The City of Leesburg has announced that Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Henry will be appointed as the city’s next fire chief effective Feb. 7, 2026, following the retirement of current Fire Chief Joe Mera.

Chief Mera formally announced his retirement after a distinguished 24-year career with the Leesburg Fire Department. He was appointed fire chief on May 7, 2022, after rising through the ranks of the department since joining in 2002.

During his tenure, Mera built an extensive background in leadership, education and training. He holds an associate degree in paramedic science from Keiser College, earned in 2003; a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University in 2006; and a master’s degree in executive fire service leadership from Waldorf University in 2019. In 2017, Mera graduated from the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, placing him among fewer than 1 percent of senior fire officials nationwide to hold that distinction.

Mera also served as a fire service instructor, teaching at multiple levels within the department. His leadership philosophy emphasized the importance of strong initial firefighter training and ongoing education, including live-fire training, as the most effective way to save lives on the fire ground. He is a member of both the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

Incoming Chief Henry brings more than 20 years of experience with the Leesburg Fire Department, having begun his career as an entry-level firefighter. He holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Central Florida and has earned numerous professional accreditations within the fire service.

Henry is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland, a credential held by fewer than 1% of senior fire service leaders across the country. His leadership philosophy centers on purposeful, disciplined and rigorous training, which he believes is critical to saving lives on the fire ground. He is an active member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

City officials expressed gratitude for Mera’s decades of service and leadership while welcoming the department’s next chapter under Henry.

“The City of Leesburg wishes all the best to our outgoing Chief Mera and is excited to start our next chapter under Chief Henry’s leadership,” city officials say.