City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn announced Friday that Mike Russell has been appointed as the city’s new fire chief effective April 28.
Russell began his public safety career before moving to Cape Coral in 2004 and joining the fire department in 2005.
Russell rose to become deputy chief in 2020. He is a Florida-certified fire instructor, fire officer and public sector labor relations professional.
Russell has degrees in fire science technology and public safety administration from Edison State College, as well as a master’s in administration from Barry University.
He is also a National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program graduate and has received chief fire officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.