FFCA 2025 Board of Directors Elections

VOTE for Northeast Regional

VOTE for East Central Regional

Michael Tucker [Bio]

I’m Michael Tucker, Fire Chief for Flagler County Fire Rescue, and I am a candidate for the position of 2nd Vice-President for the Florida Fire Chief’s Association (FFCA).

Having served the FFCA as a board member, section member (Health and Safety, Executive Leadership Development), and legislative committee member I believe that I am best suited to continue service to the FFCA and its members as the association’s 2nd Vice-President.  The culmination of my experience serving in these capacities combined with more than 20 years serving as Chief of Department, 30 years as a certified Paramedic, and eight years of executive leadership within the State Fire Marshal’s (SFM) Office provide me with a unique understanding of the issues facing the Florida fire service and the role the FFCA plays in addressing them.

The association must have leadership with a demonstrated ability to think strategically, build relationships, work collaboratively, and bring about substantive change through measurable results.  With your vote, I will be able to support the FFCA in the four strategic areas of rebuilding our financial health, building strategic partnerships, growing a solid membership structure, and proactive legislative action.

Strategic / Platform Issues

• Financial health:
• Maximum focus on FFCA’s financial well-being.
• If not properly positioned financially, we will never be able to take advantage of future opportunities.
• Strategic partnerships:
• Continue to support our very strong strategic partnerships.
• Examples include:
• Florida Fire Marshal and Inspectors Association (FFMIA),
• Florida Professional Firefighter (FPF),
• Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM), and
• Joint Council.
• Explore growth opportunities with:
• National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM),
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
• International Association of Fire Chiefs
• Membership structure:
• Build a membership structure that encourages future leaders to become part of the association because of the value they receive from the membership.
• Develop a marketing program that communicates the return on investment resulting from being a member.
• Communicate the professional development opportunities in which future leaders can participate as the result of membership.
• Must be seen and understood as being for more than just chiefs, as the FFCA must be representative of Florida’s entire fire service.
• Membership structure must serve firefighters (volunteer and career), fire instructors, fire inspectors, fire investigators, fire officers, fire chaplains, and fire service vendors.
• Legislative Acton:
• Continue to demonstrate our ability to address legislative issues in a very proactive manner.
• My time within the State Fire Marshal’s office has given me a unique understanding of the pace and rhythm necessary relative to the development and implementation of Florida statute and administrative code.

Background, Education, and Experience

• Chief Fire Officer credential through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (2010).
• Masters Degree in Public Administration - Florida Gulf Coast University (2010).
• Executive Fire Officer Program - National Fire Academy (2005).
• FFCA Fire Chief of the Year in 2011.
• Southeast Association of Fire Chief’s Fire Chief of the Year in 2012.
• Florida certified:
• Firefighter/EMT (1985).
• Paramedic (1991).
• Fire Inspector (1997).
• Fire Service Instructor 1 – 3 (2000).
• Fire Officer 1 - 4 (1999).

• Bureau of Fire Standards and Training / Florida State Fire College.
• Responsible for leading reaccreditation of ProBoard.
• Responsible for initial IFSAC accreditation.
• Training and certification of one of the nation’s largest fire services.
• Representing Florida to the North American Fire Training Director’s Association.
• Represented Florida as part of Drexel University’s Center for Firefighter Injury Research and Safety Trends (FIRST).
• Represented Florida to the Underwriter Laboratories Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI).
• Completion of the first ever statewide job task analysis (JTA) of Florida’s fire service.  No other state had ever previously completed a similar undertaking.
• Revision of the FF1 and FF2 curricula resulting from the JTA.  Aligned the training of volunteer and career firefighters with the findings.
• Development of the Florida State Fire College Vision 2039 plan used in future planning for the Fire College.
• Oversight of all rulemaking processes impacting the training and certification of Florida firefighters, fire officer, fire inspectors, and fire investigators.
• Development and implementation of Florida’s first ever ARFF certification process for ARFF Firefighter, ARFF Driver, and ARFF Officer.  This was an unmet need brought to us by the constituents and after learning of their challenges and desires we embarked on a long process of conducting listening sessions across the State to develop the certifications.
• Representing State Fire Marshal’s office to the Domestic Security Coordinating Group.
• Served as Florida liaison to Texas for Florida’s USAR response to Hurricane Harvey.
• Responsible for developing programs to assist volunteer firefighters:
• Rewrite of Firefighter 1 curriculum and certification.
• Responsible for development of Firefighter 1 “Grow as You Go”.
• Volunteer Firefighter Assistance grant program.
• Presented to many City/County commissions as to their roles and responsibilities in providing fire services to their communities.
• Responsible for team implementing the “Green Bucket” decon program.
• Responsible for team implementing the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment grant program.

Villages Public Safety Department (2001 – 2014) Fire Chief

• Led department to international accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
• Led department from 12 employees operating from one station running 946 calls to 101 employees operating from seven stations running 15,000 calls.
• Developed a nationally recognized community AED program

Reedy Creek Fire Department (1988 – 2001) Battalion Captain / Training

Mount Dora Fire Rescue (1987 – 1988) Firefighter/EMT

Leesburg Fire Department (1985 – 1986) Firefighter/EMT

Conclusion
My fire service career is comprehensive and well-rounded.  I have served as a volunteer and career firefighter, paramedic, and fire officer, often doing both concurrently.  I love being part of the fire and emergency services family.  Serving my community is something I believe I have been put on earth to do.

While serving within a fire department allowed me the privilege to serve my community directly, and take care of Mrs. Smith daily, it has also provided the unique honor and opportunity to serve the Florida fire service.

Brady Rigdon [Bio]

Hello everybody. My name is Brady Rigdon and I am asking for your vote as I seek to continue to serve as your Northeast Florida Regional Director for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. I was appointed in 2022 to fill a vacancy created when Chief Aviles became the Secretary/Treasurer. During this time I have become active on the Legislative Committee, helping to advocate on behalf of Fire Chiefs statewide to help ensure our profession continues to be the best profession any individual could hold. I have also participated in the annual Executive Development Conference and the Florida Fire and EMS Conference (formerly Fire Rescue East).

I began my fire service career in 1991 with the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, promoting through the ranks to the appointed position of Division Chief of Operations in 2006. I retired from the JFRD in April 2017 at the rank of Battalion Chief. In June 2017 I became the Fire Chief for the Nassau County Fire Rescue Department, where I still serve today. I also served as the Procurement Specialist for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation from 2013 to 2017, making the purchases for all of the grants awarded by the foundation to departments across the country. I am now an active member of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Board of Directors.

In 2010 I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Flagler College, graduating Summa Cum Laude and received the David B. Shoar Award for Academic Achievement in Public Administration. I earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Florida in December 2013. I also hold professional certifications as a State of Florida Firefighter, Paramedic, and Hazardous Materials Technician, as well as Associates Degrees in both Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services.

I have been a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association since 2003 when I was promoted to District Chief with JFRD. I am a member (retired) of the International Association of Firefighters Local 122 since 1991. I also served as a member of the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund Advisory Committee from 2004 to 2017. I have been a member of the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Fire Chiefs from 2003 to the present, serving as its President in 2006.

Born July 5, 1968, in Jacksonville, Florida, I have been married 36 years to my wife, Angela. We have two daughters Haley (husband Chris) and Shelby, and two granddaughters, Caroline and Collins. My family and I are active members of Westside Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

I appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve our fine organization.

Dan Miller [Bio]

Dear Members of The Florida Fire Chiefs Association,

My name is Dan Miller, and I currently serve as the Fire Chief for Suwannee County Fire Rescue in North Florida. I am reaching out to seek your support as I run for the position of Northeast Regional Director.

I began my career in the fire service in 1996 as a volunteer with Lake County Fire Rescue, transitioning to a full-time role in 1997. Over the next 25 years, I held various positions, including Firefighter, Special Operations Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, Training Chief, and EMS Chief. After a brief retirement, I was honored to be selected as the Fire Chief of Suwannee County.

My connection to the FFCA began in 1997, when my late father-in-law, Chief Craig Haun, a past president, introduced me to the organization. Since then, I’ve been an active member for 16 years, attending many of  the executive development conferences and other conferences organized by the FFCA. Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the incident command team for Fire Rescue East and the Florida Fire and EMS Conference.

Through my involvement with the FFCA, I’ve built lasting friendships, formed valuable professional relationships, and had the opportunity to learn from many of the finest fire service leaders. These connections have had a profound impact on my career.

I hold degrees in EMS and Fire Department Administration, and I earned the Chief Fire Officer designation in 2017, with redesignations in 2020 and 2023. Additionally, I am a 2012 graduate of the ELSI Program. The FFCA has been instrumental in my success in the fire service, and I am eager to give back by helping to shape the future leaders of our field.

It would be both an honor and a privilege to serve as your next Northeast Regional Director. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Chief Dan Miller

VOTE for Northeast Regional

Todd Allen [Bio]

My name is Todd Allen, the Fire Chief for the City of DeLand, and I am asking for your support as the next East Central Regional Director for the Florida Fire Chief’s Association (FFCA). As a dedicated fire service professional with over 33 years of experience, my career has been defined by a commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to my community and colleagues. I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity to serve our members in East Central Florida.

For almost six years I have had the honor of serving as Fire Chief for the City of DeLand, where I’ve worked to enhance operational efficiency, improve firefighter safety, and strengthen relationships with the community. This has been evidenced by our recent improvement to our public protection classification from an ISO 2 to an ISO 1, and on April 1st our department became accredited through the CFAI to become the first accredited fire agency in Volusia County. In addition, for the past 4 years I have been in the role of President for the Volusia County Fire Chiefs Association, advocating for collaboration and regional solutions to improve fire service delivery. Our association represents 13 fire agencies and Volusia County EMS. We have a very diverse county with differing needs, but I feel we have been able to come together to provide solutions and innovative ways to work together and improve our services collectively for our communities.

My career has also included nearly every role within the fire department, providing me with a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities our profession faces. Although not as naive as my younger years, I still hold the same passion I had when I was hired as a firefighter/paramedic in the early ’90s. From serving as union president, giving me valuable insight into fostering cooperation and understanding between labor and management, to managing regional special operations teams in the post-9/11 funding era, I have learned what it means to communicate effectively and gain consensus to accomplish a larger mission.

Beyond local service, I have contributed to state committees outside Florida, helping to shape policies and strategies that benefit fire services statewide. Growing up in the Midwest and spending 27 years in the municipal fire service in Illinois, I have had the opportunity to serve in many areas. From serving on state EMS and SUSAR committees with the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs to local charitable and education committees, I know what it takes to represent a constituency. More recently, I served on the FFCA's elections committee, where I gained a deeper appreciation for our organization’s commitment to professional development and strong leadership.

If elected as East Central Regional Director, my mission will be twofold: to ensure the voices of Central Florida fire service leaders are effectively communicated to the FFCA Executive Board and to provide our membership with timely updates on legislative changes, statewide initiatives, and critical information that impacts our region. I believe that clear communication and active engagement are the cornerstones of effective leadership.

I am passionate about fostering collaboration and building relationships to move our profession forward. The Central Florida district deserves strong, experienced leadership, and I am committed to continuing the legacy of excellence established by our past leaders. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and ensure our fire service remains prepared, innovative, and impactful.

Together, let’s continue to advance the fire service mission, honor our profession, and protect the communities we proudly serve. I humbly ask for your support as East Central Director.

Todd Allen

Joseph Hightower [Bio]

I would like to introduce myself to the Florida Fire Chief’s Association East Central Region members. My name is Joseph Hightower, Fire Chief of the Mount Dora Fire Department. I am running for the East Central Regional Director of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association. I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with many of you, but in case I haven’t, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I have been in the Fire/EMS Service for 35 plus years where most of my career has been spent in the Federal Fire Service. I began as a volunteer after graduating high school as many of us did. My first paid job was as an EMT in Alabama (my home state). After completing Paramedic School, I went on to spend 6 years at Dekalb County Fire EMS in Atlanta, GA where I had an opportunity to be a responder to 1996 Summer Olympic events.

Before starting my Federal career, I had the opportunity to lead my hometown EMS service as their Director. I began my Federal career at Anniston Army Depot, Anniston Alabama as a Firefighter/Paramedic advancing through the ranks to Fire Protection Specialist (Training Chief). I was promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations in a move to Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield. I served in several positions to include, Assistant Chief of Operations, Chief of Training, Deputy Fire Chief, and Acting Fire Chief before retiring in 2018. After retirement, I worked as a National Lead Instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness (FEMA). In that role I had the opportunity to lead and instruct agencies from across the country in preparing for terrorist events, Incident Command, and decontamination procedures for field and hospital settings. In June 2023, I accepted the position of Fire Chief for the City of Mount Dora where I currently remain. Our department is accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and are rated with an ISO rating of 2.

I am credentialed through the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a Chief Fire Officer. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Fire Science Administration from American Military University. I am currently a National Registered Paramedic of 35 years and hold a State of Florida Paramedic License.

Over my career, I have had the opportunity serve on many local, state, and federal committees and working groups. Some of my greatest memories and accomplishments in the Fire Service include:

1. Department of the Army Worldwide Fire Officer of the Year 2005
2. Local Incident Commander – 2 Presidential Visits
3. Lead Briefer – FORSCOM Command (4 Star) visit
4. Strike Team – Sweat Farm Rd/Bugaboo Wildland Fire GA-FL
5. Department of the Army Lead Evaluator Chemical Exercise Program
6. Department of the Army 9-1-1 Program re-write committee
7. Department of Defense Presidential Excellence Award
8. State of Florida Fire Marshal Out-of-State/DoD Firefighter committee

I am a member of the following Organizations:

1. Florida Fire Chief’s Association
2. Central Florida Fire Chief’s Association
3. Lake County Fire Chief’s Association
4. International Association of Fire Chief’s
5. Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce

As Chief Fire Officers, we all face our own challenges inside our departments and communities, but I feel we are facing challenges that will affect us all. East Central Florida Fire Department’s need a voice at the table to express our concerns and needs. I want to be that voice for you. Communication and Transparency will be my key factors. I will make sure you know the topics on the table and I will bring our topics to the table. Thank you for your consideration and I am asking for your VOTE for the East Central Regional Director of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association.

VOTE for East Central Regional