The Brief
- Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios has resigned from his position, which will become effective at the end of July.
- In his resignation letter, Rios said he took responsibility for his words during a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting regarding the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle.
- “As Fire Chief, I understand that intent does not diminish impact, and I accept full responsibility for my words.”
- Deputy Chief Westmoreland has been named Acting Fire Chief of Orange County Fire Rescue Department.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Anthony Rios has resigned from his position following apparent comments made during a recent budget presentation to the Board of Commissioners, the county announced on Tuesday.
Rios submitted his resignation to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Tuesday, July 28, effective Friday, July 31, 2026. Deputy Chief John Westmoreland has been named Acting Fire Chief, the county said.
“I understand that intent does not diminish impact, and I accept full responsibility for my words.”…