Volusia County Fire Rescue reaches numerous achievements

It has been a season of success for the Volusia County Fire Rescue Division. Leaders throughout the organization are celebrating retirement, completing high-level programs and earning honorable accreditations.

With over 90 years of combined public service to the Central Florida area, Fire Chief Howard Bailey, Lieutenant Matt Branch and Division Chief Paul Ebanks are set to retire from the brigade. Each is a shining example of rising in the professional ranks, as all three started as volunteers and are ending their careers as leaders in the division.

When asked about the time the firefighters spent with Volusia County, Interim Public Protection Director Mark Swanson said, “Chief Bailey and Ebanks and Lieutenant Branch will be greatly missed. We appreciate their dedication and professionalism displayed for many years. Their legacies will leave a mark on our division and inspire other firefighters to work hard and advance within the squad.”

In March, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Alberts of Volusia County Fire Rescue completed the U.S. Fire Administration’s Executive Officer Program (EFO). The EFO program is designed to prepare executive officers with the enhanced knowledge and tools to meet the dynamic demands of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies.

“Achieving this goal was not easy because the time to complete the courses and applied research projects is demanding. It takes a lot of dedication to complete this program,” Alberts explained.

Additionally, Volusia County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief William Whalen earned the distinction of Airport Fire Officer (AFO) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Whalen is the second in the State of Florida to achieve this honor. The expertise gained from this program is needed daily, as Whalen leads a team of firefighters for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) for the Daytona Beach International Airport located in Daytona Beach.

Volusia County Fire Rescue may be retiring some great leaders, but those filling the ranks are committed to the standard of excellence that has been set. For more information about Volusia County Fire Rescue, visit www.volusia.org/fire.