Riley Selected As New Lakeland Fire Chief

LAKELAND, FL - Douglas E. Riley has been appointed as the new Lakeland fire chief, City Manager Tony Delgado announced Wednesday. Riley will begin his new role as the leader of the department on Dec. 16. The appointment follows the retirement of Gary W. Ballard, who served as fire chief since 2010.

Riley was formerly the department's assistant chief of operations, prior to his promotion. Riley has 30 years of public safety experience and has been with the department since 1987. The Lakeland Fire Department has 171 employees, seven stations and a budget of approximately $18.6 million. His annual salary will be $136,103.

Delgado said: "The City of Lakeland is fortunate to have a stellar team of professional firefighters who have been led by outstanding fire chiefs through the years. I am proud and honored to have the opportunity to again appoint an outstanding individual, Assistant Chief Doug Riley, to lead the department following the retirement of Chief Ballard."

The appointment came after an internal selection process between the department's assistant chiefs. Delgado also noted: "I would be remiss if I did not recognize Assistant Chief Rick Hartzog for his outstanding contributions to the organization and his willingness to also be part of the interview process. I am confident that his expertise will not only assist Chief Riley but help build the foundation for an outstanding management team at the department.

"I am both humbled and honored to be afforded the opportunity to lead our great fire department into the future. My entire career has been in dedicated service to the Lakeland community and I look forward to serving the men and women of the department, with compassion and pride, as we continue to provide exceptional service to the citizens of our great city."