High Springs Fire Chief Resigns, Gillingham Takes Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Job

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs Assistant City Manager and longtime High Springs Fire Department Chief Bruce Gillingham will be leaving the City of High Springs. Gillingham tendered his resignation at the Oct. 12 High Springs City Commission meeting. His resignation is effective Oct. 31.

Gillingham will be leaving City government after 27 years to take what he explained as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that likely won’t be offered to me again.”

Gillingham is slated to become the Bureau Chief of Fire Prevention for the State of Florida under the State Fire Marshall’s Office. In that position he will oversee plan reviews, construction mining, boiler safety and regulatory licensing.

Speaking about his new career Gillingham said, “This is a big opportunity and I would like to see what level of change I can affect in this position.” He said he believes this is a good fit for where he is in his career.

During Gillingham’s tenure as High Springs fire chief, the department increased their minimum daily staffing multiple times. He also oversaw the addition and renovation of the fire station, obtained several grants for air packs, ventilation systems and other equipment. He was also responsible for upgraded services and skills of the department to include an Advanced Life Support element and hired qualified paramedics to staff it. He also worked with City government to obtain new state-of-the art trucks for the fire department.

Many citizens recall that he was the first one on the scene of the recent explosion at Air Liquide, as well as many other emergencies. He would often respond to calls at all hours of the day and night and would even jump on the truck to cover a shift if needed.

Gillingham said he believes it is time for a change at the High Springs Fire Department and for someone else to come in and look at the department with a different set of eyes. “Hopefully, we can find someone who matches my intensity of commitment to the High Springs community,” he said.

Although his job will be based out of Tallahassee, Gillingham said, “High Springs is my community and I will remain active here.”

Gillingham’s wife, Casey, and his four children still at home (three boys and one girl, ages 14, 12, 5 and 10 months, respectively) will remain in their High Springs home.

Due to the length of time he served the City of High Springs and the amount of vacation time accrued, Gillingham will be taking some time off prior to his last day.

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