Chuck Lanza to head BSO Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services

Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne has announced the appointment of longtime South Florida fire rescue and EMS veteran, Chuck Lanza as fire chief and executive director of BSO’s Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Lanza succeeds Herminio Lorenzo, 57, who was appointed chief of Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue on July 13.

Chief Lanza, 51, joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office in May 2003 as director of emergency management and homeland security. He assisted Sheriff Jenne in his role as chair of the Southeast Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force, before being named deputy executive director of BSO Fire Rescue a few months ago.

“This is an exciting time of growth and opportunity at the Broward Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Jenne said. “Chuck has proven to be a leader with the unique combination of experience, enthusiasm and vision. Under his guidance, I’m confident BSO Fire Rescue will accomplish great things.”

Chief Lanza began his long and distinguished career in 1978 at the Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department, where he rose through the ranks from firefighter to deputy chief. Prior to joining BSO, he was director of Miami-Dade County’s Office of Emergency Management, and was honored as the 2002 Emergency Management Professional of the Year. This year he earned the distinction of chief fire officer from the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation and is one of only 372 CFOs worldwide.

Chief Lanza earned associate’s degrees in pre-law and nursing, a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a master’s degree in health management. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Lynn University in Boca Raton.

Chief Lanza will command the 618 employees of BSO Fire Rescue, which has a proud history of serving Broward County. It has been recognized consistently through the years for its ability to provide world-class medical care. In 2000, Fire-Rescue was named EMS Provider of the Year in Florida. In 2003, the International Association of Fire Chiefs Association recognized the agency as the National Heart Safe Community for its work with public access defibrillation. Last December, Fire Rescue Communications earned national accreditation from the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch. More than 80% of the department’s calls are for emergency medical services.

BSO’s Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services provides fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical services and educational programs for most of unincorporated Broward County and six contract cities: Pembroke Park, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Sea Ranch Lakes, Cooper City and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. BSO also provides law enforcement and fire rescue at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.

New Fire Chief

Chuck Lanza joined BSO last year as director of emergency management and homeland security.

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