Russell named chief of Cape Coral Fire Department
Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn has appointed Mike Russell as the city’s new fire chief, effective April 28.
As fire chief, Russell will lead the Cape Coral Fire Department, overseeing all divisions and managing operations, budgeting and policy development to ensure efficiency, safety and high-quality service for the community.
“Mike’s extensive experience, commitment to professional growth, and proven leadership make him the perfect person to lead our fire department,” Ilczyszyn said Friday in a prepared statement announcing the appointment. “His vision, passion, and dedication to excellence will ensure the continued safety and well-being of our residents and support the department’s ongoing evolution.”
Russell, who has been serving as acting chief, will receive an annual salary of $230,713 as the department’s top administrator, according to a status change notice signed by Ilczyszyn on April 23, a change of 21.65%. The new salary amount, listed under “proposed,” is greater than the position’s midpoint compensation point of $194,563.20 and less than the maximum of $242,257.60. Russell’s current annual salary is $189,654.40.
Originally from Wheeling, West Virginia, Russell began his public safety career before moving to Cape Coral in 2004 and joining the fire department in 2005, where he rose to become fire deputy chief in 2020. He is a Florida-certified fire instructor, fire officer and public sector labor relations professional, holding degrees in fire science technology and public safety administration from Edison State College, a master’s in administration from Barry University and both the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program graduate and chief fire officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Editor’s note: This report has been updated to include salary numbers released Monday.