Alachua’s Harold Theus Named Florida's 2025 Fire Chief of the Year!

Alachua County, USA - In a heartening tribute to exemplary leadership in the firefighting community, Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus has been named the 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA). This prestigious accolade was revealed during the FFCA’s Executive Development Conference in Miami, celebrating individuals who display outstanding leadership, community service, and earn the respect of their peers. Chief Theus has shown all these qualities in spades, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.

Congratulations flooded in for Theus, with Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman emphasizing his steadfast commitment to public safety and effective community service. Theus’s tenure as fire chief began in 2019, following the retirement of Bill Northcutt, but he has been an integral part of the fire service since 1994 when he started as a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). Next week, he will celebrate his 31st anniversary with the department.

A Legacy of Community Service

Throughout his career, Theus has driven significant advancements within the Alachua County Fire Rescue. He has overseen the completion of two new fire stations, improving overall service capacity while also adding essential resources for the department. Not one to rest on his laurels, Theus also launched a Community Health Program aimed at bridging gaps in medical care, showcasing a commitment to holistic community service that extends beyond traditional firefighting.

When asked about his recent recognition, Theus humbly attributed his award to the combined efforts of the entire team, from the County Commission to the dedicated members of the ACFR. „This honor is a reflection of the hard work of everyone involved,“ he stated, reflecting a collaborative spirit that is at the heart of effective leadership.

The Importance of Recognition

The recognition of leaders like Chief Theus is profound, not only for the individuals involved but for the communities they serve. The Florida Fire Chiefs‘ Association hosts several awards annually, and nominations are limited to the association’s members. Categories include EMT of the Year, Fire Marshal of the Year, and many more—each recognizing specific accomplishments within the fire service community. This framework not only promotes excellence but encourages a culture of acknowledgment that benefits everyone involved in public safety operations.

Theus’s journey and achievements will no doubt inspire many, illustrating that there’s something to be said for perseverance and commitment to community welfare. His leadership style, which incorporates teamwork and a genuine care for public service, serves as a model for future fire chiefs across Florida.

As we celebrate Chief Harold Theus’s contributions to Alachua County and beyond, the entire community can take pride in knowing that its fire chief exemplifies the best of what it means to serve and protect. As always, public safety remains a collective responsibility—a sentiment that rings true within the very fabric of our towns and cities.

For further details on the awards given by the Florida Fire Chiefs‘ Association, please visit the FFCA’s official site to explore various categories and achievements recognized within the fire service community, as well as upcoming events and nominations: https://www.ffca.org/florida-fire-chiefs-association-awards.