Bradenton Fire Department Names New Assistant Chief

BRADENTON, FL — Battalion Chief Tim Geer of the Bradenton Fire Department has been named assistant chief. Geer replaces David Ezell who retired after more than 20 years with the agency.

The appointment was announced earlier this week by Fire Chief Chuck Edwards and takes effect on Aug. 27.

"As the department faces notable evolution in the next few years, including the reconstruction of two stations and personnel succession implementation, we are confident that the leadership contributions of Assistant Chief Geer will aid in bringing our goals to fruition," said Edwards.

Geer joined the Bradenton Fire Department as a firefighter in October 1996 and was promoted through the ranks, spending three years as training director.

He is a founding member of the Special Operations program and has served as team coordinator and Light Technical Rescue Team leader, including the period that included Hurricane Katrina.

Geer was awarded the Congressional Service Award for service, leadership and a confirmed rescue of a fire victim.

"As training director, he was an integral member of the accreditation team, successfully led the department's first Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act inspection, and implemented the department's hiring process improvement," according to the agency.

"As battalion chief, he has served as radio communications coordinator, contributed to the successful grant application for headsets (identified by the department's safety committee), and has been a model of best practices in incident command," the agency added.