CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2026) – Charlotte County has appointed Matthew McElroy as the new fire chief and public safety director for Charlotte County Public Safety. McElroy has served as acting fire chief since Oct. 31, 2025 and brings more than two decades of leadership, operational experience, and commitment to public service to his new role.
Chief 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.
In 2002, Chief McElroy began his career with Charlotte County Fire & EMS. Over the years, he has served in various roles across multiple stations before joining the department’s special operations and marine operations teams. While serving in Marine Operations, he was recognized as the department’s Firemedic of the Year. He continued to advance his career, becoming a lieutenant in both the special operations and marine operations divisions.
When he was promoted to battalion chief, McElroy served as the battalion chief of training before transitioning to a shift battalion chief, where he continued to support Marine Operations. In 2024, he achieved the rank of deputy chief.
Fire Chief and Public Safety Director McElroy will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure effective emergency response, firefighter safety, and departmental readiness. He will oversee all divisions of Charlotte County Public Safety, including Fire & EMS, Animal Control, and Radio Communications. His leadership will focus on personnel development, interagency coordination, and expanding community risk reduction programs.
A lifelong learner and dedicated instructor, McElroy holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration from St. Petersburg College, an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services from Daytona Beach Community College, and an Associate of Arts from South Florida Community College. As a Florida Certified Fire Instructor for 15 years, he has trained and mentored many of the department’s current leaders. He is also a NAUI dive instructor and developed the nationally recognized Rapid Diver Program, which has certified more than 50 first responder divers, including members of the FDNY.
“Chief McElroy has spent his career serving Charlotte County with excellence, compassion, and professionalism,” said County Administrator Hector Flores. “He knows this department from the ground up and has earned the respect of the men and women he now leads. His community focused approach and strong operational background make him the ideal person to guide our Public Safety team forward.”
“Serving this department and community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Chief McElroy. “Charlotte County Fire & EMS and Charlotte County Public Safety is made up of incredible professionals who embody what it means to be community focused, and excellence driven. I am proud to continue building on that foundation and leading our team as we protect the people and places, we call home.”
McElroy’s appointment reflects the department’s dedication to service, safety, and community partnership and reinforces its ongoing commitment to being Community Focused, Excellence Driven.
For information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
###