This week, Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth received his annual evaluation from the Board of Fire Commissioners. Last year Wirth received a perfect score of 105 out of 105. This year, his score was 104 out of a possible 105. Here’s who dinged him one point and why.
The 5 Commissioners on the Fire Board score their Fire Chief on a scale of 1-3 with 1 being the lowest score and 3 the highest (exceeding performance goals). There are 7 categories the chief is scored on:
1) Financial Management
2) Personnel Management
3) Strategic Planning
4) Leadership
5) Community & Local Government Interaction
6) Interaction with the Fire District Board
7) Disaster Planning & Management
Commissioners John Bennett, Jim Knickle, Jacki Liszak and Keran Farrell scored with a 3 in all 7 categories. Commissioner Ron Fleming scored with a 2 in the leadership category and 3 in the other 6. It’s no secret that Fleming was opposed to the way Wirth restructured the department, eliminating 2 battalion chief positions. That was the reason for the one point deduction in the Leadership category, according to Fleming.
During the meeting, Fire District Board Chairman John Bennett said that restructuring was actually one of the reasons to give Wirth a higher mark in that category. “It’s easy to lead when you’re popular.”
Bennett told Beach Talk Radio later in the day, “The Board’s review reflects the dedication, leadership, and professionalism that Chief Wirth brings in his service to the District. We are extremely fortunate to have his experience and guidance as the community continues to move forward in our recovery.”
Commissioner Knickle said Wirth has done an outstanding job the last year. “We’re all in good hands with Chief Wirth at the wheel.”
Wirth was hired in September of 2017, a day prior to hurricane Irma making landfall. He took over as Acting Fire Chief in March of 2023 and was appointed to the Fire Chief position in august of 2023. His current annual salary is $180,000.
Regarding his nearly perfect score, Wirth told Beach Talk Radio, “I truly appreciate the faith and trust the Board of Fire Commissioners has placed in me to lead the District. My review should be taken as a reflection of the performance of the dedicated professionals I have on my team. These men and women are the ones who are working hard every day to ensure excellence in the service we provide to our community.”
I would agree mostly…but vote 1 on financial management, not because he isn’t doing what he is delt with, but with my property tax % that goes to fire district (the 2nd biggest component), it seems we can do better at controling costs.