Following a nationwide search, a new fire chief has been named in Sarasota County.
The county chose David Rathbun, who spent more than 30 years with Orange County Fire Rescue in Central Florida, to lead the Sarasota County Fire Department. His start date is Nov. 7.
“Rathbun rose through the ranks, providing direction and leadership for nearly every division during the span of his career with the department,” according to a Sarasota County news release. Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis said, “Chief Rathbun brings valuable experience along with a deep knowledge of the fire service in the state of Florida to Sarasota County as the next fire chief. He has a strong understanding of leading a fire department that provides life-saving service to a community.”