Gainesville Fire Chief Joe Dixon resigns

Gainesville’s fire chief Joseph Dixon Sr. has resigned.

Dixon assumed the role in March 2021 following the retirement of his predecessor, Jeffrey Lane.

Dixon previously served as a fire chief in Goldsboro, North Carolina. During his time with the Gainesville Fire Rescue, he championed public safety in gun violence prevention — a cause for which the city earmarked $150,000 — and homelessness.

Under Dixon’s tutelage, the city’s fire rescue team earned its third Accreditation Agency Status, acknowledging its commitment to serving its community and advancing public safety.

At Thursday's city commission meeting, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward discussed Dixon’s resignation and thanked the chief for his professionalism and dedication.

“Chief is moving on, in the fairly near future, to bigger and better things,” Ward said. “I appreciate you, and I’ve appreciated having you [as] part of our community.”

City Manager Cynthia Curry recognized Dixon’s hard work as a public servant.

“Not only has he been fire chief, but he has performed the duties above and beyond,” Curry said. “[He’s] a hold-you-accountable kind of guy.”

Dixon said he appreciated the city's trust in leading its fire rescue team since 2021.

Until he officially steps away from the role, Dixon intends to remain a dependable force for good.

“I certainly will continue to serve in a manner that I feel best shows how I care about every [community] member,” he said at Thursday’s meeting.

The chief said his desire to spend more time with his family motivated him to resign.

"I have a grandbaby,” he said, “And I want to throw the football to him."

Dixon believes the city’s fire rescue team is well-equipped to uphold his high standard without him at the helm.

The chief’s resignation takes effect Sept. 20. It is unclear who will succeed him.

Contact Natalie Kaufman at nkaufman@alligator.org. Follow her on X @Nat_Kauf.

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