Alumni Spotlight: Chief Keith Watts, Class of 2020
As a seasoned professional with over three decades of dedicated service in public safety and organizational management, Chief Watts’ career is characterized by relentless dedication to enhancing community safety, community service, emergency response effectiveness, team proficiency, and leadership.
Chief Watts began his fire service career with Orange County Fire Rescue Department (OCFRD) in 1991 while also serving as a Combat Medic for the Florida Army National Guard (FLARNG). In 1992, Chief Watts’ FLARNG unit was deployed to the Miami/Cutler Ridge area in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, and Chief Watts would go on to be awarded the Florida Commendation Medal while on deployment for his life saving efforts during a medical emergency involving a citizen who sustained a severe injury.
Administratively, Chief Watts has served as the Battalion Chief of Special Projects where his duties included planning, directing, and coordinating the work of personnel assigned to the Fire Chief’s Office, Custodian of the department’s Standard Operating Procedures, management of the Insurance Service Office (ISO) Project, co-facilitator for the Strategic Planning Committee and representing the Fire Chief’s Office at several committee meetings. Chief Watts has also served as the manager for his department’s national accreditation process through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Operationally, Chief Watts has managed, coordinated and directed the delivery and support of emergency and non-emergency fire and EMS services. He has served as the incident commander at several emergency fire, EMS, and hazardous material emergency scenes.
Chief Watts graduated with a Professional Master of Science in Management (PMSM) with a concentration in Human Resources from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Chief Watts also holds a B.A. in General Studies from Columbia College and an A.S. in Fire Science from Valencia College He is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO), is also a certified Fire Instructor III and has earned several certifications through FEMA and the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, MA.
Chief Watts graduated from Leadership St. Pete (LSP) in 2020 “The Best Class Ever!” LSP is an intensive six-month course by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce that is designed to promote and enhance community leadership and networking. He is also a graduate of the Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute’s (LDI) Leadership Development program. Chief Watts has also achieved a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate from USF College of Business. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), and the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services (iWomen).
Chief Watts’ dedication to public service extends into his personal life, where he uses his skills and experiences to contribute to various St. Petersburg community events, and to mentor the next generation of public safety professionals and leaders.
Chief Watts enjoys spending time with family and friends, giving back to the community, advocating for organ donation, reading, sports, and roller skating.