- Harold Theus is retiring as Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief after 32 years of service, with his final day on May 29 and official end date June 12, 2025.
- Under Theus' leadership since 2019, ACFR achieved national firsts in fitness test certification and deployed advanced medical response units, enhancing regional emergency services.
Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Harold Theus recently announced his retirement, ending 32 years of service to the county.
Theus started his career with Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) on Aug. 1, 1994, as an EMT/firefighter. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and was appointed fire chief in March 2019.
According to a county press release sent on Thursday, his “tenure as chief has been marked by unprecedented growth, forward-thinking leadership, and a commitment to innovation that has positioned ACFR among the leading fire service agencies in the region and beyond.”
Theus’ career with ACFR:
- Firefighter EMT – August 1994
- Firefighter Paramedic – November 1997
- Paramedic Attendant Firefighter – March 1998
- Lieutenant Paramedic – April 2005
- District Chief – April 2008
- Assistant Chief – August 2012
- Deputy Chief – April 2015
- Chief – March 2019
“As the first Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief to rise through the ranks of the department to become chief, he has set an inspiring example for current and future firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders,” said Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman in the release. “Chief Theus is the kind of leader every county manager hopes to have on their team. His competence, professionalism, and calm command of complex situations have made it a pleasure to serve with him.”
Under Theus’ leadership, the department achieved numerous historic milestones, which included ACFR becoming the first fire department in the nation to be validated and certified as an assessor in the Fireground Physical Ability Test fitness program. The department also became the first in Florida to deploy a Mobile Stroke Transport Unit and one of the first in the state to implement Tele911 services, enhancing patient care and emergency response capabilities. ACFR also became one of only 215 agencies in the U.S. to receive accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.
During his tenure, Theus oversaw expansion and capital improvements, which included the development of a Fire/EMS training classroom building and construction projects for Stations 80 and 21. “He also led the department through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and labor challenges while maintaining high levels of service and operational readiness,” according to the release.
During his tenure as chief:
- Launched a Community Health Program
- Led the acquisition of the Public Safety Radio System
- Oversaw the transition of fire services in the Town of Micanopy
- Implemented a Kelly Day schedule and compensation step plan
- Established specialized teams, including Urban Search and Rescue, SWAT Medics and Unmanned Aircraft Systems
“Chief Theus’ career represents the highest ideals of public service,” said Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell in the release. “His dedication, humility, and steady leadership have left a lasting mark on Fire Rescue and on every resident who depends on its lifesaving work. Alachua County is safer, stronger, and better prepared because of him, and we are deeply grateful for all he has given to this community.”
Theus also hosted the 50th anniversary celebration of ACFR and was recently recognized in July 2025 as the Florida Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.
“Serving this community and working alongside the dedicated men and women of Alachua County Fire Rescue has been the honor of a lifetime,” Theus said in the release. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the department will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
Theus’ final day in the office will be May 29, with an official employment end date of June 12.