ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios resigned Tuesday, citing a misleading response he gave to county commissioners during a recent budget presentation as the reason for his departure.
Rios, who has served Orange County for nearly 26 years, submitted his resignation to Mayor Jerry Demings effective July 31. In his resignation letter, Rios acknowledged his words fell short during a question from commissioners about the purchase of a county-assigned vehicle.
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“Although the purchase complied with all county procurement policies and procedures, my response did not fully communicate the complete context and, as a result, could only be perceived as inaccurate,” Rios wrote in his letter. “As Fire Chief, I understand that intent does not diminish impact, and I accept full responsibility for my words.”
Rios was appointed fire chief on June 27, 2025. In the letter, he also expressed confidence in the department’s future and pride in what he described as a meaningful cultural transformation during his tenure.
“Orange County Fire Rescue’s greatest strength has never been its Fire Chief; it has always been its people,” Rios wrote.
Demings announced that Deputy Chief John Westmoreland will serve as acting fire chief effective immediately.
Rios’ resignation letter can be read in the media player below.