Pierce Leaves Mark Of Excellence

For many people, the profession of the fire rescue service runs through their blood almost from birth. It seems that is true, especially for Marco Island’s Division Chief Jennifer Pierce. Pierce has only been with the department for about a year, but in her time with the organization, she has made a major impact on Marco’s Fire Prevention and Inspection Bureau.

“Chief Pierce came to us during a difficult time, but she did so with both eyes open and dedicated to the task before her,” said Marco Island Fire/Rescue Chief Chris Byrne. “Through her efforts and others, we now have a very professional organization serving the public interests, as well as rebuilding the staff members within that Division.”

Pierce was hired shortly after the hasty departure and resignations of her predecessor and two of the Division’s inspectors. The city brought in temporary assistance between the time those individuals left and Pierce was hired early in the summer of 2022.

She reflected on her dad’s years of fire service experience, where he served as both the fire chief for a small department and later on in the Cedar Hammock Fire Department. His work within the Fire Prevention Bureau inspired her, which was evident as we spoke in her office last week. Pierce was initially brought up in LaGrange, Georgia, before moving to Florida to live with her dad.

Pierce got her start in 2004 with the Lake Mary Fire Department, where she served for more than seven years. She left Lake Mary to become Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of La Marque, Texas, then returned to Central Florida to serve as a plans examiner for the Clermont Fire Department. She eventually worked her way up to the position of Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal for Clermont Fire Department, where she oversaw the daily operations of the Fire Prevention Division, which included the review of plans for fire protection and life safety, fire inspections, fire investigations and the coordination of community relations and public fire safety education.

While in Clermont, she was named Fire Marshal of the Year for the State of Florida. Pierce serves as the First Vice President of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, earning her numerous accolades for her performance and contributions to the profession.

As Marco Island began its search for a Fire Marshal to rebuild that department, Pierce became one of the top contenders. Her accomplishment over the last year has proven her to be the right choice.

Pierce’s reputation in her field has brought a great deal of attention from national associations seeking qualified professionals to fill high-ranking positions. The National Fire Sprinkler Association, located in Maryland, has been looking for a professional like Pierce; she will be assuming the position in charge of education, public relations and training for that prestigious organization. Initially, the job will allow her to live remotely from the headquarters in Maryland but will eventually require relocation.

 “Jennifer has made a tremendous impact on our department. Her professionalism, combined with her expertise in her field, will be greatly missed,” said Chief Byrne.

The philosopher Plato says it best: “Excellence is not a gift, but a skill that takes practice. We do not act rightly because we are excellent, in fact, we achieve excellence by acting rightly.”

Best of luck in your future endeavors, Chief Pierce.