Fire Chief: Doug Underwood

In January of 2021, the board of Fire Commissioners unanimously voted to select Doug Underwood as the next Fire Chief of Bayshore Fire Rescue.  He assumed the role in June of 2021. Chief Underwood is a native of Florida, born and raised in Lee County. He started his career in the fire and emergency medical services in 2000 with Bayshore Fire Rescue as a volunteer. In 2003, Chief Underwood became a full-time firefighter with Bayshore, where he advanced through the ranks of Driver Engineer and shift Captain.  During his twelve years as a shift Captain, he also managed other areas of the district that included serving as Fire Marshal and Fire Investigator.

Chief Underwood holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Barry University. He is also a graduate of the Emergency Services Leadership Institute under the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. Chief Underwood currently holds State of Florida firefighter certification, Florida EMT license, Fire Service Instructor III, Fire Investigator I, Fire Inspector II, and Certified District Manager through the Florida Association of Special Districts. His current memberships include the Lee County Fire Chief’s Association, Florida Fire Chief’s Association, Lee County Fire Marshals Association, Florida Fire Marshalls Association, Southwest Florida Incident Management Team, and Lee County Fire-Arson Task Force Commander.

Chief Underwood is a highly motivated individual who strives to lead the department providing the highest level of care and services to the residents of Bayshore.