Clearwater, Fla. (WFLA) – Clearwater Fire Rescue has a new fire chief with an extensive background.
Chief Chad Pittman has made a 35-year dedication to the Tampa Bay Area, playing Clearwater Fire on the third day. He said his overall goal is to get his full potential in the community.
Pittman’s career began in 1990 and for many years he has worked in East Lake, Palm Harbor and Largo.
His brand new home is Station 45 in Clearwater.
“There’s a lot to do, a bit surreal, but I was excited and I was very warmly greeted throughout the city and the entire fire station,” he said.
The veteran firefighter is a lifelong resident of Pinellas County.
“My county’s growth over 35 years has been significant. Since then, the way we approach fire and emergency medical calls has also evolved so much, and continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community,” Pittman said.
Clearwater Fire is a very busy department, with over 31,000 calls made every year.
Pittman said his goal is to come and hear the stories of men and women who have saved lives in the area.
“Think about what I’ve learned to create a path to Clearwater Fire Rescue. I don’t have a strict agenda about what I’m trying to do and how it will be done. I listen first, use a team approach and plan to move forward,” he said.
With a $39 million budget and 224 staff under him, the chief said he is trying to understand what the department’s needs are.
“This is part of my first few weeks here: knowing what direction the city is heading and how we will support that direction from the fire department in terms of personnel, equipment and resources,” Pittman said.
He said the main difference between Clearwater and his previous station was the Beach Fire Station.
Overall, the new chief said it was a lifelong honor to serve on Clearwater’s fire.
