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Largo names new fire chief

 
Largo Fire Chief Chad Pittman
Largo Fire Chief Chad Pittman
Published Sept. 17, 2018

LARGO — After two nationwide searches that produced 119 applicants, City Manager Henry Schubert didn't have to look far to find his new fire chief.

Schubert announced recently that Chad Pittman, deputy chief of Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, will take the helm at Largo Fire Rescue, replacing Shelby Willis, who took a position as deputy fire chief in Ogden, Utah, in March.

"We did a national search, and while there's benefits to hiring someone local, we considered people from outside the area and outside the state as well, and we feel he was clearly the best of all the candidates," Schubert said.

Pittman, whose tentative start date is Oct. 4, has been employed by Palm Harbor Fire Rescue since 1992, rising through the ranks to his current position of deputy chief of operations in 2013.

After 26 years with the department, Pittman, 48, said it will be bittersweet to leave, but he's eager for the opportunity.

"Leaving Palm Harbor is a little bit outside my comfort zone, but that's why I want to go to Largo also," he said. "It's a new challenge. I was very, very excited."

And it will be a challenge.

Largo responded to about 29,500 EMS and fire calls in 2017. Palm Harbor responded to 9,619.

Largo's 152 employees also serve several jurisdictions, including unincorporated portions of Pinellas County and much of High Point and has contractual agreements to provide fire and EMS services to Belleair and Belleair Bluffs.

The demand and lack of staffing have consistently led to large amounts of overtime. In the month of July alone, for instance, the department had 2,125 hours of overtime.

Schubert said Pittman's move to a larger department, however, wasn't a concern.

"Clearly, this is a growth opportunity for him," he said. "This is a bigger department and he and I both recognize that, but I'm confident he's up to the challenge."

Pittman said his many years of experience in Palm Harbor have prepared him for the new role and his familiarity with Pinellas County probably gave him an advantage in the selection process, which included fire station tours, a public meet-and-greet session and several rounds of interviews conducted by city administration and management.

"It certainly helped, but it certainly wasn't the only reason (he was chosen)," Schubert said. "He knows the players and he knows how the system works, so that is helpful. He's the kind of person that instills a lot of confidence. He's very knowledgeable of fire and EMS, and I think he's certainly at the point in his career when he's ready to move on to the next step to be a chief."

Pittman said he has kept an eye on fire chief openings for several years, but Largo's piqued his interest because he admired the operation.

"I've always respected the department," said Pittman, a Tarpon Springs resident who is married with three teenage boys. "I like the people there. I'm familiar with a lot of them through hazmat training and hazmat response through the county. So, I thought, as selective as I am, Largo would be a good fit if it worked out for me."

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He added that the selection process and the warm welcome he received from city commissioners, administration and staff made him feel even more comfortable in his decision.

His first goal when he starts in early October will make sure the department's staff are also comfortable with him.

"I want to get to know the personnel better," he said. "Just to take a little time to get to know them so they can get to know me. Evaluate the system and how it's working. I don't have any plans for big changes immediately. There's going to be a growth period."