Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus has announced his retirement, bringing nearly 32 years of dedicated service to the residents of Alachua County to a close.
Chief Theus began his career with ACFR on Aug. 1, 1994, as an EMT/firefighter. He steadily rose through the ranks and was appointed fire chief in March 2019. His tenure as chief has been marked by unprecedented growth, forward-thinking leadership, and a commitment to innovation that has positioned ACFR among the leading fire service agencies in the region and beyond.
Chief Theus’ promotion history:
- Firefighter EMT – August 1994
- Firefighter Paramedic – November 1997
- Paramedic Attendant Firefighter – March 1998
- Lieutenant Paramedic – April 2005
- District Chief – April 2008
- Assistant Chief – August 2012
- Deputy Chief – April 2015
- Chief – March 2019
“As the first Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief to rise through the ranks of the department to become chief, he has set an inspiring example for current and future firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders,” said Alachua County Manager Michelle Lieberman. “Chief Theus is the kind of leader every county manager hopes to have on their team. His competence, professionalism, and calm command of complex situations have made it a pleasure to serve with him.”
Under Chief Theus’ leadership, the department achieved numerous historic milestones. ACFR became the first fire department in the nation to be validated and certified as an assessor in the Fireground Physical Ability Test fitness program. The department also became the first in Florida to deploy a Mobile Stroke Transport Unit and one of the first in the state to implement Tele911 services, enhancing patient care and emergency response capabilities. In addition, the department became one of only 215 agencies in the United States to receive accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.
Chief Theus oversaw significant expansion and capital improvements, including the development of a Fire/EMS training classroom building and construction projects for Stations 80 and 21. He also led the department through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and labor challenges while maintaining high levels of service and operational readiness.
During his tenure, Chief Theus also:
- Launched a Community Health Program
- Led the acquisition of the Public Safety Radio System
- Oversaw the transition of fire services in the Town of Micanopy
- Implemented a Kelly Day schedule and compensation step plan
- Established specialized teams, including Urban Search and Rescue, SWAT Medics, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems
“Chief Theus’ career represents the highest ideals of public service,” said Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell. “His dedication, humility, and steady leadership have left a lasting mark on Fire Rescue and on every resident who depends on its lifesaving work. Alachua County is safer, stronger, and better prepared because of him, and we are deeply grateful for all he has given to this community.”
Additionally, Chief Theus hosted the 50th anniversary celebration of ACFR, honoring the department’s legacy of service and was recently recognized as Florida Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.
“Serving this community and working alongside the dedicated men and women of Alachua County Fire Rescue has been the honor of a lifetime,” Chief Theus said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the department will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
Chief Theus’ final day in the office will be May 29, with an official employment end date of June 12.
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or msexton@alachuacounty.us.
