Daniel Azzariti always thought being a firefighter sounded interesting. He got his first dose of dousing flames early. When a large brush fire set areas near Crystal River ablaze, Azzariti joined the volunteer effort.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Azzariti said. “I just knew I wanted to help. Most of the neighborhood was a member of the fire department.”
From his humble beginnings in civil service, Azzariti’s career would span decades — from serving as fire chief in New Port Richey, deputy fire chief in Marion County and even as a consultant for improving fire and EMS efficiencies.
And now, he will add fire chief of Plant City Fire Rescue to his long, impressive résumé. Plant City selected Azzariti as its new chief. He took over for Interim Fire Chief David Burnett, who chose not to pursue permanent appointment to the position.
Azzariti’s first day was Aug. 26.
Assistant City Manager of Public Safety Bill McDaniel selected Azzariti from a field of more than 25 applicants from throughout the country.
“Chief Azzariti brings with him more than 30 years of front-line, administrative and leadership experience in the professional fire and emergency medical services,” McDaniel said. “I am excited about the experience, vision and leadership that Chief Azzariti will be able to apply in moving our already-outstanding fire department to the next level.”
Azzariti said he is excited to begin a new chapter of his career in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
“The first thing I want to do is get in and meet everyone,” Azzariti said. “Everything I know about the department, everything I’ve heard, is good. I think it’ll be a good experience, and everyone is just so nice.”
Azzariti said he already has seen the pride with which Plant City Fire Rescue employees conduct their work.
“A department is the best it can be if firefighters feel proud of their department,” Azzariti said. “I want to be there to help bring something to them and bring them to the next step.”
Azzariti saw the position advertised and recognized Plant City. Azzariti collects classic cars, specifically 1960s and 1970s Chryslers, and had traveled from Spring Hill to enjoy Plant City’s Strawberry Classic Car Show many times.
“Sometimes, you can just walk into a town and tell you belong here,” Azzariti said.
During Azzariti’s investiture ceremony at the Aug. 26 Plant City Commission meeting, he thanked the City Commission for the appointment.
“I am honored and humbled that you’ve placed your faith and trust in me, and this is a responsibility I will not take lightly,” Azzariti said. “I will serve to the best of my ability.”
Azzariti and his wife of 30 years, Nancy, also enjoy historic homes. Plant City’s Historic Downtown district is a big draw for the couple. The Azzaritis currently are restoring a turn-of-the-century house in Ocala.
Originally from New York, Azzariti attended fire school in Ocala, as well as paramedic school. He also holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Pasco Hernando Community College.
Azzariti served at New Port Richey fire department for 30 years — 13 as its fire chief. He retired in 2008, as director of the city’s emergence services.
Later, he served as deputy fire chief in Marion County, where he was in charge of operations, prevention, logistics, administration and training for the 600-member agency. Most recently, Azzariti served as a consultant/instructor with C3 Pathway, where his duties included assisting with master-planning for municipalities and counties related to improving efficiencies in fire and EMS service delivery.
After decades in fire service, Azzariti said he still enjoys the work on the front liness
“You go where people are having their worst moments,” Azzariti said. “At the end, it’s a pretty good feeling to know you’ve accomplished that.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.