Delray Beach’s new fire rescue chief comes from Louisiana but is no stranger to Florida, previously serving in the fire department in Fort Myers Beach for two decades.
Ronald Martin will start on Oct. 7, taking over a department still in turmoil after the city fired its last chief, Keith Tomey, in May for allowing on-duty firefighters to participate in a charity softball game. The participation put an engine out of service for more than four hours. Also, one of the firefighters got hurt during the game and sought worker’s compensation.
Tomey filed suit in June claiming he was fired because City Manager Terrence Moore made unwanted sexual advances toward him. An investigation found no evidence to support the accusation.
On Sept. 20, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Carolyn Bell denied the city’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Since Tomey’s dismissal, Kevin Green has served as interim chief. Moore thanked Green for his “invaluable service and support” in his statement announcing Martin’s hiring.
Vice Mayor Juli Casale said the city manager is looking for new leadership in the department.
“I think the general understanding is the interim chief is winding down his career. I think Mr. Moore wants somebody who will come in and address some of the long-standing issues in that department,” she said.
Martin most recently served as chief of safety for the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal. Before taking that position in November 2023, Martin served as the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District fire chief/district manager, moving up through the ranks. He resigned for personal reasons in March 2023.
— John Pacenti
Comments