Fire chief to retire; airport director resigns

In its announcement, the city said, "In his time with Fernandina Beach, Chief Silcox achieved significant milestones. Accomplishments he is particularly proud of include replacing the apparatus fleet, introducing new technology in multiple areas, bringing the survivability of cardiac arrest and strokes to averages above national levels, professionalizing and expanding Ocean Rescue services, and increasing firefighters’ wages. He will continue to follow through on critical operations in his remaining days with the City, including seeing construction of Fire Station 2 through to completion and placing Ladder 2 (fire truck) into service.

 

Interim City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said, “Chief Silcox came into this position with over thirty years’ experience. His extensive background and respected leadership were crucial in pushing our Fire Department forward.”

 

In his retirement, Chief Silcox looks forward to spending more time with his family, including the “love of his life,” wife LaDonna.

Upon his retirement, Silcox will have nearly 40 years' experience in fire service. He previously served as fire chief for the Town of Orange Park, Florida, for 13 years.

Silcox holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Barry College, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree from Flagler College and an Associate of Science in Emergency Medical degree from St. Johns River Community College. Additionally, he holds numerous certifications in the fire and rescue field. 

 

Human Resources will begin advertising Chief Silcox's replacement in the near future to ensure his participation in succession planning.

 

Municipal Airport Director Sam Carver resigned the position last week.

 

Carver took the position in July 2023 and lasted just over a year in the job.

 

Carver previously managed the Witham Field airport facility in Martin County, Florida and brought 30 years of aviation facility management experience to the city.

 

Carver's tenure included a conversation about imposing landing fees at the airport to generate additional revenues. In June, he arranged for an automated landing fee billing company to make a presentation on the proposal to the city's Airport Advisory Board. The idea drew blowback from local pilots and the airport operator, who said that such an action would drive away business from the airport.