On December 6, 2024, the City of St. Petersburg witnessed a historic moment as Keith Watts was sworn in as the first African-American Fire Chief. The ceremony took place at The Mahaffey Theater and was attended by city officials, Fire Rescue personnel, and community members.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch stated, “Today is a historic day for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and for our city as a whole. Chief Keith Watts’ appointment as the 11th Fire Chief marks a new chapter in our department’s distinguished history.”
Chief Watts has been with the department since 2018 and brings over three decades of public safety experience to his new role. His past roles include leadership positions with Orange County Fire Rescue and service as a combat medic in the Florida Army National Guard.
Chief Watts expressed his commitment to enhancing the department’s operations, emergency response capabilities, and firefighter training programs while ensuring it reflects the community’s diversity. “There are so many who paved the way for people like me to be here today,” he said.
He is also credited with founding Camp Ignite, an outreach program aimed at introducing young women to firefighting careers.
The event included remarks from retired Orange County Fire Rescue Division Chief John Hightower, an invocation by Reverend Kenneth Irby, and Judge Pamela Campbell administering the Oath of Service.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue anticipates continued innovation under Chief Watts’ leadership, focusing on public safety and community engagement.
