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Bayshore Fire Chief Nisbet named Lee Chief of Year

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Chief Larry Nisbet

Bayshore Fire & Rescue District Fire Chief Lawrence Larry Nisbet III was named Lee County Fire Chief of the Year at a recent banquet for fire officials.

“I was completely surprised, that is a understatement,” Nisbet said. “I was humbled. You typically see this award given to fire chiefs with more than five years of service. Just being recognized by this group, who I look up to and emulate, it is an honor without words.”

Nisbet has only been chief since 2008, but he has made a big impression with his hard work and dedication to both his peers and top local officials.

“He’s modernized the way that fire districts are doing business,” said Chairman of the Bayshore Fire District Board Eric Ducrow. “I don’t think he’ll ever meet his goals – he just keeps advancing them.”

Budgeting, providing structure and organizational skills set him above the rest, Ducrow added. “He’s been extremely successful using the tools given to him and in attaining grants. We’re very happy with him and his work ethic.”

The grants he secured saved firefighter jobs, Ducrow said, in a day when many are cutting staff. In his opinion, Nisbet was one of the top grant getters in the county.

Chief Bud Elliott is the president of the Lee County Fire Chief Association, and chief of the Iona McGregor District.

“I’ve known Larry for many years, and the award this year was a tough choice. But he was head and shoulders above the rest, getting great results.”

He also noted Nisbet’s continuing volunteerism as a key part of the nod. “Many volunteers start, but he saw everything to fruition. Bayshore should feel very fortunate to have him as their chief.”

Nisbet came to his position there with 25 years of firefighting experience dating back to 1981 in Loveland, Ohio where he started his journey in the Fire Service as a Fire Cadet with the Loveland-Symmes Fire and EMS.

In 1988 he pursued a career in Florida beginning as a full-time firefighter at Bayshore Fire Rescue. He transferred to Iona McGregor Fire District where he served for 14 years achieving the rank of Lieutenant Paramedic and Hazardous Materials Team Leader. In 2002 he assumed the role as Battalion Chief Shift Commander for Estero Fire Rescue before returning to the Bayshore Fire Rescue District.

Nisbet holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science, a Bachelors Degree in Business Management, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officers Program.

One of the sayings and beliefs he shares? Fire service is a lifestyle, it’s not a job.”