FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — The Fort Myers Beach Fire Department is cutting three battalion chief positions as part of a restructuring effort, raising concerns about the potential impact on emergency response safety across the island.
Fire Chief Scott Wirth offered two longtime battalion chiefs, Tom Grow and Terry Brunson, who share over 50 years of combined experience, the choice of transitioning to captain roles with full pay and benefits or retiring with a lump sum payout, according to FOX 4.
“The battalion chief is a crucial part of the fire service emergency ground, and you need that leadership,” President of Southwest Florida Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 1826 Henry Garcia said. “Without that leadership, there are concerns with safety, who’s managing the scene, who’s making sure resources are acquired, who’s directing crews on the ground.”
Wirth told FOX 4 that the department’s battalion chief positions were found to be “critically underutilized” compared to similar fire districts in the county. He stated the restructuring is part of an effort to maintain fiscal responsibility, noting that one battalion chief position has remained vacant for three years without affecting department operations.
The contracts for the remaining battalion chiefs are set to expire on June 31, at which point the positions will be officially eliminated.
Public input at 11:00 minute mark.
