Orange County Fire Chief Carl Plaugher has announced his retirement effective November 18.
Plaugher, whose fire service professional career spanned 39 years, has been Orange County’s Fire Chief since December 2000.
“I applaud Carl for his leadership and 11 years of meritorious service to the citizens of Orange County,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “He stood tall on many occasions including three consecutive hurricanes in 2004. His shoes will be difficult to fill.”
Under Plaugher’s command, the Orange County Fire Rescue Department grew from 31 fire stations to 41. He oversaw a significant increase in the diversity of the organization and helped it become the nation’s fifth largest fire rescue department to gain national accreditation.
Deputy Fire Chief Jim Fitzgerald has been appointed to serve as Interim-Fire Chief until a permanent replacement is found.
