command staff

Fire Chief James Stables

Chief Jim Stables originally joined Palm Bay Fire-Rescue in 1986, after serving as a firefighter/fire inspector for a year in South Florida. After a brief time with Brevard County Fire-Rescue, serving as a Captain and District Chief, he returned to Palm Bay in 2001 as Battalion Chief. 

In his fire service career, he has risen progressively through the ranks.Chief Stables has over 25 years of progressive experience in the fire service and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration. He holds various professional certifications, which include Fire Officer and Fire Service Instructor, through the State of Florida.  He also holds the Chief Fire Officer Designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Assistant Chief Art Renfro

Assistant Chief Renfro began his firefighting career with Melbourne Fire Department in 1974 and as a classmate of Battalion Chief Harrell in Melbourne’s Fire Academy. 

He achieved several promotions with the Melbourne Fire Department before leaving his position of Lieutenant of Training to take a position as a Fire Chief with Pan Am World Services.  Upon returning from his overseas tour, he joined the City of Cape Canaveral as their Fire Marshal and was selected as their first paid Fire Chief. 

In 1986, he came to Palm Bay Fire-Rescue, where he was promoted to Battalion Chief in 1993, and then to Assistant Chief in 2000.  

Assistant Chief Renfro has over 35 years of progressive experience in the fire service.  He holds two Associate’s Degree and various professional certifications. 

He currently oversees the Administrative Bureau, consisting of Emergency Preparedness, Apparatus and Facilities, SCBA, Inventory Control, Records, and the Fire Prevention Division.

Battalion Chief Dave Hanks

Battalion Chief Hanks has been serving with Palm Bay Fire-Rescue since 1982, holding the positions of Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, and, most recently, Battalion Chief for B-Shift. 

In addition to managing the daily operations of B-Shift Battalion Chief Hanks is responsible for coordinating the logistical and budget issues for the fire-rescue department.

Battalion Chief Hanks holds an Associate’s Degree and various professional certifications in the fire-rescue field.

Battalion Chief Gene Harrell

Battalion Chief Harrell has been serving with Palm Bay Fire-Rescue since 2000, holding the positions of Training Section Commander, and, most recently, Battalion Chief for C-Shift. 

In addition to managing the daily operations of C-Shift Battalion Chief Harrell s responsible for coordinating the emergency medical services program for the fire-rescue department.

Battalion Chief Harrell began his firefighting career with Melbourne Fire Department in 1974 and as a classmate of Assistant Chief Renfro in Melbourne’s Fire Academy, leaving in 1975 for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Fire Department, where he remained for 23 years, receiving several promotions, and retiring as an Assistant Chief.

Battalion Chief Harrell holds an Associate’s Degree and various professional certifications in the fire-rescue field.

Fire Marshal Mike Couture

Fire Marshal Couture has been serving with Palm Bay Fire-Rescue since 1984, holding the positions of Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Fire Inspector, and, most recently, Fire Marshal.

In addition to managing the fire prevention activities of the department Fire Marshal Couture is responsible for coordinating the fire-rescue department’s chaplain program, which he has done for past 10 years. 

Fire Marshal Couture holds various professional certifications in the fire-rescue field.

Asst. Fire Marshal Ron     Bailey

Asst. Fire Marshal Ron Bailey has been with   PalmBay Fire-Rescue for ten years. He began his fire service career in 1984, working for the California Department of Forestry. He then worked for the Pismo Beach Fire Department before moving to Florida, where he rose in rank to Lieutenant for Indian Harbour Beach Fire Department.

Asst. Fire Marshal Bailey came to Palm Bay in    2002 as an inspector, and was promoted to Assistant FireMarshal in 2009. He has numerous certifications including investigator, and is currently working on

his Fire Science Degree.

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