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Board picks new fire chief

Kinsey chosen from field of 4

By LIANE SMITH (Contact)

Saturday, December 16, 2006

The Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District will welcome a new fire chief from within the department come June 1, shortly after the retirement of current Chief Dan Gourley.

The Bonita Springs Fire Board chose current Deputy Chief of EMS Phil Kinsey to replace Gourley earlier this week.

Gourley announced his retirement plans in October after serving the department for more than 30 years, and it was soon decided by the fire board to choose a candidate from within the fire department.

"This individual has all of the qualifications, is very highly recommended, and is very well respected by individuals and co-workers," board chairman Frank Liles said recently.

Kinsey, who lives in Fort Myers and has family in Bonita Springs, represents five generations of Floridians. Kinsey joined the Bonita Fire Department in January 1988.

"It's been a good journey," Kinsey said.

The 45-year-old, who holds a bachelor's degree in fire protection science and is currently working on a master's program, started with the department as a probationary firefighter. He then moved up the ranks to firefighter; lieutenant; acting captain; and the past three years were spent in his current deputy chief position.

"I've had a lot of support all the way up," Kinsey said.

The decision was a "pleasant surprise," Kinsey added, graciously pointing to the other candidates.

The board also interviewed Deputy Chief Ken Craft; Lt. Todd Taylor; and Assistant Chief Roger Shelly, all from within the department.

"I respect all of them," Kinsey said. "We are all friends. Every step of the way, I've worked with quality people."

The position of fire chief pays $109,000 to $125,000 a year and requires a bachelor's degree in fire science, management, public administration, or a related field, as well as 12 years vocational or supervisory experience and Florida fire officer certification.

According to Liles, the decision was a difficult one, because all of the candidates were "very capable and qualified," adding each are valuable to the district.

"Each and every applicant plays an extremely vital role in the running of this department," Liles said.

Before becoming a firefighter, Kinsey was a carpenter in the construction industry, and also dabbled in real estate and land development with his family.

Kinsey described his job at the fire department as a joy.

"It's a pleasure to come to work," Kinsey said.

The soon-to-be chief also mentioned that he has always strived to go to the next step.

Denise Riley, secretary for the fire prevention division at the fire department, described Kinsey as a patient man with a quiet wit about him, who is an insightful observer.

Riley has known Kinsey since 1990, when she first came to work for the fire department.

"He's been great to work around and work with," Riley said.

Kinsey said the staff members at the fire department are more like family, than employees.

"The hardest thing to develop as a new chief is the respect and trust of the people who work for you," Kinsey said. "I've developed that relationship over the last 19 years."

According to Kinsey, he knows what it's like for each department all the way down to the firefighters running calls all night long on the line.

"It's an old cliché, but I'm going to do my best to serve the public and keep their best interest in mind. That's my long and short-term goal," Kinsey said.