Flagler County, FL – It was a humbling moment for guests assembled at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center on Friday afternoon as the baton was passed and Michael Tucker assumed the duties of Flagler County Fire Chief.
Choking back tears he thanked longtime friends for making the trip to see him sworn in, and as his son Zachary pinned the badge on his father’s chest it was nearly a full circle moment. Tucker’s last speech as head of Florida’s State Fire College to graduates included Zachary, who is following in his father’s footsteps to join the brotherhood. He will take his place among the ranks in Marion County six weeks from now, when his father hopes to be there to pin the badge on his son.
Tears dotted the eyes of Chief Tucker’s wife Dale who was filled with pride at her husband’s recognition of their family and his gratitude for their support.
“I’m very proud of him, and he’s very excited to be here,” she said. “We’ve not moved in 28 years so this is a huge move for us, but yes, we’re very excited.”
Stepping in after the retirement of former fire chief Don Petito, Palm Coast Deputy Fire Chief Bradd Clark served as the county’s interim fire chief for 30 days, and Tucker shared his appreciation for Clark’s service during the transition.
Extoling the department’s commitment to character and support for each other, Clark urged firefighters and EMTs to use another set of principles for influencing administrative structure – professionalism, patience, persistence and pressure.
“I pray God blesses this organization, I appreciate the growth you’ve provided me,” he said. “Thank you for the ride.”
Signing off for the final time as the interim chief, Clark radioed dispatch the change of command and Tucker took the helm in Flagler County.
With an impressive resume that includes service as the Superintendent/Bureau Chief of the Florida State Fire College, it was Tucker that approved the initiation of the Classrooms to Careers Fire Academy in Flagler County according to former Flagler County fire chief Don Petito. He was happy to see such a distinguished member of fire service stepping into the leadership role in Flagler County.
“I think it’s great that he’s coming in because he’s the type of guy that’s going to carry on all of the projects that we’ve already started here and he will be able to take it further,” said Petito. “He’s got a proven track record of doing that around the state.”
Tucker’s introduction to the community touched on his personal commitment to ensuring the highest quality of professionalism to both the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and the residents of Flagler County, while supporting the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and most importantly the men and women of the Flagler County Fire Rescue.
“The Flagler County Fire Department is a great organization already so I’m hoping to help the organization become stronger and begin to set that stage for the growth that’s coming, and to continue to be the professional organization that’s going to serve the citizens of Flagler County,” said Tucker.
“Flagler County was one of the first ones to set up a high school-based program. There are several across the state but theirs is very unique in the fact that they are employable the day they come out of the academy,” he said.
“I think that the way we can continue to work with the State Fire College is on the development of curriculum, continuing to work to identify ways we can train firefighters in the high school levels better to get them even more prepared for when they get out in the real world.”
Retired firefighter and past president of the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club Joe Vece was among the guests on hand to welcome the new chief.
“Being a firefighter I know what it’s like and this county needs good leadership. I think he’s going to do a good job,” said Vece. “It’s a very special moment. He’s at the height of his career now. With his leadership I think Flagler County’s going to grow, and I’m here to support him.”
