Aug. 19--PLANT CITY -- A retired New Port Richey emergency services director has been named the new chief of Plant City Fire Rescue.
Daniel Azzariti starts the $85,000 per year position on Monday. He was selected from a field of 25 applicants.
Assistant City Manager Bill McDaniel said Azzariti was chosen for the job because of his track record of leadership in fire and emergency services.
He will take over from interim Chief David Burnett, who didn't seek the permanent post and will return to his former job as training division chief and fire marshal.
Azzariti has a long career in fire rescue service, including 30 years in New Port Richey, where he retired in 2008 as director of the city's emergency services. Most recently he's worked for a private consulting firm.
Azzariti and his wife Nancy, who live in Spring Hill, are relocating to the Plant City area.
Plant City has about 35 firefighters, McDaniel said.
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