Our History

The Palm Coast Fire Department was built on the vision and leadership of its founding members, whose dedication laid the foundation for the department’s success and growth. Established on April 3, 1973, the Palm Coast Volunteer Fire Department began with 36 members—many of whom were retired firefighters from across the country who had settled in the Palm Coast community.

The department’s first fire station, located at the corner of Clubhouse Drive and Palm Coast Parkway, remains in operation today. In 1983, the first career firefighter was hired, marking the beginning of the transition to a combination department. By 1989, a second fire station opened on the city’s west side to meet the increasing demand for emergency services, which had grown to nearly 1,000 calls per year across 64 square miles. Continued growth led to the opening of a third fire station in 2003, followed by fourth and fifth stations in 2009.

Today, the Palm Coast Fire Department responds to over 18,000 calls annually. The department operates six Advanced Life Support fire apparatus, staffed by 20 frontline personnel, five chief officers, and fire administrators. Additionally, more than 50 volunteer firefighters, fire police, associates, and fire interns contribute to the department’s mission.

The department’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both career and volunteer firefighters who continuously improve service delivery to meet the needs of the community. As the department reflects on 50 years of achievements, it remains committed to identifying and embracing new opportunities to enhance public safety and emergency response.

Our Chief Officers

Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill  joined the Palm Coast Fire Department in August of 2005.  He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2011, Captain in 2017 and to Battalion Chief in 2019.  He previously served as Interim Fire Chief in 2021 while Chief Forte served as Interim Assistant City Manager and Deputy Fire Chief Bradd Clark served as Interim Fire Chief of Flagler County Fire Rescue.  He was appointed as the next Fire Chief on June 7, 2022, by City Manager Denise Bevan. “It is truly an honor to be able to announce this very important appointment to Fire Chief of the Palm Coast Fire Department,” Ms. Bevan said. “Kyle is an invaluable member of our organization and is a mentor and friend to many, especially at the Fire Department. I hope you will join me in congratulating soon-to-be Fire Chief Berryhill on this well-earned promotion. And a very special thank you to Chief Jerry Forte on your dedication to this organization and this community, and for helping to raise up our future leaders.”

Kyle is a native of Central Florida where he graduated from Lake Mary High School in 1997.  He attended Central Florida Fire Academy for his EMT and Firefighter Certifications.  He obtained his Paramedic Certification from Daytona State College in 2006.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College and a Master Degree in Public Administration from Barry University.  

Bradd Clark’s career span has several positions in the fire service. Some of his past Fire Service Experience includes former Fire Chief of Ocala Fire and Rescue: former Fire Chief of the Sand Springs Fire Department in Sand Springs, Oklahoma; former Fire Chief of the Owasso Fire Department in Owasso, Oklahoma; and the former Fire Marshal for the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma. He has also been employed as an adjunct professor for Oklahoma State University in the School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology and in the Fire and Emergency Management Program. He has also completed the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and is the first Chief Fire Officer designee in the State of Oklahoma from the Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation. He began his fire service career in Poquoson, Virginia, in 1984. Bradd has participated as chair/delegate on many IFSTA committees. He now is part of the Cities Palm Coast Fire Department as Deputy Chief.