St. Johns County confirms McGee as fire chief

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved Sean McGee as the new fire chief of St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

During the presentation of her request to confirm McGee, County Administrator Joy Andrews said, “Sean McGee puts the safety of his team and the community before himself. My family feels safer in St. Johns County because of him, his leadership and the team he has assembled.”

Andrews said that McGee’s leadership within the department and throughout the community superseded the original plan to use a national search for fire chief candidates.

McGee was named acting fire chief in October 2023 with the departure of Fire Chief Scott Bullard. David Stephens, president of the St Johns County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics IAFF Local 3865, said, “St. Johns County professional fighters are excited to have Chief McGee appointed as our next fire chief. We look forward to working with him as we continue to protect our community and advance our department into the future.”

McGee’s experience and accomplishments include:

• A 25-year member of St. Johns County Fire Rescue. He has served the department in the operational ranks of firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, captain, and the last 11 years as battalion chief.
• Earning a bachelor’s degree in public relations/communications, and holds an extensive list of fire service and public safety specific certifications.
• Prior to accepting the role of acting fire chief, he held the rank of battalion chief for 11 years in St. Johns County.
• Participating in major department projects, including the new hire committee, aerial operations programming, marine rescue program development, airport operations liaison, and the aircraft rescue firefighting program.

St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said, “I’m honored to congratulate Sean McGee on his confirmation as fire chief. There is no one more qualified for this position; Chief McGee is a phenomenal man in his professional and personal life, and his continued leadership is great news for St. Johns County Fire Rescue. I look forward to our partnership in public safety.”