FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.,- Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Darren White is on paid administrative leave. Fire Commissioners made the decision Tuesday night to not renew Chief White’s contract when it expires on September 30th. Starting tomorrow, Assistant Chief Tom May will take over the day-to-day operations. Any hiring and firing will go to the board. One of the reasons commissioners decided to not keep the chief is because they say he doesn’t meet the educational requirements. Chief White doesn’t have a Bachelor’s Degree. Tonight, commissioners decided the new chief will be required to have a Master’s Degree.
Chief White tells WINK News: I didn’t see this as a surprise. I enjoyed my 16 years at Beach Fire. I look forward to future endeavors.