Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker has appointed Daniel VanDeusen as Interim Deputy Chief, making him the only member of the department to rise from entry-level firefighter to second-in-command.
The appointment, announced Oct. 30, follows the promotion of Percy Sayles, the previous deputy chief, to Deputy County Administrator.
“I have tremendous faith in Daniel VanDeusen and think he will do very well in this position,” Tucker said. “It is a lot of responsibility, but he already had a lot of responsibility and has capably managed and executed everything that has been asked of him.”
VanDeusen joined Flagler County Fire Rescue in 2005 as a probationary Firefighter EMT. Over two decades, he steadily advanced through the department’s ranks to reach his current position.
“I am thrilled with the opportunities and challenges the position of Deputy Fire Chief will present me,” VanDeusen said. “I am grateful for the faith Chief Tucker has in me to assist him in growing and improving Fire Rescue for the benefit of our residents.”
Tucker, who became chief in 2021, recognized VanDeusen’s leadership potential early. That same year, VanDeusen was one of two candidates promoted from Lieutenant to Battalion Chief out of 10 applicants who completed a comprehensive four-day test. Tucker noted at the time that Battalion Chief is among the most critical positions in the agency because those officers manage shift operations and lead staff.
VanDeusen continued developing his leadership skills and graduated in 2024 from the Emergency Services Leadership Institute, a program run by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. The program addresses leadership challenges facing mid-level through chief fire officers.
“It was a great experience to learn from experts within the targeted curriculum,” VanDeusen said in 2024. “It has provided me with new tools to bring to the table.”
The program requires participants to complete six of seven study areas, including Human Resources and Labor Relations, Personal Qualities and Leadership, Government Relations, Marketing Fire and Emergency Services, Finance and Budgeting, Emergency Management, and Community Risk Reduction. According to the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, these courses provide a foundation for emerging fire service leaders advancing within their departments.
“Deputy Chief VanDuesen has always been committed to his personal and professional development,” Tucker said. “Flagler County Fire Rescue and he support and encourage all our men and women to endeavor to reach their full potential. He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk.”
