After more than five decades of dedicated service, Fruitland Park Fire Chief Thomas Lee Gamble has officially retired.

“Chief Gamble has been a true asset to our organization and his tireless work ethic and commitment to the City and community is admirable,” new Fire Chief Steven Whitaker says. “We wish him and his family a happy and healthy retirement and offer our most sincere and heartfelt thank you for his many years of service to our City.”

Gamble began his fire service career in 1961 with Fruitland Park Fire Rescue. He joined the department at the age of 16, after being encouraged by then-Fire Chief Harold Davenport, who, along with his wife, Mrs. Davenport, ran the department and dispatched calls.

During the early 1970s, Gamble was elected and voted in as Fire Chief. For decades, he balanced his role leading the department while managing his family garage, continuing to support the community throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

In 1997, Gamble expanded his service by volunteering with Lake County Fire Rescue and Oxford Fire Department, now part of Sumter County Fire Rescue, where he earned the rank of captain. In 2001, he returned to Fruitland Park Fire Rescue full time after selling his garage, allowing him to fully dedicate his time to the department.

Although officially retired, Chief Gamble remains active and enjoys spending time on the water fishing.