PUBLIC SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Palm Bay Fire Rescue Honors Assistant Chief Bob Furci for 38 Years of Service

Palm Bay Fire Chief Bob Furci: A True Leader in Fire Service Excellence

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA — Palm Bay Fire Rescue (PBFR) marked the end of an era recently as Assistant Chief Bob Furci retired, closing out an extraordinary 38-year career in the fire service defined by innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public safety.

Chief Furci began his fire service career in 1988 with Brevard County Fire Rescue, where he served for more than three decades with distinction.

Rising through the ranks, he became known for his steady leadership and his commitment to advancing firefighter training and safety. After retiring from the county in 2019, his passion for the profession led him to join Palm Bay Fire Rescue as a Division Chief.

Over the next seven years, Chief Furci’s influence on PBFR was profound. He oversaw several critical divisions—including Training, Research & Development, and Fleet Services—and played a central role in modernizing the department’s operations.

Among his many achievements, Furci spearheaded the development of PBFR’s first-ever training and burn tower, a project years in the making that officially opened in January 2023.

“Chief Furci’s impact on this department will be felt for years to come,” said a Palm Bay Fire Rescue spokesperson. “His vision for firefighter safety and innovation set a new standard for how we train and equip our crews to protect this community.”

Chief Furci’s legacy also includes ushering in new fire apparatus, E-draulic extrication equipment, and personal thermal imaging cameras for every firefighter seat—advancements that have strengthened the department’s capabilities and enhanced the safety of both firefighters and the public.

His leadership extended beyond equipment and infrastructure; colleagues describe him as a mentor and steady presence whose experience and integrity elevated everyone around him.

“Bob brought with him decades of wisdom and a deep understanding of what it takes to run a modern fire service,” said one PBFR colleague. “He inspired everyone to be better, to think smarter, and always to put the community first.”

As Assistant Chief Furci transitions into retirement, his influence continues to shape Palm Bay Fire Rescue’s mission to protect lives, property, and the environment with professionalism and compassion.

PBFR, which serves Brevard County’s largest and fastest-growing cities, operates from five fire stations across Palm Bay, responding to tens of thousands of calls each year. The department’s more than 130 personnel provide fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue operations, among other critical services.

Chief Furci’s decades of service—spanning two major Brevard fire agencies—leave a legacy of leadership and innovation that has strengthened emergency response for the entire region.

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