Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez has named long-time public servant and firefighter William “Shorty” Bryson to the position of fire chief effective Thursday, Aug. 18.
Chief Bryson, who has served the City of Miami Fire Department for 35 years, began his career there as a firefighter in 1975 and steadily rose through the ranks to the position of fire chief, which he held for nine years. Along the way, Chief Bryson held the positions of lieutenant, captain and chief fire officer. In addition to his extensive on-the-job experience, he has completed numerous professional courses at the National Fire Academy, as well as courses in hazardous materials, management and contracts.
During his tenure as City of Miami fire chief, the city earned a Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Organization, and in 2008 Chief Bryson was named Metropolitan Fire Chief of the Year by his national peers.
Chief Bryson was raised in Miami Shores and is a graduate of the University of Florida.
He replaces interim Miami-Dade fire chief Karls Paul-Noël, who recently announced his retirement after a 27-year career in public service.
“Chief Bryson brings a wealth of professional experience and excellent management abilities to this job,” Mayor Gimenez said. “I have full faith that he will keep the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department moving in the right direction and serving the public effectively.
“I also wish to thank Chief Paul-Noël, who has faithfully served our community for the past 27 years and ably filled the role of interim chief. I fully understand the personal sacrifices that come with a career in public safety service and appreciate his good work and dedication.”
