Gene Prince Named New Cocoa Fire Chief

By  //  December 8, 2014

Chief Gene Prince new Fire Chief of Cocoa

Chief Gene Prince is the new City Fire Chief for Cocoa
Chief Gene Prince is the new Fire Chief for Cocoa. (City of Cocoa image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The City of Cocoa welcomes Chief Gene Prince as the next Fire Chief of the City of Cocoa.

Chief Prince comes to Cocoa from Gainesville Fire Rescue where he retired in late November.  Chief Prince will begin with Cocoa the first week of January 2015.

Chief Prince was with Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) for 30 years where he faithfully and honorably served the City of Gainesville and the community, working his way through the ranks from Firefighter to Fire Chief.

Earlier this year Chief Prince received the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer (CFO), of which he is one of only 993 CFO’s in the world.

This significant accomplishment helps demonstrate his superior knowledge, skills, abilities and commitment to the highest professional standards.

Additionally in 2014, under Chief Prince’s leadership, the Gainesville Fire Rescue Department achieved accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.  GFR is one of less than 200 out of more than 10,000 career fire rescue departments that have achieved accredited status.

Chief Prince brings with him great leadership, vision, experience and a remarkable level of professionalism to the City of Cocoa Fire Department.

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A selection committee comprised of a Cocoa resident, a representative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Cocoa’s Administrative Services Director, Cocoa’s Assistant City Manager and Cocoa’s City Manager screened more than 45 applicants and conducted interviews of five candidates.

 “It’s an honor to have been chosen as the Fire Chief for the City of Cocoa.  I look forward to serving the citizens of Cocoa alongside the men and women of the Cocoa Fire Department,” said Gene Prince.    

City Manager, John Titkanich stated “The City is thrilled to have Chief Prince as the new Fire Chief.  We are confident he will serve the Fire Department and our community with pride and assist the city in reaching its long term goals and objectives.”

A community welcoming and meet and greet will be planned shortly after his start date in January.

For additional information, call 321-433-8685.