941.743.1200
18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Mission: To serve and protect the citizens of Charlotte County through leadership, teamwork, and exceptional services.
Charlotte County Public Safety comprises Emergency Management, Fire & EMS, Fire Prevention, Animal Control, Radio Communications, and the Public Safety Training Center. The department utilizes a highly skilled workforce to provide services to protect life and property, mitigate hazards, and respond to emergencies.
Jan. 14, 2026 10:05 am
Charlotte County has appointed Matthew McElroy as the new fire chief and public safety director for Charlotte County Public Safety. McElroy has served as acting fire chief since Oct. 31, 2025 and brings more than two decades of leadership, operational experience, and commitment to public service to his new role.
Jan. 14, 2026 9:38 am
The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners voted to establish Emergency Management as a standalone department, separating it from Public Safety to better address the growing demands of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
The commission’s decision recognizes the expanding scope and importance of emergency management functions, which have grown significantly in response to recent emergencies and evolving community needs.
Jan. 13, 2026 2:14 pm
The Charlotte County Commission has scheduled a workshop at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.
