North Collier, FL - Fire leaders from across the State of Florida filled the event hall on the evening of November 22nd to witness the change-of-command ceremony for new North Collier Fire Chief Eloy Ricardo.

The ceremony began with a processional from Guns & Hoses Pipes & Drums of Southwest Florida and a presentation of colors from the North Collier Professional Firefighters Local 2297 Honor Guard. Following an invocation from 30-year FDNY veteran and former North Naples Fire Public Information Officer, Jerry Sanford, Fire Commission Board Chairman Christopher Lombardo gave opening remarks.

Addressing the standing room only crowd, Lombardo cited the “extensive search” that culminated with the hiring of Ricardo, a 19-year veteran of the Department. Lombardo described Ricardo as a man of ‘integrity, innovative, a problem-solver, and a leader.’

“Chief Ricardo has risen through the ranks of this department, he grew up with us and it has been a pleasure watching him grow; I look forward to the future of this District under his Command,” Lombardo said.

During Chief Ricardo’s career with the Fire District, he integrated North Collier and Collier County plans reviewers at the County’s Growth Management office in order to provide a seamless service to residents, builders, and developers. Ricardo was a driving force behind the development of legislation providing for the voluntary merger of special districts, legislation that later was utilized in the North Naples Fire-Big Corkscrew Island Fire merger.

Ricardo is the second person to lead the North Collier Fire District. Exiting Fire Chief James Cunningham addressed the crowd and was emotional when he spoke of his time with the District and the support from his family. Chief Cunningham has taken a position with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The change-of-guard ceremony included the traditional Flag Ceremony. The North Collier Fire District headquarters flag was presented to Chief Cunningham for his years of dedicated service.

Chief Ricardo presented a new flag to the Local 2297 North Collier Honor Guard to fly over Headquarters to signify the trust he has placed in the members of the district to accomplish any mission. The traditions of the Flag Ceremony and passing of the Trumpet once used to summon firefighters during emergencies, ensures the fire department is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust and signifies the allegiance of the rank and file to their commander.

The evening concluded with Chief Ricardo taking the podium. He spoke directly to his family sitting in the front of the room. He thanked his mother for the values she instilled in him and his wife for the unwavering support and foundation she has provided for him and their children.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be here to lead this great department through this next chapter,” Ricardo said from the podium. “I want you all to know I believe we are the finest fire department in the country, and this is not about me, this about all of us, together. I am not successful without every one of you, together we are strong, together we Honor, Service and Pride…Thank you.”