Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings Appoints Anthony Rios as Orange County Fire Chief

Orange County, Fla. – Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings today announced the appointment of Anthony Rios as Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department. Rios is a 24-year veteran of the department, having begun his service in November 2000 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Most recently he served as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration where he assisted outgoing Chief James Fitzgerald in managing and overseeing the department’s 1,600 personnel and an annual budget exceeding $450 million.

Over the past two decades, Rios has held multiple positions and ranks within the organization, both in field operations and executive administrative functions. In addition to his role as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Chief Rios has also worked as a sworn Corrections Officer and as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff/Sergeant.

“I have full confidence that Chief Rios will fulfill his new role with the same unwavering commitment to public service that has defined his career,” said Mayor Demings. “His exceptional leadership will ensure the department’s continued success in both day-to-day operations as well as long-term goals.”

Mayor Demings’ appointment of Chief Rios is set to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners on April 22, 2025. Chief Rios will officially assume command of the department on June 27, 2025, coinciding with the retirement of Chief James Fitzgerald.

Rios holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Public Affairs, Public Administration and Policy, as well as a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. In addition, he has a Certificate in Executive Leadership in Public Policy from Harvard University’s J.F. Kennedy School of Government.