FLORIDA FIRE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Frank Babinec
FRANK BABINEC - PRESIDENT
Frank Babinec was hired as the City Manager for the City of Coral Springs in December 2019, a position he held until he retired in January 2025. Before that, he served as the Chief of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department from February 2014 to December 2019. As of 2024, the City of Coral Springs has approximately 930 full-time employees and 390 part-time employees who serve more than 136,000 residents as a full-service plus governmental organization.
A native Floridian and a resident of Coral Springs since 1990, Babinec joined the fire department in 1993 as a volunteer and was hired full-time in 2000 as the Battalion Chief responsible for training. He spent seven years as an Assistant Chief (shift commander) and an additional seven years as the Deputy Chief of Operations, before being selected as the city’s 12th Fire Chief, dedicating more than 26 years of service to the Coral Springs and Parkland communities. Babinec also served for 12 years as a Lead Instructor at the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety. Babinec holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and earned an MBA in Public Administration.
Throughout his career, Babinec obtained a Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Fire Officer IV and Fire Instructor III from the State of Florida, and an Executive Fire Officer designation from the National Fire Academy. In 2021, Babinec received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association.
During Babinec's tenure as Fire Chief, he co-created and implemented the Community Paramedic Program, improved safety, health, and wellness programs, and enhanced the fleet and facilities. Under his leadership, the department achieved an ISO Class 1 rating in 2016 and was named "EMS Provider of the Year" by the Florida Department of Health in 2017. During this time, the American Heart Association recognized the department three times with its annual Mission: Lifeline® award for excellence in EMS coronary care.
Babinec has long been a passionate advocate for Firefighter Safety and Health. In 2019, Babinec contributed to a Cancer Prevention Research Article, "Impact of Organizational-level Factors on Cancer Screening Activities in Fire Departments: A Cross-sectional Study from the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative." In 2019, Babinec was a contributing author to “Pass It On: Making Good Progress” by Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder.
Babinec was also the Florida Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chief of the Year for the State of Florida in 2017. In 2018, Babinec was recognized as the Fire Chief of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs. He also received the 2018 Community Leadership Award from the Broward Council of Professional Firefighters. In 2019, Chief Babinec received the Billy Goldfeder Organizational Safety Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Safety, Health, and Survival Section. In 2019, Babinec earned Telly and Emmy Awards for "Our Story," a video detailing cancer prevention and awareness for the fire service.
In October 2020, Frank Babinec received the Florida Fire Chiefs Association's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health, now named in Frank's honor. In 2022, Babinec received the ICMA Strategic Leadership and Governance Award and the BCCMA Community Service Award.
Babinec served as the President of the Fire Chiefs' Association of Broward County, 2nd Vice President for the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, and the Chair of the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Safety and Health Section. During his tenure as chair of the section, Babinec tripled membership numbers and increased conference attendance, encouraging other Fire Chiefs to embrace newer safety, health, and wellness measures within their departments. Babinec also served as the Co-Chair for the Florida Joint Council of Fire and Emergency Services Subcommittee on Mental Wellness. Babinec also served as the President of the Broward County City Managers Association. Babinec currently serves as the President of The Florida Fire Foundation and is on the Board of Directors for the 100 Club of Broward County.
Babinec was instrumental in developing the Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP), which the State of Florida now uses as a deployable model for mental wellness resources, which some organizations throughout the Country follow.
During his career, Babinec was involved in and/or oversaw the building or rebuilding of eight fire stations (in Coral Springs and Parkland), the Coral Springs Public Safety Complex, which housed dispatch/police headquarters/fire administration and fire station 80, the main firehouse, the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety, and the Coral Springs Public Safety and Public Works Campus.
As City Manager, Babinec developed and deployed comprehensive strategies that ensured the City of Coral Springs stayed on a path towards innovation, business expansion, and enhanced public safety while improving city parks, events, and festivals. These strategies ensured that Coral Springs remained attractive to both businesses and families.
Babinec has spoken internationally on organizational development, safety, health, and wellness, as well as on his experiences related to his nearly 32 years of public service. Babinec currently owns and operates Elite Coaching and Consulting LLC. He serves the Florida Fire Foundation as President.
JOHN GATLIN
JOHN GATLIN - VICE PRESIDENT
John Gatlin currently serves as Assistant Director of the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, a position he has held since 2023. He has served at the division since 2017, first as Section Manager in the Plans Review Section, and then as the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, prior to his current role. As Chief, he has utilized his expertise with the Florida Fire Prevention Code by assisting with the development of the latest edition, as well as working closely with the CFO’s legislative Affairs team with bill analysis and language regarding fire service-related legislation.
Assistant Director Gatlin began his extensive fire service career in 1989 with the City of Tallahassee Fire Department as a reserve firefighter. He was hired into a full-time position later that year and served the next fifteen years with the department in a variety of roles including driver-operator, inspector, and fire investigator.
In 2004, Gatlin was promoted to Captain and managed the Investigative Services Unit where he was responsible for fire department investigation into crimes, fire incidents, and employee misconduct. He was quickly promoted to Division Chief, serving as the Fire Marshal, responsible for fire and life safety throughout Leon County. He stepped into the role of Deputy Chief in 2009, where he managed administrative and operational functions of the Department, including serving as the Interim Fire Chief in 2014.
Gatlin holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University as well as being a certified Professional Project Manager.
He currently serves the Florida Fire Foundation as Vice President.
RICK butcher
RICK BUTCHER - TREASURER
Rick Butcher has been active in the fire service since 1978. He served nearly 40 years with Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue, retiring as Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management in 2017, after serving in that role for seven years. Previously, he served Tarpon Springs as Fire Marshal. Rick currently serves as Chairman of the Florida Joint Council of Fire & Emergency Services, Past President and current Executive Board member for the Florida Fire Marshal and Inspectors Association, and Treasurer for the Florida Fire Foundation. He is also a Florida Division of State Fire Marshal OPS Government Analyst II, and on staff for the Governor's Hurricane Conference as well as NASCAR Emergency Services - Track Services, Pit Fire Safety.
Throughout his career, Rick was recognized numerous times, including 2003 Fire Marshal of the Year, from the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA), 1992 Tarpon Springs Firefighter of the Year from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), and the William H. Hansell Senior Public Safety Program Excellence Award in 2004. In 2002, he was awarded the City of Tarpon Springs Employee Civic and Community Award, and in 2011, he received the Akers Award of Excellence from the FFMIA. In 2017, Rick was the Tarpon Springs Citizen of the Years awarded by the BPO, and in June 1998 he was Elk of the Month. He has received recognition for presentations he has given at the Governors Hurricane Conference, as well as a Special Achievement Award by the Board of Directors of the Conference, and by the Southeastern Public Safety Institute, for the presentation "2004 Hurricane Aftermath: Lessons Learned".
Rick has achieved Black Belt certification in Tae Kwon Do, and was appointed by the IFMA and United States Olympic Committee as the Fire Marshal/Inspector at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He is a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, and the Pinellas County Fire Chiefs Association. He has been a President, Executive Board Member, and member of Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, and is currently an Executive Board Member of the Tampa Bay Area Fire Marshals Association where he has also served as Vice President. Rick is also a member of the Pinellas Arson Co-Op (PARCO), the Pinellas County Arson Task Force, the Florida West Coast Fire Prevention Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators (Florida Chapter and National Member), Florida Fire Marshals Roundtable, National Fire Protection Association, the International Fire Marshals Association, International Who's Who in Public Service, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, NFPA 101 Chapter 8 - Features of Fire Protection Technical Committee Member, and an Instructor and Speaker for the Florida Governors Hurricane Conference. He serves the Florida Fire Foundation as Treasurer.
Debbie Pringle
DEBBIE PRINGLE - SECRETARY
Following a 17-year career in Finance, Debbie Pringle joined the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in 2001. During her 24 years in the department, she served in multiple capacities including Executive Assistant to three Fire Chiefs. Her role expanded greatly during her tenure, assisting with uniforms and bunker gear purchase and distribution, EMS licensing, station and equipment maintenance, and more. She has written the department’s Annual Report since 2016, winning an American Business Award in 2020 for the 2019 report. Debbie was also in charge of planning the annual Awards Celebrations and has earned Civilian Employee of the Year within the department twice.
She holds a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
In 2023, she created the Administrative Professionals Learning Group within the City of Coral Springs, to bring monthly training, resources, and fellowship to the city’s cadre of office assistants and support staff. As Chair of the group, she curated various training sessions to benefit the administrative personnel throughout the city, including leadership development, Microsoft programs training, and internal resource training. She created a Resource Guide for the group that was updated as information changed. Her work earned her a City Excellence Award in 2024 for Leadership.
Working with highly dedicated fire service professionals at CSPFD committed to the safety and well-being of Florida’s firefighters, Debbie eagerly joined their efforts and took on roles with the Florida Fire Chiefs Association’s Safety and Health Section, Safety and Health Conference Planning Committee, and the Black Tie Gala Planning Committee.
Although retiring in April 2026 from the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, she remains involved through her roles with the FFCA Safety and Health Section, the Gala, and the Florida Fire Foundation Board of Directors, serving as Secretary.
JULIUS HALAS
JULIUS HALAS - BOARD MEMBER
Julius Halas has had a long and distinguished career in Florida’s Fire Service. He retired in 2022 after serving more than 13 years as Director of the Division of State Fire Marshal and currently works as the Public Safety Liaison for United Badges Insurance Services. Prior to his position as Director, he served as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town of Longboat Key for 10 years, Executive Deputy Fire Chief for Sarasota County Emergency Services, for three years, and 21 years with the City of Sarasota in every rank from Firefighter Paramedic to Fire Chief.
Throughout his career, Halas has received numerous awards, professional designations, and accolades. In 2022, the Florida Fire Chiefs Association bestowed four separate awards upon him:
· President Emeritus Designation
· Lifetime Achievement Award
· Executive Fire Officer of the Year presented by the Executive Leadership Development Section, and
· Frank A. Babinec Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health
That same year he was also recognized as a Life Member of the Professional Firefighter’s Association. Prior to 2022, he was designated a Life member/Fellow of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, received the distinguished Service Award from the Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue, the Wall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Award from the Sarasota County Technical Institute, and the Distinguished Alumni Award for “Community Leadership” by National-Louis University. In 2001, he was selected as Fire Chief of the Year by the Florida Fire Chiefs Association; in 1999 he was Fire Official of the Year awarded by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association. In 1997, he received the Unsung Hero Award from the Alarm Association of Florida, and the Outstanding Fireman of the Year Award in 1995 from the Sarasota Jaycees. He has also received the Executive Fire Officer “Outstanding Research Award” by the National Fire Academy, Veterans of Foreign Wars Firefighter of the Year by the Sarasota Sunshine Post 3233, and the International George D. Post Instructor of the Year award by the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, along with Instructor of the year from their Florida Chapter.
Halas holds a Masters Degree in Managerial Leadership, a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, and an Associates Degree in Fire Science Administration.
He has also received the Chief Fire Officer designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, as well as the University of South Florida’s Executive Fellows Leadership Development Program.
He has served many organizations throughout the last five decades, several of them in a leadership role. He is a Past President of the National Association of State Fire Marshals, a Past President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, and has been a member of the National Fire Protection Association (Life Member), the Florida Joint Council of Fire & Emergency Services (Senior Member), the International Fire Marshals Association, the Florida State Domestic Security Oversight Council, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Florida Professional Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters, the Florida Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association, the Florida Society of Fire Service Instructors, the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, the Alarm Association of Florida, the Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, the Human Services Planning Association of Sarasota County, and the National-Louis University Alumni Association.
Halas has been a Florida Fire Foundation Board Member since its inception in 2024.
KEVIN EASTON
KEVIN EASTON - BOARD MEMBER
Kevin Easton, EFO, CFO, CEMSO, CTO, MIFireE, serves as Fire Chief of the Englewood Fire Department, a position he has held since 2019. With more than 40 years of fire service experience, Chief Easton has dedicated his career to protecting communities, developing future leaders, and advancing the fire service profession. Throughout his career, he has served with North Port Fire Rescue, Sarasota County Fire Department, DeSoto County Fire Rescue, and the Englewood Fire Department, progressing through the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Division Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief.
Chief Easton is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation, and is a Florida-certified Smoke Diver. A passionate advocate for professional development, he has spent much of his career promoting leadership, training, and continuing education within the fire service.
His professional service includes leadership roles as Chair of the Florida Society of Fire Service Instructors, member of the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Joint Council, and member of the Florida Line of Duty Death Task Force. He also serves as a CPSE/CFAI Peer Assessor and Peer Reviewer, supporting accreditation and continuous improvement efforts for fire and emergency service agencies throughout the United States. In addition, Chief Easton has served on numerous state committees and has instructed and mentored fire service professionals at all levels of the profession.
As a member of the Florida Fire Foundation Board of Directors, Chief Easton is committed to developing the next generation of fire service leaders, advancing professional education, and advocating for Florida's fire and emergency services. He is equally dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in the line of duty and preserving the traditions, values, and service that define the fire service profession.
MICHAEL TUCKER
MICHAEL TUCKER - BOARD MEMBER
Michael Tucker began his career in the Florida fire service in 1985 following graduation from the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, FL. During his career he has served as a career firefighter / paramedic, as well as a volunteer firefighter. He has earned an Associates Degree in Fire Science, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and earned the Chief Fire Officer Designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
In 2001 he became Chief of Department for the Villages Public Safety Department in Florida, where he served for 13 years. He was responsible for oversight of the department as it grew from a single station operation with 12 staff responding to more than 900 calls in its first year of operation, to seven stations with 101 staff responding to more than 15,000 calls. During this time, he and his team succeed in leading the department to international accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
In 2014, he joined the staff of the Florida State Fire College where he served as Superintendent of the Florida State Fire College / Bureau Chief of Fire Standards and Training. In this capacity he was responsible for the oversight of all fire service training curricula within the state leading to certification as a firefighter, fire safety inspector, arson investigator, fire service instructor, and fire officer. He was also responsible for administration of the Florida Firefighter Occupational Safety and Health Act which impacts Florida’s 500 plus fire departments.
During his tenure as Superintendent / Bureau Chief, the staff of the Florida State Fire College was successful in earning re-accreditation from International Accreditation for Fire Service Organizations (ProBoard®) and accreditation through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC®).
In July of 2021, Chief Tucker joined Flagler County Fire Rescue as Chief of Department where he is responsible for leading more than 100 firefighters and paramedics in the delivery of fire-rescue services within Flagler County outside of the cities of Palm Coast and Flagler Beach. Flagler County Fire Rescue is also responsible for the delivery of paramedic level transport services to all of Flagler County. Chief Tucker serves the Florida Fire Foundation as a board member since 2026.