Coral Springs’ first female chief officer Stephanie Palmer retires after more than 25 years of dedicated service to the community
Coral Springs, Florida – District Chief Stephanie Palmer, a trailblazer and the first female chief officer in the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, has retired after more than 25 years of devoted service. Her retirement marks the conclusion of a career that reshaped the department’s leadership landscape and left an indelible mark on both local and national emergency response efforts.
The department honored Palmer in a Wednesday social media post, calling attention to her groundbreaking career, which was defined by leadership, education, and a deep commitment to the community. “Her retirement marks the end of a groundbreaking career defined by leadership, education, and a lasting impact on both the department and the broader emergency response community,” the department wrote.
Palmer began her journey with the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in 2000 as a Firefighter/EMT. From that starting point, she steadily climbed the ranks, holding nearly every operational position within the department. Over two decades, Palmer advanced through roles including Paramedic, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief of Training, before being appointed B-Shift District Chief in spring 2020.
Her influence extended far beyond her title. Palmer played a crucial role in specialty operations, serving as Dive Team Commander, overseeing the Field Training Officer program, acting as an IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer, and contributing to the department’s Safety and Health Committee. These responsibilities allowed her to shape training and operational standards for new and experienced firefighters alike.
Palmer’s contributions were not confined to Coral Springs. She served with FEMA’s Urban Search & Rescue Florida Task Force II, participating in national emergencies including Hurricanes Katrina and Michael, and the Surfside Champlain Towers collapse. She retired from the Task Force in 2024 as a Search Team and Swiftwater Manager, overseeing missions for K-9 teams and rescue squads. Her leadership in high-stakes, high-pressure scenarios exemplified her dedication to public safety and her ability to perform under extraordinary circumstances.
Education and mentorship were cornerstones of Palmer’s career. For over 13 years, she taught EMS and fire courses at the Fire Academy, providing instruction in Florida State Safety Officer, Fire Officer I/II, and Technical Rescue programs. Her commitment to teaching ensured that countless firefighters entered the field with the knowledge and skills needed to save lives and protect their communities.
Throughout her career, Palmer earned numerous accolades and citations for her bravery and service. Among her proudest moments, she has said, was receiving the 2014 Meritorious Duty Award for saving a woman during a fire and her deployment to the Surfside collapse in 2021. These recognitions reflect not only her courage but also her enduring impact on lives across the state and nation.
As she steps away from her official duties, Palmer leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication that will inspire future generations of firefighters. Her trailblazing path as the first female chief officer in Coral Springs-Parkland demonstrates that perseverance, skill, and commitment to service can break barriers and reshape entire institutions.
The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department and the broader emergency response community honor her achievements and celebrate a career that has truly made a difference, both in their city and across the nation. Stephanie Palmer’s contributions will continue to resonate for years to come, setting a benchmark for excellence in public service and emergency response.
