News

By Jane Smith

Boynton Beach Fire Rescue has a new leader.
Matthew Petty, previously deputy chief, is the interim chief after Glenn Joseph resigned on Nov. 29. Joseph’s salary was $145,376.
Boynton Beach hired Petty as a firefighter in February 2008. He received promotions over the years and most recently was named the deputy chief of administration in March. His salary was $117,998.
On Dec. 1, Petty became interim director of fire rescue services. His new salary is $135,000.
City Manager Lori LaVerriere is searching for a permanent fire chief.
Ocean Ridge and Briny Breezes both contract with Boynton Beach for fire rescue services.
Joseph started as the Boynton Beach fire chief on May 2, 2016, following the retirement of Chief Ray Carter that January.
“I always planned to stay three to five years with Boynton,” said Joseph, who had spent 29 years with the city of Boca Raton, the last nine as deputy fire chief.
Joseph, 56, said he will take six months to one year off to regroup and then consider teaching or consulting.
“I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in more than three years,” he said. The stress and demanding nature of the job began to take their toll, he said.