Russell Nail Sworn In as New Palm Bay Fire Chief, Replaces Departing Chief James Stables
By Space Coast Daily // August 16, 2017
CHIEF NAIL: 'This is a dream come true for me'
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay swore in Russell “Rusty” Nail as the city’s new fire chief after conducting a comprehensive selection process.
“This is a dream come true for me,” said Nail.
“I look forward to leading the organization and carrying on the initiatives that have been set in motion by Chief Stables and our fire administration.”
Nail replaces departing Chief James Stables, who accepted a position as the Fire Chief in Johnson City, Tennessee.
“As a previous Palm Bay Fire Rescue member, his passion and empathy to serve the community as the fire chief was evident throughout the selection process, and he was unanimously recommended by the selection panel,” said Palm Bay City Manager Gregg Lynk.
Nail has more than 25 years of sire service experience. After volunteering with Brevard County Fire Rescue for a year, he began his professional career with the City of Palm Bay before joining the City of Orlando Fire Department, serving there for more than 20 years.
Throughout his career, Nail has moved through all ranks, including Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, District Chief, Assistant/Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief and now ultimately Fire Chief.
Nail has served in all areas of the fire services including: Operations, Administration, Training, Fire Prevention, Emergency Medical Services, Communications, Emergency Management, Public Education and Community Outreach.
Nail graduated with honors from Eastern Florida State College and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Management from the University of Florida.
He is a credentialed Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, has an Executive Fire Officer certification and completed the Emergency Services Leadership Institute through the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.
As a Chief Officer with the Orlando Fire Department, he acquired extensive experience commanding or participating on all types of hazardous incidents.
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