Matthew McElroy
Acting Public Safety Director & Fire Chief
Matt McElroy is a fourth-generation Floridian, born and raised in DeSoto County. He began his public service career in 1991 when he joined the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman with the First Reconnaissance Marines. In 1997, he transitioned to the fire service, joining the Port Orange Fire Department in Volusia County as a firefighter, and advancing to paramedic.
Chief McElroy started his career with Charlotte County Fire & EMS in 2002. During his tenure, he worked in various roles across different stations before joining the special operations and marine operations teams. While serving on the marine operations team, he was recognized as our department's Fire Medic of the Year. McElroy continued advancing his career, becoming lieutenant on the special operations and marine operations teams.
When he was promoted to battalion chief, he served as the battalion chief of training before transitioning to a shift battalion chief, where he continued to contribute to the Marine Operations team. McElroy has always committed to learning and growth and earned a bachelor’s in public safety administration from St. Petersburg College.
In addition to his fire service career, he is a NAUI Dive Instructor and developed the nationally recognized Rapid Diver Program, certifying over 50 first responder divers, including members of the FDNY.
In 2024, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief and is currently the acting Public Safety Director & Fire Chief.
Bryan Carr
Deputy Chief
Bryan was born and raised in the Sarasota-Bradenton area and brings a strong commitment to public service and community leadership. Since joining Charlotte County in 2021, he has supported the growth and development of public safety through strategic planning, operational improvement, and collaborative initiatives.
With a background in Fire and EMS, Bryan has held leadership roles focused on emergency preparedness, program development, and long-term organizational planning. He has contributed to the implementation of major projects and continues to advocate for innovation and excellence in public safety.
Bryan holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and has earned the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration programs and mentors fire service professionals pursuing advanced credentialing.
He remains passionate about public safety education, professional development, and creating impactful, forward-thinking solutions that strengthen emergency services and community resilience.
Andrew Miller
Deputy Chief
Born and raised in the Orlando area, Andrew Miller brings a strong commitment to public service and community leadership. He joined Charlotte County Fire & EMS in 2007 and has served as Lieutenant, Battalion Chief of Training, Shift Battalion Chief, and now Deputy Chief.
Andrew was part of the team that helped design the department’s new fire station layout, prioritizing firefighter safety and functionality. Throughout his career, he has focused on emergency preparedness, program development, long-term planning, and advancing training initiatives that strengthen the organization.
He holds a Master of Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Columbia Southern University and has earned the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Andrew also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration programs and mentors professionals pursuing advanced fire service credentials.
As an instructor for the department’s Officer Development Program, Andrew is passionate about preparing current and future leaders for success. He believes mentorship is one of the most important responsibilities in the fire service and a cornerstone of professional growth.
In 2025, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief.
Ashley Turner
Public Information Officer
Ashley Turner is a fifth-generation Floridian, born and raised in Charlotte County. She began her career with Charlotte County in 2018, bringing experience from her work with a Division I college athletics program, where she focused on marketing, social media, and fan engagement.
In 2025, Turner joined Charlotte County Fire & EMS. In her role, she oversees media relations, manages social media platforms, develops public education programs, and coordinates crews for community events and public appearances. She is committed to connecting the community with fire and EMS services through clear, timely, and engaging communication.
Turner’s dedication to public information and crisis communications has been widely recognized. In 2024, she was named Public Information Officer of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs Association. She has also received multiple local, state, and national awards for her work and is frequently invited to speak at conferences and training events at the local, state, and national level.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media from Liberty University. Turner is also a FEMA Executive PIO and has deployed to support disaster response and recovery in several Florida counties.