calls are for non-fire-related emergencies, such as car accidents.
“The department has basically become a rescue and fire department more than fire and rescue,” Horwedel said. “We want to bring in a fire chief who will come in and help continue the development of this department and take it to the next level.”
Former police chief and current Assistant City Manager of Public Safety Bill McDaniel is leading the search for the new fire chief.
“We want someone with a strong leadership background in fire service,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel said he has received six applications as of Monday morning and is expecting a good response. The preferred candidate would have 10-plus years of experience, with at least eight of those spent in a supervisory or management capacity. The chief will be responsible for giving professional advice and direction to a staff of 41 and should possess certifications as Florida State Firefighter II, Fire Officer II, EMT and CPR.
McDaniel said he will look for qualified in-state candidates first but will consider candidates from outside Florida, as well.
“We want to concentrate here first and find someone who understands the Florida environment,” McDaniel said. “That doesn’t exclude anyone from applying, but we would like a candidate that has Florida certifications and experience.”
The salary range for the position is $75,000 to $95,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
“Our goal, frankly, is to hire the best and most professional chief we can afford,” Horwedel said. “We want someone that will continue the great level of service this department has shown for the next five or 10 years, or longer.”
