Jason Fair
Public Safety Director
As a Florida native, Jason began his professional career in Public Safety in 1992. His career has spanned an array of specialties including fire, EMS, Urban Search and Rescue, Swift-water and Urban Flood, Hazardous Materials and Emergency Management. Across these fields he has moved through the ranks in both private and public service.
In 2008 Jason came to Charlotte County Public Safety as Deputy Chief of Fire and Special Operations. He represents Region 6 as the State Emergency Response Plan Coordinator and serves on various Committees as part of the State Working Group on Domestic Preparedness. Additionally, Jason serves as State Emergency Response Team Liaison to the State Emergency Operations Center.
He has been a Special Operations Instructor and Foreign Affairs Expert in Emergency and Disaster Management and Response since 2003, consulting/instructing civilian and military throughout the US, Caribbean and Asia.
In Jan. 2021, Jason was promoted to Public Safety Director and Chief of Charlotte County Fire - EMS.
Bryan Carr
Deputy Chief
Bryan was born and raised in the Sarasota-Bradenton area and brings a strong commitment to public service and community leadership. Since joining Charlotte County in 2021, he has supported the growth and development of public safety through strategic planning, operational improvement, and collaborative initiatives.
With a background in Fire and EMS, Bryan has held leadership roles focused on emergency preparedness, program development, and long-term organizational planning. He has contributed to the implementation of major projects and continues to advocate for innovation and excellence in public safety.
Bryan holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and has earned the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration programs and mentors fire service professionals pursuing advanced credentialing.
He remains passionate about public safety education, professional development, and creating impactful, forward-thinking solutions that strengthen emergency services and community resilience.
Matt McElroy
Deputy Chief
Matt McElroy is a fourth-generation Floridian, born and raised in DeSoto County. He began his public service career in 1991 when he joined the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman with the First Reconnaissance Marines. In 1997, he transitioned to the fire service, joining the Port Orange Fire Department in Volusia County as a firefighter, and advancing to paramedic.
Chief McElroy started his career with Charlotte County Fire & EMS in 2002. During his tenure, he worked in various roles across different stations before joining the special operations and marine operations teams. While serving on the marine operations team, he was recognized as our department's Fire Medic of the Year. McElroy continued advancing his career, becoming lieutenant on the special operations and marine operations teams.
When he was promoted to battalion chief, he served as the battalion chief of training before transitioning to a shift battalion chief, where he continued to contribute to the Marine Operations team. McElroy has always committed to learning and growth and earned a bachelor’s in public safety administration from St. Petersburg College.
In addition to his fire service career, he is a NAUI Dive Instructor and developed the nationally recognized Rapid Diver Program, certifying over 50 first responder divers, including members of the FDNY.
In 2024, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief.