Chief Frank Giddens

Chief Giddens was born and raised in Arcadia, Florida. He joined the City of Venice Fire Department on February 4, 2002.  During this time, he was promoted to Lieutenant (2009), Battalion Chief (2016), Deputy Chief (2017) and Chief (2021). 

As the Fire Chief, essential functions include but are not limited to budget preparations, planning, and the overall operations of the Fire Department.  During local and state declared emergencies Chief Giddens serves as the Emergency Director for the City and is responsible for the City’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.   In his tenure, Chief Giddens played a vital role in the City improving their ISO rating from a three (3) to a two (2) and has helped with the development and navigation through the transition from Basic Life Support into an Advanced Life Support transporting agency. 

Chief Giddens holds multiple degrees including a master’s in public administration with a focus on Emergency Management.  His mission as Fire Chief is to ensure the highest level of professional service to the public with pride, dedication and commitment to community engagement.

Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Hartley 

Kyle Hartley began his fire service career with the City of Venice at the age of 18 in 2006. In his current position, he plays a pivotal role in leading emergency response operations, overseeing departmental strategy, and ensuring the safety and preparedness of the community.

Chief Lambright is a native of the area, born and raised in Sarasota.  His career in the fire service started with North Port Fire Rescue in 2007.   He then joined the Sarasota County Fire Department, where he attained the rank of EMS Captain before joining Venice Fire Rescue.  In addition to his career in the fire service, he served as the EMS Program Director at a local college.   Chief Lambright holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology and is working to complete his master’s degree in public administration.

As the EMS Chief, he oversees Emergency Medical Services operations in its entirety for Venice Fire Rescue.   Some of his tasks include planning for future EMS growth within the City, identifying additional needs for EMS services for citizens, establishing a balance budget to continue to deliver exceptional ALS service, and determining EMS training needs and objectives to better serve the citizens of Venice.

Whether through his years of responding to emergency incidents or while teaching the next generation of EMT(s) and paramedics at the local college, Chief Lambright has always put patient care above all else and will continue to do so as the Assistant Chief of EMS.  

 Division Chief of Logistics Matthew Tomer

Matthew Tomer has been a dedicated member of Venice Fire Rescue since 2007.