Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios resigns
Orange County fire chief resigns after budget meeting
Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios resigned Tuesday after a contentious budget meeting in which commissioners questioned him about the purchase of a county-issued vehicle and firefighter back pay.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Anthony Rios has resigned from his position following apparent comments made during a recent budget presentation to the Board of Commissioners, the county announced on Tuesday.
Rios submitted his resignation to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Tuesday, July 28, effective Friday, July 31, 2026. Deputy Chief John Westmoreland has been named Acting Fire Chief, the county said.
What they're saying:
"It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as Fire Chief of Orange County Fire Rescue, effective July 31, 2026.
After nearly three decades of public service to the residents of Orange County, I have spent considerable time reflecting on the responsibility that accompanies positions of public trust. Throughout my career, I have sought to lead with accountability, transparency, and integrity. Those values have guided every decision I have made, and they continue to guide this one.
During my recent budget presentation to the Board of County Commissioners, I responded to a question regarding the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle. 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."
Read: Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios resignation letter
June 15 Orange County Board of Commissioners Budget Work Session
Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios shared budget updates with the Orange County Board of Commissioners during a Budget Work Session on June 15.
During that meeting, Commissioner Mayra Uribe questioned where new vehicle or fleet purchases were in the overall budget, and the back pay timeline for firefighters following the approved collective bargaining agreement with the Orange County Fire Fighters Association.
The exchange begins around the 3:05 mark in the video.
During that exchange, Commissioner Uribe asked whether Chief Rios had a new vehicle.
"No I do not," Chief Rios responded.
Commissioner Uribe then asked where in the budget new vehicles were listed.
"To answer the question, we do replace vehicles as needed," he said.
"I'm not saying you don't, I'm just trying to ask you where it is in here," she said, referring to the budget.
Commissioner: Rios' statement was ‘inaccurate’
In a Zoom interview with FOX 35 on Tuesday, Commissioner Uribe said Rios' statement was "inaccurate."
"I have been a little frustrated that the Fire Chief and the County have not given the Orange County firefighters their back pay of two years, and had learned already that the Chief and a lot of the leadership had gotten new vehicles," she said.
"So when he was presenting our budget, I am looking to see where's that adjustment for all these new cars they had just bought, and I didn't see it in there. And I really tried to press, it was really important to pay your men and women who've been waiting for two years to get their pay, their pay."
She said his answer surprised her.
"That's was not what I expected. I did not expect him to not be truthful in that answer," she said.
"This wasn't a gotcha moment. This was simply trying to put some pressure on getting the men and women paid," she said.
Statement from Orange County Mayor Demings
"Chief Rios has been a dedicated member of the Department for over 26 years, most recently serving as the Department's Fire Chief since June 27, 2025. His service has benefited the Department and its personnel in many ways, and he is commended for his commitment to serving our community," Mayor Demings said in a letter to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, following Rios' resignation.
Orange County Fire Fighters Association surprised by Fire Chief's resignation
"The Orange County Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 2057, learned this morning that Fire Chief Anthony Rios has tendered his resignation. The news came as a surprise to our organization and to many of the men and women of Orange County Fire Rescue.
We do not have any additional information regarding the circumstances of his resignation and will not speculate on reports or information that has not been confirmed.
During his time as Fire Chief, Chief Rios maintained open communication with our organization, and we appreciate the opportunities we had to work together on behalf of the Department and its members.
We wish Chief Rios and his family well.
As Chief John Westmoreland assumes the role of Interim Fire Chief, our focus remains on supporting our members, maintaining stability within the Department, and ensuring the men and women of Orange County Fire Rescue have the resources they need to continue serving our community.
IAFF Local 2057 looks forward to working with Chief Westmoreland and the Department’s leadership during this transition.
The backstory:
Rios was appointed Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Rescue department in April 2025. He officially assumed the role in June 2025. He previously served as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration.
Rio spent more than 25 years with Orange County Fire Rescue, starting as a firefighter/paramedic in November 2000, according to an online news release.
The Source: The information is from Orange County Fire Rescue and Rios' resignation letter.