After the announcement of Fire Chief Dru Driscoll’s retirement, the city of Daytona Beach announced July 14 that longtime fire department employee Chris Hughes will serve as interim fire chief.
Driscoll announced his plans in June to retire from the department on July 24, with his last physical day at the department on July 9. The move came amid concerns surrounding department spending and other issues. Driscoll did not state why he was retiring but criticized “default pessimism in today’s social-media driven culture.”
Hughes has been with the fire department for 25 years, including 17 years in leadership, according to a city post on Facebook.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the dedicated men and women of the Daytona Beach Fire Department,” Hughes said, according to the city. “I recognize the responsibility and trust placed in me, and I am committed to leading with accountability, integrity and transparency.”
The city described Hughes’ career as “defined by service, leadership, and commitment to the City of Daytona Beach.
“Over the past two and a half decades, he has risen through the ranks serving in a variety of operational and leadership roles, while helping shape the department into the organization it is today,” according to the city.
The city will launch a nationwide search for a permanent fire chief, with the job posting expected to go out starting on July 20 “on multiple recruiting platforms,” according to city spokeswoman Susan Cerbone. The salary range for that position is $113,361.41 to $196,873.29.
“Qualified candidates will participate in an interview process, after which the City Manager will make the final selection,” according to Cerbone.
What are the salary, credentials of Daytona Beach Fire Department’s interim chief?
Upon his appointment to interim chief, Hughes received a 10% pay increase, bringing his salary to about $177,551, according to Cerbone. That took effect on July 12.
Hughes became deputy chief in February of 2025. His certifications include State Certified Paramedic, Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Instructor and Fire Officer III.
The city described him as a key player “in developing and implementing departmental policies and tactical guidelines.”
Hughes was an honoree in the 2022 News-Journal Hometown Heroes awards and received the fire department’s Distinguished Service Award.
— Sheldon Gardner covers Volusia County government, including Volusia County beaches, the city of Daytona Beach and other local governments in West Volusia.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Longtime fire official to serve as interim Daytona fire chief
Reporting by Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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By Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal | USA TODAY Network
