ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios resigned Tuesday, citing a misleading response he gave to county commissioners during a recent budget presentation as the reason for his departure.<\/p>\n
Rios, who has served Orange County for nearly 26 years, submitted his resignation to Mayor Jerry Demings effective July 31. In his resignation letter, Rios acknowledged his words fell short during a question from commissioners about the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the purchase complied with all county procurement policies and procedures, my response did not fully communicate the complete context and, as a result, could only be perceived as inaccurate,\u201d Rios wrote in his letter. \u201cAs Fire Chief, I understand that intent does not diminish impact, and I accept full responsibility for my words.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rios was appointed fire chief on June 27, 2025. In the letter, he also expressed confidence in the department\u2019s future and pride in what he described as a meaningful cultural transformation during his tenure.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrange County Fire Rescue\u2019s greatest strength has never been its Fire Chief; it has always been its people,\u201d Rios wrote.<\/p>\n
Demings announced that Deputy Chief John Westmoreland will serve as acting fire chief effective immediately.<\/p>\n
Rios\u2019 resignation letter can be read in the media player below. <\/p>\n
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