Lakeland, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-Fire Chief Gary Ballard has decided to retire after a 40-year career in the fire service. Ballard's last day will be December 15.
Ballard has served the Lakeland community since 1977; climbing through the ranks as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Training Officer, Assistant Chief of Operation, Assistant Chief of Administration, and most recently Fire Chief, which he has served as since 2010.
Under his administration the department has grown to seven stations, 171 personnel and received an ISO Public Protection Class Rating of Class 1, the highest achievable rating. Of the 568 rated communities in Florida only 30 are a Class 1; and of 44,672 rated communities nationwide only 270 are Class 1.
An internal candidate review is currently underway by City of Lakeland management and the candidates are Assistant Chiefs Doug Riley and Rick Hartzog. The announcement on the new chief is expected sometime next month.
Photo courtesy Lakeland Fire Department