Richard E. Stover, Fire Chief

Chief Stover is a Florida native and graduate of Nova High School in Davie, FL. Chief Stover has over forty-five years of Fire Rescue experience in all aspects of administration, operations, and instruction. Chief Stover has held the positions of Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Chief and Acting Public Safety Director. Over the years his many duties included overall command and control of the long-range planning/project management, design, development, and administration of the Fire Rescue budgets, organizational efficiency, human resources, overseeing Fleet and Facilities as well as designing apparatus and facilities, community emergency planning/preparedness, Corrections, Emergency Medical Services, Code Enforcement, Air Rescue, and Animal Control (Services).

Chief Stover holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Management with a minor in Fire Service Management from Nova Southeastern University.  Chief Stover  is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program and former college professor. Chief Stover oversaw the creation of the Coral Springs Fire Academy. This academy has one of the highest pass rates in the State of Florida and has been awarded the Training Center of the Year Award on multiple occasions. This program also was designed to be self-sufficient and generate revenue for the City. He has developed training programs for the State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training and worked as a subject matter expert for several fire service programs.  He Served as the Chairperson for the Broward County Fire Chiefs’ Training and Education Committee, which is responsible for the training of over 2,000 firefighters/paramedics.  He has taught for multiple fire and law enforcement local, state, and federal agencies including the Department of Justice Assistance.  

Chief Stover has received the Class 1 Medal of Valor for bravery above and beyond the call of duty as well as several Letters of Commendation for actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Nathan Thomas, Deputy Chief 

Deputy Chief Nathan Thomas began his career as a firefighter for the city in 1996. He graduated from Palm Bay High School and has grown up in the city almost his entire life. He has held the ranks of firefighter, driver engineer, lieutenant, and district chief. Deputy Chief Thomas has been an EMT and Paramedic instructor for Florida Medical Training Institute and, in 2014, became the campus director. Deputy Chief Thomas serves as the chairperson for our EMS committee and has been part of various Palm Bay Fire Department committees. Deputy Chief Thomas was named Chief Officer of the Year in 2023 and received numerous accolades throughout his career.

Deputy Chief Thomas earned his degree in Fire Science and an associate degree in emergency medical services from Florida Medical Training Institute. He is certified as a Fire Officer 2, Fire Instructor 2, and holds multiple certificates in EMS classes.

Richard Acevedo Jr., Assistant Chief 

Assistant Chief Richard Acevedo Jr. has been a dedicated public servant and proud Palm Bay Fire Rescue member since 1994. Chief Acevedo started as a Firefighter/EMT and, in 1997, earned his Paramedic license. Chief Acevedo has served as a Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, District Chief, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief and is currently an Assistant Chief.  Chief Acevedo has also served as a member of the Light Tactical Rescue Team and later served as the leader of this Team for two (2) years. Chief Acevedo is enrolled in Barry University, finishing his Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership. Chief Acevedo currently oversees Accreditation, ISO, and Facilities. Chief Acevedo fosters teamwork, modern progressive thinking, and effective communication.

Robert Furci, Assistant Chief

Assistant Chief Bob Furci is a dedicated and passionate firefighter with over three decades of unwavering commitment to the fire service. He embarked on his firefighting journey in 1988 with Brevard County Fire Rescue and steadily ascended the ranks, achieving the rank of Lieutenant just five years later. Assistant Chief Furci's illustrious career culminated in his retirement as District Chief in 2019, marked by prestigious accolades such as the Fire Officer of the Year and Chief Officer of the Year awards. His influence extended far beyond his department, as he played a pivotal role in creating training resources, designing innovative new-hire orientation programs, implementing fitness equipment at every station, managing fire equipment, and even designing a state-of-the-art burn building.

Assistant Chief Furci's dedication to the fire service extended to education and mentorship, where he generously shared his expertise by instructing aspiring firefighters at institutions like Eastern Florida State College and the Port Canaveral Marine Academy. Joining Palm Bay Fire Rescue in 2019 as Division Chief of Training, he continued to make significant contributions by overseeing critical projects, including the design and construction of Palm Bay Fire Rescue's inaugural burn building and the development of a team of live fire instructors. He has since been promoted to Assistant Chief, where he currently manages grants, and conducts vital research and testing, he also oversees the procurement of all fire equipment purchases. Assistant Chief Furci's commitment to excellence is further exemplified by his extensive education and certifications, including Florida State Smoke Diver, Fire Inspector I, Fire Officer II, Live Fire Instructor II, Instructor III, an A.S. in Fire Science, and a Bachelor’s in Administration. His remarkable career and leadership continue to inspire firefighters and shape the future of the fire service, leaving an enduring legacy of dedication and excellence.

John Ringleb, Assistant Chief

Assistant Chief John Ringleb started his career with Palm Bay Fire Rescue back in October of 1995 as a firefighter/EMT. Shortly after beginning his fire service career, he went to paramedic school and began his journey into the world of pre-hospital medicine. He took on additional work as an educator at Eastern Florida State College (previously Brevard Community College) teaching future EMTs and Paramedics, here in Brevard. All the while working on obtaining fire certifications of all types including Rope Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Pump Operations, Incident Command, and myriad of other fire service-oriented classes. It wasn’t long after he completed his 10^th year of service that he was promoted Driver Engineer. After a few short years, he was promoted to Lieutenant. During his tenure he have served as one of our field training medics, held a spot on the department’s EMS committee, helped to usher in new policies and standing orders. Chief Ringleb then became the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Palm Bay Fire Rescue. Over the years, Chief Ringleb received the Fire Chief’s Award, several Service Accommodations, EMS Provider of the year, and Company Officer of the Year.  

Brandon McKee, Assistant Chief

Being born and raised in Merritt Island, Assistant Chief Brandon McKee is a life-long resident of Brevard County. Assistant Chief McKee has been serving the citizens of Palm Bay since May 13, 2007. Throughout his career with Palm Bay Fire Rescue, Assistant Chief McKee has promoted through the ranks, beginning as a Firefighter/EMT and progressing through until his promotion to Assistant Chief on May 6,2024. Assistant Chief McKee has also served in several specialty roles as a Paramedic. He has served as a SWAT Medic/Auxiliary Police Officer with the Palm Bay Police Department and as a Flight Paramedic with Health First’s First Flight helicopter transport.

Brian Gent, Battalion Chief

District Chief Brian Gent is a lifetime resident of Brevard County, Florida. Born and raised in Melbourne. District Chief Gent was hired in 2002 by Palm Bay Fire Rescue. He was promoted through the ranks of Driver Engineer and Lieutenant and is currently a District Chief. Chief Gent holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida. Chief Gent is certified in peer counseling, Critical Incident Stress Management, and debriefing from UCF Restores. He is also a state-certified Fire Instructor 3. Chief Gent has served on various committees for the department over the years. Chief Gent has received multiple awards for excellent service to the citizens of Palm Bay and Palm Bay Fire Rescue. He has represented Palm Bay Fire Rescue, serving as a subject matter expert for the National Fire Academy and revising course curriculums for improved educational opportunities for firefighters nationwide. Chief Gent also served as a subject matter expert for Morris and McDaniel testing, assisting other Fire Departments in the United States with their promotional processes. Chief Gent is the Jeff Burgin Scholarship fund chairperson, created for future local firefighters. Chief Gent has spent years of service to the firefighters of Local 2446 as a Union board officer.

John Mellace, Battalion Chief

District Chief John Mellace joined Palm Bay Fire Rescue in 1999. He worked his way up through the ranks from Firefighter to Driver Engineer then Lieutenant.  For the past 6 years has served as District Chief. John obtained his EMT certification at Eastern Florida State College and started as a community service assistant teaching fire safety to local citizens. During that time, he successfully completed his Firefighter certification at Mid Florida Technical College. John transferred over to the Operations side of the Fire Department as a Firefighter accomplishing his childhood dream. He went on to complete his Paramedic, Driver Engineer, and Fire Officer 1 certifications. In addition, he has completed Florida State USAR TRT courses which included Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue, Vehicle Machinery Rescue, and Structural Collapse. This allowed John to be a part of the first Urban Search & Rescue Team in Brevard County and share his many talents acquired through his years of service. John Mellace continues to serve the community as one of the founding members of the Firefighter’s Community Benevolent, which makes Shop With A Firefighter and Ladder Climb charity events possible. These events help fund Palm Bay Fire Rescue’s educational supplies. John continues to take numerous continuing education courses to stay abreast of the ever-changing dynamics of the fire service.

Jason Tull, Battalion Chief

Born and raised in Florida, District Chief Jason Tull started his career with Palm Bay Fire rescue as a Firefighter/EMT, December of 1996. During his 27 years of serving the citizens of Palm Bay, he has promoted through the ranks and attended Paramedic school as well as other specialized classes. DC Tull continuously seeks improvement by attending fire related courses and conferences as well as mentoring and developing the next generation of upcoming officers. Outside of work, he enjoys maintaining his health and wellness by playing pickleball and going to the gym.

Jason Smith, Battalion Chief

District Chief Jason Smith began his career as a firefighter in January 2001. He is a native of Florida, born and raised in Palm Beach County. Starting out as a firefighter/EMT with Palm Bay Fire Rescue, he worked his way through the ranks, promoting into positions including paramedic, driver engineer and lieutenant. Throughout his career with the City of Palm Bay, District Chief Smith has been awarded with group and singular awards including officer, chief officer, and EMS provider of the year. Chief Smith gladly participates in various department wide committee’s and enjoys training with his team throughout the year.

Outside of the fire department, Chief Smith had the pleasure of working as a lead paramedic instructor at Florida Medical Training Institute in addition to his previous role serving the community as a flight paramedic with Health First-First Flight. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son; they love to travel and spend time
outdoors.

Alex Barna, Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Barna was born in Melbourne, FL and is a lifelong resident of the Melbourne/Palm Bay area. DC Barna previously worked for Haines City Fire Department and Titusville Fire Department before making his way home to Palm Bay Fire Rescue. DC Barna is a 15-year veteran with PBFR, and has progressed through the ranks of our department, beginning as a firefighter, and later promoting to Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, and most recently District Chief. DC Barna has received many awards and commendations during his time in the fire service and is a Medal of Valor recipient.  DC Barna has a great sense of pride working for his hometown fire department. DC Barna spends his time away from work traveling and watching his son and daughter excel in sports.

Tyler Richmond, Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Tyler Richmond was born and raised in Brevard County, where he grew up watching his father work his way from firefighter to Battalion Chief for Palm Bay Fire Rescue. From a young age, Chief Richmond knew he wanted to be a firefighter. Shortly after graduating from Bayside High School, he went to Eastern Florida State College to obtain his State Firefighter and EMT certifications. Chief Richmond then started his career with Palm Bay Fire Rescue in 2011 as a Firefighter/EMT and became a Paramedic later that year. He continued to advance to Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, and now Battalion Chief. He also holds several Fire Officer and command level certificates. Throughout his career with the City of Palm Bay, he has served on numerous department committees and received multiple accolades. Outside of work, Chief Richmond enjoys spending most of his time out on the water fishing. He is also a fitness advocate, encouraging his coworkers to stay physically fit to be able to meet the harsh physical demands of firefighting.

Hayley Coniglio, Logistic Manager

Hayley Coniglio has worked for The City of Palm Bay Since 2019. She started in dispatch and moved over to fire administration in May of 2020. Her role in the fire department started with Records, fire prevention billing and processing payroll. In October 2022 she was promoted to Logistics manager and has held this role since. Within her role as the Logistics manager she is responsible for providing supplies, equipment, gear, uniforms and services to support daily operations of Palm Bay Fire Rescue. 

Karen Hallowell, Support Services Coordinator

Karen Hallowell began working for the City of Palm Bay in July of 2017 when she was hired as Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief.  She also had varying support duties and responsibilities including Fire Prevention billing, accounts payable, etc.  In 2018 Karen was promoted to Support Services Coordinator and has a wide variety of duties including maintaining department purchasing records, P-Card administrator, accounts payable, procurement and other duties and projects as assigned to support daily operations of the department. 

Prior to employment with the City of Palm Bay, Karen was the Executive Secretary to the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, and Municipal Budget Committee for the Town of Conway, NH, for seventeen years until moving to Florida.   Karen also was employed in New Jersey as a Legal Assistant for Prudential Insurance Company’s house counsel for eight years and, also, worked for private practice attorneys for several years.

When not working, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and their dog Zoey.

Colleen Campbell, Budget Officer

Colleen Campbell began working for the City of Palm Bay in January of 2024 when she was hired as a Budget Officer. Within her role Colleen performs an array of tasks associated with creating and maintaining the current fiscal year budget as well as maintaining/analyzing the past, & future Fire Rescue budgets. Alongside multi-level budgeting she also maintains purchase request records, purchase requisition, financial analysis, account maintenance, grant application, position control, budget amendment & transfers, capital outlay, improvement, and services to support daily operations of Palm Bay Fire Rescue. A recent accomplishment has been to be commissioned by the State of Florida to perform Notary services. 

Prior to this Colleen has held roles as a Sr. Budget Analyst, Financial Analyst and was the Financial Program Control Analyst for a Prime contract with the Department of Defense. 

Colleen thoroughly enjoys the work she does both in the Fire Rescue department and outside the department in various volunteer positions. Her main focus of pride is her son who is still in school participating in multiple student athletics and is considering a career within the Fire Department.