"He can leave knowing that he accomplished a terrific amount of work," the city manager says. Two deputy chiefs are vying for the spot.
By SHANNON TAN
Published September 12, 2004
LARGO - City Manager Steven Stanton has accepted Fire Chief E. Caroll Williams' retirement. A new chief will be named in the next two weeks.
Williams' departure, effective next Feb. 28, will come after more than 35 years with the department. He became chief in 1997.
"He's going for all the right reasons," Stanton said. "I did my best to talk him out of it."
Williams, 57, has "earned his opportunity to walk away with his head held real high," Stanton said. "He can leave knowing that he accomplished a terrific amount of work."
Deputy Chiefs Jeff Bullock and Tom Tarulli are in the running to become the city's next fire chief.
Stanton will make the final decision, but has asked Williams to recommend a successor.
Stanton says he is looking for someone who is able to lead a "modern, high-tech fire department," and work well with him.
"I tend to be very demanding at times and I have my own management style," Stanton said.
Tarulli, a 23-year member of the fire department, has been deputy chief of management services since 1997. He was the county hazmat commander for two years. He is president of the Rotary Club of Largo.
Hired by Largo Fire Rescue in 1979, Bullock is a former president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2427. A lieutenant since 1994, Bullock was promoted to deputy chief of fire and EMS operations last year.
The city will not fill the deputy chief position that will be left vacant with the upcoming promotion.
"Everybody's going to have to work a little bit harder and a little more smarter," Stanton said.
