On February 16, Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the retirement of Orlando Fire Chief John Miller after 27 years of service to the citizens of Orlando. Committed to ensuring public safety remains a top priority, Mayor Dyer appointed Roderick Williams, a 19-year OFD veteran, to succeed Miller and serve Orlando as the new Chief of the Orlando Fire Department.
“Chief John Miller has a long and outstanding history with our fire department,” Mayor Dyer said. “He has provided strong leadership over the past five years as Fire Chief, leading the department to a renewal of its Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office and achieving International Accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International – making the Orlando Fire Department one of only 15 departments in the nation to have both.”
Effective April 1, Williams will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and serve as chief counsel to the Mayor in matters of public safety. During his 19-year tenure with the Orlando Fire Department, Williams has worked in many capacities including serving as Deputy Chief for both the Fire Administrative Services Bureau.
He has also served as Assistant Chief in Administration focusing on key technology upgrades and improvements, worked in the Field Operations Bureau directly serving Orlando citizens and in the Training Division with responsibilities over recruitment, hiring and the Field Training Officer Program.
Born and raised in Orlando, Williams is a graduate of Jones High School. His appointment will go before the Orlando City Council on February 23 for confirmation.
I am a native of Orlando, Florida,” Williams said. “I so thankful and honored to be leading this organization. I will promise you that we will continue to strive for excellence. I look forward to serving this community and serving the citizens of Orlando.”
Mayor Dyer also appointed Assistant Chief Keith Maddox as the new Deputy Chief.
“Public safety remains a top priority of my administration and I look forward to working with Chief Williams in his new role and the fine men and women of the Orlando Fire Department as they continue to deliver the highest level of safety and fire protection to the citizens of Orlando,” Mayor Dyer said.
