Lake County, FL – Lake County Fire Rescue (LCFR) has selected Battalion Chief Tony Cuellar as the new Deputy Chief Operations, effective August 28.
The interview panel reviewed multiple candidates for the position during the selection process. Once the interviews concluded, the panel ranked each hopeful with Chief Cuellar as the preeminent candidate. Chief Cuellar is known and respected by his personnel for his leadership and consistency. Throughout the multiphase reorganization of Fire Rescue and Lake Emergency Medical Services, his role will be essential in implementing the realignment as one agency.
“Chief Cuellar was instrumental in growing the organization into a professional fire department,” said Jim Dickerson, Lake County Fire Rescue Chief. “I have promoted Chief Cuellar to the ranks of lieutenant, battalion chief, and now deputy chief. I am honored and privileged to have witnessed Chief Cuellar’s professional development from a firefighter and now as one of the three deputy chiefs overseeing the 400 plus dual and single certified personnel.”
Chief Cuellar is originally from South Florida and knew firefighting was his calling when he participated in a senior ride-along program. He brought his enthusiasm for the fire service by joining the LCFR family in 1998 as a volunteer and was subsequently hired in May 1999. He brings over 20 years of experience and leadership to his new role. Deputy Chief Cuellar said, “I am looking forward to the new direction in which LCFR is headed and knows that remarkable things are on the horizon.”
Chief Cuellar shared what he is most proud of during his tenure. He said, “above all, I am proud of staying consistent in my beliefs in the Public Safety profession and what it represents. I believe in tradition, honor, and professionalism. I value our community’s trust in our profession, especially in their moments of need.”
The career firefighters of Lake County Fire Rescue protect county residents and visitors in an area covering approximately 1,200 square miles, with nearly 70,000 residences and up to 2,000 commercial properties.
