SUBJECT
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Confirm the appointment of Shawn Smith to serve as Polk County Fire Rescue Services Director (Fire Rescue Chief).
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DESCRIPTION
The Polk County Charter specifies the county manager’s appointment of executive service employees is subject to confirmation by the Board of County Commissioners.
Chief Smith’s appointment as the Interim Fire Chief was confirmed by the Board on September 13, 2024. The County Manager recommends Chief Smith’s confirmation as the permanent Fire Chief for the Polk County Fire/Rescue Services, effective March 4, 2025.
Shawn has been a Polk County Fire Resue member for 21 years, starting his tenure in 2003. He has held every position in the Fire Rescue Division and was promoted to company officer in 2007.
In 2016, he was promoted to Battalion Chief/Paramedic, where he effectively managed multiple stations, including supervising and coaching crewmembers. He also led and coordinated emergency medical treatment and transportation, firefighting, rescue operations, and hazardous materials incidents.
In 2019, Shawn became the Deputy Chief of Training, where he was responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering training to 680 members. He was responsible for introducing nine Training Officers to the Training Division while interjecting a new training platform. The latest training platform revolutionized PCFR’s Training Division, which included improved state-of-the-art promotion processes, promotional academies, and a Mentorship program for new hires and newly promoted members. He also gained local and state recognition by introducing QR codes in the Training Division and was recognized by a third-party consulting firm as providing the catalyst for positive organizational change.
In 2021, Shawn became the Deputy Chief of Operations. As the Chief of Operations, he was responsible for the daily activities of 45 stations, over 100 emergency vehicles, and 700 crewmembers. He was responsible for creative staffing policies during a global pandemic and daily staffing. He ensured Polk County Fire Rescue complied with national and accreditation standards while introducing new Standard Operating Procedures for Tenders and Boats. Shawn spearheaded the initiative to replace the aging fleet, working hand in hand with Fleet and PCFR’s Vehicle Replacement fund. As the Chief of Operations, he was lead on new station builds, station remodels, and the new Training Center.
In 2024, Shawn was promoted to the Assistant Chief of Business Services. His division was responsible for enforcing city, county, and state fire codes, establishing rules and regulations, and assisting in preparing and implementing the department’s long-range management plan. He worked closely with the financial administrator, securing grants, establishing budgets, and managing Fire Fees, General Funds, and CIPs.
Chief Smith has a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration from Columbia Southern University, an Associate of Science in Fire Science, and coursework in Psychology.
The Fire Resue Services Director is authorized in the Adopted FY 24/25 Budget. The existing appropriations are sufficient to cover the negotiated base salary of $168,097.00 and benefits valued at $95,982.00.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend Board confirm the appointment of Shawn Smith to serve as Polk County Fire Rescue Chief, effective March 4, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted in the Fire Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
William D. Beasley
County Manager
864-534-6444