By Lee Forshner
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
Thursday February 27, 2013, began as any other within Palm Beach County (FL) Fire Rescue except for the anticipation of a change in command ceremony slated for the afternoon.
For 30 years, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has been on the leading edge of providing emergency services to the citizens of this 1,822-square-mile area to a population of an estimated 864,528. Since 1984, when eight fire districts consolidated to form this municipality, the fire department was under the command of Herman Brice, who led the department until 2009, when he hung up his helmet of 55 years. Following Chief Brice, Steven Jerauld was selected as the second fire chief of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Chief Jerauld was able to provide three years of dedicated service as chief, ending on February 27, 2013 after completing 35 years of service with the department.
Jeff Collins was then selected as the third fire chief for this organization. Chief Collins has served 17 years with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and held the position of deputy chief in the bureau of safety services/fire marshall before being selected for the chief‘s position. On Thursday February 27, 2013, a change of command ceremony commenced for the second time in the department’s history. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and other local dignitaries were in attendance to meet and congratulate Chief Collins on this achievement.
