Staff
Danielle Connor, Fire Chief
connord@mydelraybeach.com, (561)243-7410
Chief Connor is a second generation Firefighter and is the fifth family member to enter the fire service. She is a native Floridian who began her career with Delray Beach Fire-Rescue in 1993. She has progressed through the ranks of Firefighter, Paramedic, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Division Chief, Assistant Chief, to her current position of Fire Chief. Chief Connor earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, both from the University of New Haven. She also earned an Associates Degree in Nursing and is a graduate of the Emergency Services Leadership Institute of the University of Florida/Florida Fire Chiefs Association. She is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
Russell Accardi, Assistant Chief, Operations
Russ Accardi became a Firefighter in 1982. He has been a member of the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department since 1989, and served as a Firefighter, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, and promoted to Chief of the Training & Safety Division in 1998. In 2002 he was assigned as the Battalion Chief in charge of "B" shift.
Chief Accardi earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University in Miami, FL, where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. He is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. He has recently been accepted into the Masters Degree Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, through the Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
Chief Accardi has served as an instructor in various Special Operations disciplines including Dive Rescue, Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space, and Trench Rescue programs.
Cecelia L. Shade, Administrative Officer
Cecelia Shade began her employment with the City of Delray Beach in May, 1995 as an Office Assistant I in the City Managers Office.
She began her career with Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department on February 18, 1997 as a Staff Assistant I in the Fire Safety Division. She was reclassified to Staff Assistant II in October 1999. She was promoted to Executive Assistant to Fire-Rescue Chief in September 2004, and again to her current position as Administrative Officer in December 2008.
A native Floridian, and certified State of Florida Notary Public, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University), and a Master of Education Degree from Florida Atlantic University.
Victor B. Williams, Division Chief, Fire Marshal
Chief Williams is not only a native Floridian, he is also a native resident of Delray Beach. Nurtured by his family in the southwest section of town, he has never wandered away from home for any extended period of time.
After returning to Delray Beach from active duty in the United States Navy, Chief Williams joined the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department on November 30, 1992 as first generation firefighter.
He has served in the following capacities; Firefighter, Paramedic, EMS Training Lt. , Acting Division Chief of Training, and Shift Lieutenant.
Chief Williams holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Palm Beach Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organization Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Masters Degree in Organization Leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Edward Crelin, Division Chief, Training and Logistics
Chief Crelin became a Firefighter in 1982. He has been a member of the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department since 1987. He has served as a Firefighter/EMT, Paramedic, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Special Operations Lieutenant, and EMS Supervisor.
In 2009, he was assigned as the Division Chief of Training and Safety.
Chief Crelin holds an Associates of Science in Emergency Medical Services from Broward College.
Chief Crelin is a member of the FL-5 Disaster Medical Assistance Team. He also holds a position with the State Fire Marshal’s Office Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
Steven Anderson, Division Chief, Emergency Medical Services
Steve Anderson became a Firefighter in 1983. He has been a member of the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department since 1992 and has served as a Paramedic-Firefigther, Shift Lieutenant, Paramedic Lieutenant-Training Division, and, Paramedic Lieutenant-Operations. He currently is certified Florida State Paramedic, Firefighter, and Fire Safety Inspector. Chief Anderson has an Associates of Science Degree in Fire Science from Keiser University.
Michael Twigger, Battalion Chief, A-Shift
Mike Twigger has been a member of the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department since 1991. He has served as a firefighter/paramedic, Paramedic Lieutenant-Training Division, Paramedic Lieutenant-Operations, Division Chief-Training Division, and Battalion Chief Operations. He is currently a certified Florida State Paramedic, Firefighter, and Instructor I. Chief Twigger is currently seeking an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership at St. Thomas University and has an Associates of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services from Palm Beach Community College.
David Wetzel, Battalion Chief, B-Shift
David Wetzel has been a member of the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department since 1991. He has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, and Lieutenant. In 2009, he was assigned as the Battalion Chief in charge of “B” shift. He currently holds certifications as a Florida State Paramedic, Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Instructor 1, and a Hazardous Materials Technician. Chief Wetzel has earned an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science from Broward Community College and a Fire Officer Certificate.
Gregory Giaccone, Battalion Chief, C-Shift
Gregory Giaccone has been a member of the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department since 1991. He has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, and the Division Chief of Training. In 2003 he was assigned as the Battalion Chief in charge of "C" shift. He currently holds certifications as a Paramedic, Fire Inspector, Instructor I, Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician , and a member of the Dive Rescue Team. Chief Giaccone has earned an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science from Palm Beach Community College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University. He is also a graduate of The Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
