Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) Chief Harold Theus was recently named 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA).

The award was announced last week at the FFCA’s Executive Development Conference in Miami and is presented annually to a fire chief who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service to their community, dedication and is someone their peers respect.

“On behalf of the entire county family, I want to congratulate Chief Theus on this well-deserved award,” said Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman in a press release. “His leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to public safety continue to set the standard not just in our community, but across the state. We’re incredibly proud to have him leading the way.”

Next week marks Theus’ 31st anniversary with Alachua County Fire Rescue, according to the release. Theus started his career in 1994 as a firefighter/emergency medical technician (EMT). He became the deputy chief in 2015 and was named fire chief in 2019 after the retirement of then-chief Bill Northcutt.

During his career, Theus has helped advance the department, which includes the completion of two new fire stations and the addition of new resources. He also expanded services with the launch of a Community Health Program, aimed at filling gaps in medical care.

“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” said Theus in the release. “It is a reflection of the shared commitment among the County Commission, county management staff, and every member of Alachua County Fire Rescue in our joint pursuit to provide excellent service to our community.”