GROVELAND, FL – City officials on Tuesday announced that Kevin Carroll, Hernando County's Deputy Fire Chief, will soon take the helm as Groveland's new fire chief.
A formal search to replace current Chief Willie Morgan, who announced his retirement in July 2019 after 45 years with the city, has been underway since September. Twenty-seven candidates submitted applications, and the field was whittled to two finalists.
After much deliberation by staff and a green light from council members however, Carroll was offered the job.
On Friday, the city got word that Carroll accepted the $117,500 contract he was offered, a slight cut in pay from his current position, to lead the 35-member fire department in Groveland, which includes 12 newly hired firefighters, instated just last week.
"I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to join the Groveland team," Carroll said in a press release.
"I and my entire family feel very blessed and honored. Having the opportunity to take this solid rock of foundation that Chief Morgan has built over so many years to the next level, is exciting. I pay homage and respect to Chief Morgan to have spent 45 years in this profession, building and growing leaders," he continued.
Meanwhile, Morgan, who earned $108,786 annually as Groveland's Chief, will continue on staff with the city, but as project manager for the construction of Groveland's new Public Safety Complex expected to be completed by October, 2020.
City officials say they are planning a celebration in honor of Morgan's legacy later this year. But in February, after Carroll leaves his current post and transitions to Groveland, the city will host a formal Change of Command ceremony to officially welcome Carroll.
"This is a significant moment in the history of the City," City Manager Mike Hein said in a statement. "I have full confidence that Chief Carroll will build on the foundations laid by Chief Morgan and develop the department as the best in Lake County and potentially in the State."
Carroll has spent much of his fire service career in Hernando County.
In 1994, he joined the Hernando County Fire Rescue where he grew through the ranks as Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief and most recently, Deputy Fire Chief, managing 272 employees and 14 fire stations.
Carroll holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University, as well as degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services. His certifications include titles such as Florida State Certified Fire Safety Inspector, Florida State Fire Instructor, Florida State Certified Hazardous Materials and Medical Technician and Florida State Certified Paramedic.
Additionally, when Carroll was asked by city officials why he chose to come to Groveland, his response was: "Groveland is a beautiful growing area in Central Florida. Once the opportunity became available, my family and I began spending more time in Groveland. Everyone made us feel like we were already a part of the community."
In a statement, Carroll said the more and more time he and his family spent in Groveland, the more they realized is was a place they could call home.
"I truly look forward to getting to know all the men and women of the fire department and discussing how we can better serve the citizens of our community," Carroll said.
Groveland Mayor Evelyn Wilson said she is glad Carroll and his family chose to be a part of the Groveland community and said she believes Carroll's experience and leadership skills will benefit the city greatly.
"Chief Carroll will be a major asset to our existing department to continue moving the city forward," Wilson said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Wilson said what made Carroll stand out above all the other candidates was his family mindset and pleasant demeanor, adding that she thinks Carroll will get along beautifully with Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey.
"It was very close, but I just felt that Chief Carroll would have the best rapport with everyone and fit in the best with Groveland," Wilson said. "I feel Groveland is a strong family type community and I feel Chief Carroll will just become the dad of the department; someone to move his staff in the right direction once the new Public Safety Complex is finished."
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