Shawn Smith has been appointed as the new Polk County Fire Rescue Chief. Smith replaces former Fire Chief Hezedean Smith, who resigned following a report that revealed leadership issues within the ...

There are about 60 vacancies within Polk County's Fire Rescue Division. Attracting and retaining employees has plagued the department for decades. Hall said the excessive overtime is partly to blame.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Polk County Fire Rescue has the go-ahead from county commissioners to hire 75 new firefighters and paramedics. The problem is the department has historically been good ...

The Polk County Commission voted to approve Shawn Smith on Tuesday to serve as the new Fire Rescue Chief. Smith was appointed by County Manager Bill Beasley. He had served as interim fire chief ...