Biography
Mr. Richard Firstner lives in Wesmere and has been involved in the City of Ocoee for the past 20 years. Mr. Firstner retired as Fire Chief for the City of Ocoee in 2009 after 14 years of service to our community. His 35 years of Public Safety background includes involvement with the City of Daytona Beach and the Kennedy Space Center Police and Fire Departments. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. Mr. Firstner is married to his wife Doris and he has three daughters and five grandchildren.
As Fire Chief, Mr. Firstner developed and managed multi-million dollar budgets and participated in all aspects of the City's business as well as being a member of the Development Review Committee that reviewed all proposed development in the City.
Under his administration, the City of Ocoee increased its emergency medical service delivery from Basic Life Support (EMT) to Advanced Life Support (PARAMEDIC) and raised the ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating from 4 to 2 saving all business owners and residents on their fire insurance premiums. Through grants and capital budget support he developed an Emergency Operations Center that works seamlessly with county and state emergency management offices during man-made and natural disasters that adversely affect the city.
Mr. Firstner’s civic and volunteer background includes the Rotary Club of Ocoee, Read-to-Succeed mentoring program, the "Fully Involved" assistance program in the fire department and "Operation Santa" that has become a popular holiday event.
He volunteered in the Daily Bread program through the West Orange Christian Service Center, preparing over 200 hot meals per day for the citizens of Ocoee and the surrounding area.
Commissioner Richard Firstner's term is from 2023-2027.
Please feel free to give Commissioner Firstner a call at 407-385-9680 or 407-905-3112 or contact him via email.