Related video: Former Tampa Police Chief announces his retirement in 2021.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — After half of a century of serving the St. Pete community, Fire Chief James Large will be retiring on March 1.
Chief Large has had a 50-year career with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, with 18 of those years serving as the Fire Chief.
The department said that throughout his career, Chief Large successfully received and maintained accreditation and ISO Class 1 designation for the fire department, implemented a fire cadet program for future firefighters, initiated three COVID-19 Strike Team Units, and created a comprehensive behavioral health program for mental health and reducing post-traumatic stress and suicide within the department.
The Florida Fire Chief’s Association also named him the 2022 Florida Fire Chief of the Year.
“I’m humbled and honored to have dedicated my entire 50-year career to serving the City of St. Petersburg – it has been a long journey filled with so many memorable moments and personal experiences,” Chief Large said. “Serving the citizens of St. Petersburg, providing high-quality emergency response, and working alongside the finest firefighters and support staff, who are dedicated to protecting our community, has been and will continue to be one of the greatest honors of my lifetime.”
Starting March 2, Deputy Chief Robery Bassett will serve as Interim Fire Chief.
“Every member of my administration fully supports Deputy Chief Bassett during this transitional period,” Mayor Kenneth T. Welch said. “I am confident in his ability to lead as we move forward in this next chapter for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.”
St. Pete Fire Rescue will begin their search for the next Fire Chief in February.
“We are grateful to Chief Large for his lifetime of service and commitment to public safety. We wish him and his family all the best in his future endeavors,” Mayor Welch said.
