St. Petersburg’s new fire chief is ‘here to serve a purpose’

Keith Watts never expected to lead St. Petersburg Fire Rescue when he joined the department in 2018. He recently became the city's first Black fire chief in 117 years.

Mayor Ken Welch announced Oct. 25 that Watts would replace former Chief James Large, who retired March 1 after 50 years with the department. Budget management and public relations skills — and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity — topped the list of desired qualifications.

Watts, 57, came to St. Petersburg after retiring as battalion chief of special projects for Orange County Fire Rescue. "I never wanted to be the first," he said of his history-making appointment.

"I just wanted to be the best at whatever position I was in," Watts told the St. Pete Catalyst. "But I will tell you now, I certainly don't want to be the last."

He also hopes the community focuses on his qualifications and efforts rather than his race. Watts, who served as St. Petersburg Fire Rescue's interim chief, has over 30 years of experience in public safety.

Watts began his career with Orange County Fire Rescue in 1991 while serving as a combat medic in the Florida Army National Guard. He managed the department's standard operation procedures and strategic planning initiatives.

Watts oversaw that department's national accreditation process and served as an incident commander. He realizes his race was "a focus of some people's comments and responses to me being appointed."

"Not only did I meet, but I exceeded all of the qualifications posted for the position," Watts added. "I've had mentors throughout my career who have helped me get to this point.

"I believe I'm here to serve a purpose."

That purpose includes a commitment to innovation, safety, equitable practices and community engagement. Watts frequently noted his dedication to the latter.

He is St. Petersburg Fire Rescue's 11th chief since 1907. Watts said it would "take a while" to achieve his goals and objectives. "I'm committed to staying until we get there, and maybe even beyond."

Watts said the department responds to emergencies quickly, "takes care of business and, at the end of the day, we're nice about it." He believes fire rescue does a "great job of the basics."

However, Watts is also eager to improve the agency's "service delivery." While he has pondered and discussed potential enhancements with staff, Watts wanted to wait to publicly discuss details.

"Our goal is to start solving old problems with new ideas," he said. "And just making sure we are prepared for growth."

Watts said he must ensure the department keeps pace with the city's influx of new development. The department recently received multiple technologically advanced engines.

The agency responds to about 65,000 calls annually. It received thousands more during hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In 1992, Watts deployed to Miami with the National Guard following Hurricane Andrew. He subsequently received the Florida Commendation Medal for helping save lives.

Watts said the deployment provided valuable experience coordinating myriad agencies and efforts to achieve a common goal. While the department conducts storm response training year-round, he noted personal impacts provided local first responders with an "additional layer of stress."

Watts earned his master's in management with a focus on human resources from the University of Central Florida. He also holds several professional credentials from the National Fire Academy and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In addition, Watts graduated from Leadership St. Pete's class of 2020 and Eckerd College's leadership development program. "I'm a little bit unique in that I've been here for six years, so I'm considered an insider and an outsider," he said.

Asked what set him apart from other applicants, he said: "I think it's my perspective, my temperament and the level of respect I've gained since I have been here. I think all of that goes a long way."

Watts said he came from a large, "very progressive" department. He and the Pinellas County Urban League's leadership partnered to launch St. Petersburg's first all-girl youth firefighting camp over the summer.

Watts said St. Petersburg exceeds the national average, about 6%, for its number of women firefighters. He intends to continue that trend by actively engaging, recruiting and educating young women.

Watts now oversees nearly 400 fire rescue members who operate from 13 facilities. He stressed the importance of interacting with the surrounding community during nonemergency situations.

"We do a great job with public education and getting outside the four walls of the fire stations," Watts added. "I'd like to enhance that. It's great for us to see the community on a day when they don't really need us."