MediaUpdate

​Theus started his career with Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) on Aug. 1, 1994, as an EMT/firefighter. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and was appointed fire chief in March 2019.

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Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus on May 7 announced his retirement after more than three decades with the department.

​Theus joined ACFR on Aug. 1, 1994, as an EMT/firefighter and rose through the ranks before being appointed fire chief in March 2019. He is the first ACFR chief to advance through the department to its top position.

“Serving this community and working alongside the dedicated men and women of Alachua County Fire Rescue has been the honor of a lifetime,” Theus said in a county news release. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the department will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”​

​During his tenure, according to the county release, ACFR achieved several milestones, including 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 was also the first in Florida to deploy a Mobile Stroke Transport Unit, among the first in the state to implement Tele911 services, and one of 215 agencies nationwide accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.

​Theus oversaw major expansion and capital projects, including a Fire/EMS training classroom building and new construction at Stations 80 and 21. He also led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and labor challenges.

​Additional initiatives under his leadership included launching a Community Health Program, acquiring the Public Safety Radio System, transitioning fire services in the Town of Micanopy, implementing a Kelly Day schedule and compensation step plan, and establishing specialized teams such as Urban Search and Rescue, SWAT Medics and Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Theus recently was named Florida Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

​​“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 in a press release. “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.”

His final day in the office will be May 29, with an official employment end date of June 12.

​ The Alachua County Commission and the City of Newberry Commission will conduct a joint meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. The meeting is at Newberry City Hall (25440 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).

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​After reviewing Alachua County’s current wildland fire conditions and in consultation with state officials, the mandatory countywide burn ban has been extended and will remain in effect through May 15, 2026.

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​The chief of Alachua County Fire Rescue announced he will be retiring after 32 years serving the community.

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​I appreciate School Board Chair Thomas Vu taking the time to address my letter at the School Board’s April 29 workshop. While I respect his candor, it is important to respond respectfully but firmly to the characterization of our request and, more importantly, to reaffirm that action on behalf of the more than 930 children in our community, who lack a stable home each night, cannot wait.

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​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.

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​The Lochloosa West Fire east of Micanopy has now burned 956 acres and is 50% contained as of Wednesday afternoon.

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​Today, Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell sent a letter to School Board of Alachua County Chair Thomas Vu, asking the school district to meet with other area organizations and review their “underutilized and vacant” School Board facilities “to better serve students and families experiencing homelessness.” However, Vu said at a workshop last week that he is “against that completely.”

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​The Florida Forest Service has announced that the Lochloosa fire now covers 956 acres and is 50% contained.

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​The Lochloosa West Fire in Southeast Alachua County has grown to 228 acres and is reportedly 30% contained as of midday on Tuesday.

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​Fire crews extinguished a non-residential trailer fire this morning in the Fairbanks area of northeast Alachua County.

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​Crews with the Florida Forest Service and Alachua County Fire Rescue on May 5 continued to battle a wildfire that had grown to more than 200 acres south of Hawthorne.

The fire that broke out May 4 was initially estimated at 2 to 3 acres, but the Forest Service said it was “slowly spreading” and had expanded to about 100 acres by 3:30 p.m.

As of about noon on May 5, the fire was estimated at 228 acres and was 30% contained, according to the Forest Service.

Due to the fire, County Road 325 west of Lochloosa Lake was closed on May 4 between County Road 346 and Southeast 152nd Lane. The road was reopened later that day at about 9 p.m.​

​Firefighters remained on scene overnight continuing work to strengthen containment lines.

Earlier May 4, crews used forestry resources such as 14 bulldozers and six engines, engine crews from the South Florida Brush Strike Team, and additional support from the St. Johns River Water Management District with two engines and one dozer. Air operations included three helicopters and an air attack aircraft. Crews worked to construct containment lines with heavy equipment, while helicopters are making water drops to slow the fire’s advance.

Residents that live within a three-mile radius of the fire were notified by a reverse 911 call. Evacuations have not been ordered.

​Firefighters remained on scene overnight continuing work to strengthen containment lines.

Earlier May 4, crews used forestry resources such as 14 bulldozers and six engines, engine crews from the South Florida Brush Strike Team, and additional support from the St. Johns River Water Management District with two engines and one dozer. Air operations included three helicopters and an air attack aircraft. Crews worked to construct containment lines with heavy equipment, while helicopters are making water drops to slow the fire’s advance.

Residents that live within a three-mile radius of the fire were notified by a reverse 911 call. Evacuations have not been ordered.

​The Florida Highway Patrol, working with the Forest Service and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, is monitoring the Interstate 75 and U.S. 441 area near Paynes Prairie for residual smoke.

Motorists traveling through the area may encounter significantly reduced visibility and are urged to use caution by slowing down, increasing following distance and using low‑beam headlights.

​Officials warn that visibility can worsen quickly, especially at night and during early morning hours, as smoke mixes with moisture to create hazardous driving conditions.