Anthony Perez Confirmed As New Pasco Fire Chief By County Commission

PASCO COUNTY, FL — The Pasco Board of County Commissioners has confirmed Anthony “Tony” Perez as the new Fire Chief of Pasco County Fire Rescue.

“Chief Perez's commitment to our community, extensive experience and proven leadership make him an excellent choice for this critical role,” said County Administrator Mike Carballa. “His vision for building a legacy at Pasco County Fire Rescue by laying a solid foundation and bridging gaps aligns perfectly with our mission of people, purpose and performance.”

Perez brings over 26 years of extensive experience in fire service operations and administration to his new role. He began his career at Pasco County Fire Rescue before moving to Tampa Fire Rescue where he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as firefighter, paramedic, driver engineer, captain, district chief, shift commander, chief of operations and personnel chief.

“Pasco County Fire Rescue is blessed to have hundreds of dedicated personnel who deliver selfless, life-saving service every day,” said Assistant County Administrator of Public Safety J.J. Murphy. “We’re confident that Chief Perez's unique background, adaptability and determination, coupled with his extensive experience in the fire service, will have a positive impact on both our team members and the community we serve.”

Perez will officially take charge of Pasco County Fire Rescue following a transfer of command ceremony Aug. 1 at Grace Family Church in Lutz. Perez lives in Pasco County with his wife and children.

Perez' appointment comes following a nationwide search after Fire Chief Scott Cassin announced his retirement earlier this year.

“I want to thank Chief Cassin for his 10 years of leadership and dedication to the men and women of Pasco County,” said Carballa. “During his tenure, we’ve seen extraordinary growth in our community and our fire department. Chief Cassin has boldly led the organization, and his vision to innovate the department will have a long-lasting impact.”

Pasco County Fire Rescue began as a career fire department in 1974 with fire stations located along the U.S. 19 corridor.

Within a few years, Pasco County Fire Rescue became one of the fastest-growing departments in Central Florida, covering approximately 764 square miles and serving a population of nearly 500,000 people.

The department operates out of 29 stations with more than 600 paid professionals and a support staff of approximately 65 people, which include administration, ambulance billing and fire rescue supply.

The department provides fire protection and advanced life support medical ambulance services for all of unincorporated Pasco County and the cities of Dade City, San Antonio and Saint Leo.

The department is a cross-trained agency, meaning all paid firefighters are required to be trained as emergency medical technicians or paramedics.