12:40 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Department of Fire Rescue Services has a new name and organizational structure. The name has been changed to the Alachua County Department of Public Safety. The new name more accurately reflects the scope of emergency and non-emergency services provided by theDepartment to the citizens of and visitors to Alachua County.
Key changes to the Department structure include reorganizing the upper levels of the Department into four sections. Each section is headed by a Section Chief that reports directly to the Department Director. The four sections are: Fire Rescue, Finance & Administration, Emergency Management, and Wildfire Mitigation. The Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Services Will Gray May Jr. was re-titled as Director of Public Safety, and Deputy Chief Ed Bailey was re-titled as Chief of Fire Rescue/Deputy Director.
This reorganization follows the National Incident Management System (NIMS) recommendations. This standard template of organization provides for effective communication and coordination of all resources. This will allow for better, faster, more accurate response to disasters of any type.
Director May said, "The Department of Public Safety will continue to provide the exemplary service Alachua County residents have come to expect.. We are committed to our mission of protecting life and property by providing quality service that is responsive, respectful and courteous."
For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please contact the Public Education Office at 352-384-3101.
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