St. Petersburg Fire Rescue has a new Fire Chief. Keith Watts is the first African American Fire Chief in St. Petersburg. This change comes roughly a year after some controversy surrounding the former chief regarding discrimination.
“I’m very excited about the new vision, about new direction for the department and the members of the department,” said Watts.
Change is coming to the St. Petersburg Fire Department.
“We are looking towards a shift. Somewhat of a cultural shift,” said Watts.
Chief Watts joined the Orange County Fire Department in 1991 and, after 25 years, retired He then joined St. Pete Fire Rescue in 2018.
“My goal was always to be the best whatever rank I was but what I will tell you is I don’t want to be the last Black Chief hired,” said Watts.
He is replacing former Fire Chief, Jim Large. Chief Large experienced some controversy towards the end of his time with the department. An employee survey showed allegations of discrimination in the workplace. He was reinstated after Mayor Welch found no first-hand evidence of the allegations.