Fire Administration

Biography
Professional Career
Fire Chief Chris Morton is in charge of a progressive fire department, overseeing 43 firefighters and 4 civilians. He joined the Maitland Fire-Rescue Department in 2002 as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician EMT. He became a Paramedic in 2005, Engineer in 2007 and Lieutenant in 2009. Morton was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2013 and Assistant Fire Chief of Operations in January of 2019. He was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in August 2019 and Fire Chief in April 2023. 

Education
He graduated from Lake Howell High School and attended Seminole State College for fire school. He holds an associate’s degree in emergency medical services from Valencia College, an associate’s degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in fire science administration from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. He holds Fire Officer 4 and Fire Instructor 3 certifications with the State of Florida. He also holds the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Biography

Professional Career
Division Chief McDowell is responsible for department training and education, ensuring that all firefighters are well prepared for emergencies. Training is critical to achieve accreditation with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Service and critical to maintaining ISO Class 1 with the Insurance Services Office. Having these credentials ranks Maitland Fire Rescue among the top emergency response agencies in the country. 

Chief McDowell joined Maitland Fire-Rescue as a Firefighter/EMT in 2005. He became Firefighter/Paramedic in 2007. He was promoted to Engineer in 2010, Lieutenant in 2012, Battalion Chief in 2018 and Division Chief of Training in 2023. He also serves as Health and Safety Officer.

 Education

Chief McDowell was born in Orlando and graduated from Bishop Moore High School. He attended Seminole State College fire academy and EMT school. He received an Associate’s Degree in Emergency Medical Services from Valencia College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. He is certified as Fire Officer 3, Instructor 3, and holds individual certifications in Rope Rescue, Vehicle Machinery Rescue, Trench Rescue, Truck Operations as well as many other certifications within the Fire Service. 

Biography
Brandon Lawrence has been with Maitland Fire Rescue Department since 2006. Brandon was promoted to Engineer in 2012 and Lieutenant in 2013. Brandon decided to join the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention division in 2016 and promoted to Fire Marshal in 2019. He is responsible for plans review, fire inspections, and fire code enforcement. Brandon has been a member of the Department’s Honor Guard team since its inception in 2008.