As Fire Chief of the City of Panama City Fire Department I have the opportunity to serve in a great community with the finest men and women in the world.  Over the years, the responsibilities of the Fire Department have grown from just "fighting fires" and in today's Fire Service we deliver a wider range of services than was ever imagined when many of us first enter the Fire Service.  Our continuing goal at the Panama City Fire Department is to ensure that when one of our Citizens picks up the phone and makes a call to the Fire Department they know that they will receive a quick response from well trained and dedicated Firefighters.

These are difficult times for the Fire Service.  Many, if not all, Fire Departments are struggling to maintain the level of service our citizens have grown accustomed to and this is becoming more difficult as most local governments, county governments, and fire districts continue to see a decline in revenues necessary to fund the Fire Service.  We’re asking our Firefighters to continue to provide the many expected services with declining resources and less staffing.  As we go forward into the future our greatest challenge will be “How do we continue to provide the highest level of services and still protect our Firefighters?”  The current economic conditions are tough on everyone but these conditions also offer an opportunity.  Americans are relearning the art of “tightening their belts,” and the Fire Service should also take this opportunity to reflect on how to do things better, smarter, and in communities of collaboration.

The men and women serving the City of Panama City Fire Department do so with courage, dedication, and professionalism. I believe that your Fire Department is prepared to meet any challenges the future may bring. I am proud to be the Chief of the City of Panama City Fire Department.