Lake Park council removes fire chief, promotes assistant after public request

Lake Park — The City of Lake Park City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 2, 2025, to remove Fire Chief Matt Ryan and promote Assistant Fire Chief Joey Perkins to Fire Chief following a public request from a volunteer firefighter and an executive session. Council Member Zach Fletcher moved the action and Council Member Michelle Lane seconded; the motion passed 4-0.

Volunteer Firefighter Austin Alfaro had asked the council during the citizens’ forum to remove Chief Matt Ryan and to nominate Assistant Chief Joey Perkins to fill the position. After an executive session on personnel matters, the council asked Perkins at the podium whether he understood the prior expectations for the role and whether he was ready to serve; Perkins affirmed he was willing and able to perform the duties.

The council gave newly promoted Fire Chief Joey Perkins until Feb. 3, 2026, to provide information previously requested of the prior chief and asked staff to obtain a copy of the volunteer fire department’s prior bylaws. Council Member Zach Fletcher said he would contact Matt Ryan to request return of city property.

The personnel motion followed earlier discussion during the meeting about the volunteer fire department’s 501(c) status. Assistant Chief Perkins provided background on the original filing and the council reviewed pros and cons of that formal status for the local station but took no separate vote on 501(c) matters at this meeting.

The action was recorded after the council reconvened from an executive session that began at 7:08 p.m. and ended at 8:08 p.m. The minutes indicate the personnel motion passed unanimously, 4-0. The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Lake Park City Hall.

This article is based on council minutes and statements made at the Dec. 2, 2025 meeting. No disciplinary findings, personnel files, or investigative reports were published in the meeting minutes.