Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Anthony Rios is stepping down after just a short stint at the top, following remarks he made during a recent budget presentation, county officials said. Rios submitted his resignation to Mayor Jerry Demings on July 28, with the departure effective July 31. Deputy Chief John Westmoreland has been tapped to serve as acting fire chief.
In his resignation letter, Rios wrote, "I understand that intent does not diminish impact, and I accept full responsibility for my words." He explained that his answer to a question about the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle during a board budget workshop "did not fully communicate the complete context" and therefore "could only be perceived as inaccurate." The county publicly announced his departure on Tuesday, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
Short tenure and background
Mayor Jerry Demings appointed Rios in April 2025, and he officially assumed command on June 27, 2025, after the retirement of Chief James Fitzgerald. Rios started with Orange County Fire Rescue back in November 2000 and worked his way up through the ranks, most recently serving as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, according to Orange County Government.
Budget workshop on the record
Public records show Rios delivered an update and the department's budget report at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on July 15, listed as item 26-0855, followed by discussion from the board. County meeting documents also confirm that John Westmoreland was approved as deputy fire chief in March 2026 and outline his career progression within OCFR, according to Orange County meeting records.
Transition and what's next
The county has named Deputy Chief John Westmoreland as acting fire chief and confirmed that Rios's resignation takes effect July 31. Westmoreland, who was confirmed as deputy chief earlier this year and has held roles from firefighter to division chief, will lead the department. At the same time, officials sort out a longer-term plan for the position, FOX 35 Orlando reported.
What to watch
Rios's exit leaves OCFR's leadership in transition just as county officials work to lock in budgets and capital spending for the next fiscal year. The Board of County Commissioners may weigh a formal search for a permanent chief or changes to oversight in the coming weeks. So far, county officials have released Rios's resignation letter and a public announcement but have not shared additional details about any internal review.
