Temple Terrace Fire Chief Resigns

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — The Temple Terrace Fire Department will soon have an opening at the very top. Fire Chief Keith Chapman has announced his resignation so he can accept a job in the private sector.

Chapman, 41, will report for his new job as president and CEO of Ten-8 Fire Equipment in Bradenton on May 1, according to the city of Temple Terrace.

Chapman has been a member of the Temple Terrace Fire Department for 20 years. He launched his full-time career in 1996 with the agency after serving three years as a volunteer. He became assistant fire chief in 2006 and was named chief in 2007.

Under Chapman’s direction, the department earned a Class 1 Fire Suppression Rating. This is used by insurance companies when factoring property fire insurance rates. The city’s department also earned international accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2006. Accreditation has been maintained throughout Chapman’s time as chief.

“The rating put Temple Terrace in the one-percentile of agencies throughout America,” a city media release noted. “Fewer than 20 fire departments in the country are both nationally accredited and have an ISO Class I rating.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at the Temple Terrace Fire Department,” Chapman said. “I am blessed to have served with driven professionals who provide excellent service to our community.”

While Chapman’s first day on the new job is set for May 1, it is unclear just when he’ll leave his post in Temple Terrace.

Photo courtesy of the city of Temple Terrace

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