Orange County fire chief submits letter of resignation after BCC meeting

The Orange County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Anthony Rios submitted a letter of resignation to Orange County Tuesday, July 28. 

After Rios' Orange County Fire Rescue budget presentation to the Board of County Commissioners Wednesday, July 15, District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe questioned where fleet purchases were reflected in the budget, aside from fire trucks. 

He said the purchases come from the operating budget. 

"Don't you have a new car, too?" Uribe said. "...I'm just trying to see where actual fleet purchases are in your budget."

"To answer the question, we do replace vehicles as needed," Rios said.  

However, county records show a new Ford Expedition was purchased and assigned to the chief. 

Thirteen days after the meeting, he made the decision to resign. 

"During my recent budget presentation to the Board of County Commissioners, I responded to a question regarding the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle," Rios said in his letter of resignation. "Although 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. As Fire Chief, I understand that intent does not diminish impact, and I accept full responsibility for my words." 

He said serving as the fire chief for OCFR has been the greatest honor of his professional career, and he is grateful to the residents, the men and women of the fire department, Mayor Jerry Demings and commissioners for allowing him to serve as their fire chief since June 2025. 

"I leave with complete confidence in the future of Orange County Fire Rescue," Rios said in the letter. "Over the past year, I have witnessed a meaningful transformation in our department's culture. Together, we strengthened a fire department built on professionalism, compassion, accountability and a renewed commitment to one another." 

He said while the decision to resign was not an easy one to make, he believes it is in the best interest of both the department and the county. 

"It allows the important work of this department to continue without distraction and ensures the focus remains where it belongs: serving our residents and visitors while supporting the dedicated professionals who devote themselves each day to protecting our community," Rios said. 

Demings commended Rios for his commitment to serving the Orange County community for the past 26 years. 

Demings said Deputy Chief John Westmoreland will serve as Interim Fire Chief.