Nearly three decades ago, when Michael Mackey of Miami was looking to begin his career as a firefighter, his father suggested he consider Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Mackey knew other municipal departments could offer better pay — as much as $10,000 per year more.
But Mackey’s father, an engineer with the city of Miami, knew Palm Beach County’s fire chief, Herman Brice, and he suggested that his son would be able to grow in a department he believed would thrive under Brice’s leadership.
In his first interview since being named interim chief on Jan. 12, the 49-year old Mackey said that advice from his father was some of the best he’s ever received.