The Pinellas Park Fire Department is marking a turning point as Fire Chief Brett Schlatterer moves into retirement and hands over the reins to Division Chief of EMS Andrew Hughes, according to official communications from the department. Schlatterer, who spearheaded the department since 2018, concludes a commendable 29-year tenure on August 23, 2025, leaving a legacy of mentorship and leadership.
During his time as Chief, Schlatterer aided the fire department through numerous advancements, among them the technological leap with the CAD platform; Hughes, too, comes with a history of pushing the envelope in EMS, especially noted during the Covid-19 pandemic when rapid response and adaptive measures were paramount according to the department's announcement. The transition is poised to see Hughes take on the challenges of leading the department into its future endeavors with an innovative spirit.
A commendatory farewell is planned for Schlatterer, acknowledging his service and influence which has, by the department's account, greatly benefited both the Pinellas Park Fire Department and the community it serves. Celebrations will coincide with the embrace of Hughes as the new Fire Chief, an advancement from his prior role where he handled major projects and streamlined department operations.
The fire department's succession seems to be in good hands with Andrew Hughes, whose promotion to the top spot is met with enthusiasm; he is set "to shape the department’s next chapter," the deptartment has lauded Hughes as a leader who has consistently demonstrated innovation and strength through trying times, including the pandemic—and it is with this proven track record that the department looks to its future under Hughes' command, no doubt an endeavor filled with relentless challenges and opportunities to serve and protect.
