The High Springs Fire Department (HSFD) announced Tuesday that it has a new fire chief.

According to a city of High Springs press release, Joseph Peters was appointed to the fire chief position starting May 6.

Peters has 30 years of experience serving in various capacities at multiple departments, which include 14 years with the Mount Dora Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of captain. He served seven years The Villages Public Safety as a lieutenant and as the fire chief in Ford City, Pennsylvania.

Peters relocated back to Florida from Pennsylvania and currently works as the training coordinator at the Havana Volunteer Fire Department and as the life support educator at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

“It is an honor to be chosen as the next Fire Chief of High Springs,” said Peters in the press release. “I am privileged to be part of a very talented and dedicated team and look forward to becoming part of the High Springs community.”

According to the release, “[Peter’s] expertise in emergency response protocols, community outreach initiatives, and personnel management will be invaluable assets as he assumes his new role.”

Peters succeeds Bruce Gillingham, the former HSFD chief, who retired in October. Newberry Fire Chief Mike Vogel has been serving as the HSFD interim fire chief since then.

“The City of High Springs is very excited about the appointment of Chief Peters,” said High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall in the press release. “Chief Peters comes with a vast set of skills and experience that will greatly contribute to the success of the department.”