Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Resigns Following Critical Review of Workplace Environment

County Manager Bill Beasley has accepted the resignation of Hezedean A. Smith, DM, effective Monday, September 30, 2024. Smith’s resignation follows release of a report commissioned by the Board of County Commissioners that reviewed management of the Fire Rescue Division (PCFR).

“After meeting twice with Fire Chief Smith and Deputy County Manager Joe Halman, I have placed Chief Hezedean Smith on two weeks of Administrative Leave, which will precede his resignation,” said Beasley.

In February 2024, Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. (Tallahassee) was hired by the Board to review the work environment across the PCFR Division. It is important to note that this was a review, and not an investigation, as defined by the Florida Firefighters’ Bill of Rights. The Report outlined numerous challenges and recommended the County Manager review alleged management issues.

“I take the challenges and frustrations expressed by members of our fire rescue division to heart and want to assure our employees that Polk County wants to create a high-performing, highly valued culture within the Fire Rescue operation,” Beasley said. “Our focus is to immediately consider necessary changes to achieve that goal.”

Hezedean Smith began employment with Polk County on November 7, 2022. His annual salary was $168,096.22.

Beasley has named Assistant Chief Shawn Smith to be interim chief. Shawn Smith (no relation to Hezedean Smith) has 21 years’ experience in fire services, all of which have been with Polk County Fire Rescue. He began his career in 2003 as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician. After serving as a Firefighter/EMT for two years, he was promoted to Engineer/Paramedic before moving to a Lieutenant/Paramedic position in 2007.

In 2016, Shawn Smith was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief/Paramedic, and in 2019 he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Training. After serving as Deputy Chief of Training for two years, he transitioned to the Deputy Chief of Operations until being promoted to Assistant Chief of Business Services.