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ADMINISTRATION
Administration is responsible for the leadership of the Department, budgeting, quality assurance, and creating policies and procedures.
Greg Markley
Fire Quality Assurance Specialist
Andrea Schuch
Public Affairs Specialist
Linda Kurzmann
Michael T. Russell, Acting Fire Chief
Mike Russell is originally from Wheeling, West Virginia where he worked in public safety, but was enticed by Florida’s weather and moved to Cape Coral in 2004. He was hired by the Cape Coral Fire Department in 2005, promoted to Fire Deputy Chief in April 2020, and has been serving as Acting Fire Chief since April 2024. He has also served in the positions of Firefighter, Engineer/Driver, Field Training Officer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief. He is a Florida certified Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, and Public Sector Labor Relations Professional.
Chief Russell has an associate degree in Fire Science Technology from Edison State College, a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Edison State College, and a master’s degree in Administration from Barry University. He completed the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program in 2021 and received his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence in 2022.
The Fire Chief answers to the City Manager and provides overall direction for the Fire Department. Chief Russell believes constant growth is the pathway to success. He motivates the team to overcome challenges with conviction and empathy with a relentless pursuit of excellence. While managing the complex needs of the department, he provides support, guidance, and inspiration with a vision and focus towards the future and leads with charisma, passion, trust, and honesty.
Carrie Lafferty
Mark Solich, Acting Fire Deputy Chief
Mark Solich is a Cape Coral native. He graduated from Mariner High School in 2001 and attended the University of Florida where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a Business minor in 2005. In 2007, Chief Solich received his Firefighter certification from the Fort Myers Fire Academy and his Emergency Medical Technician certification from Edison Community College. He completed his Master of Business Administration through Florida Gulf Coast University in 2008.
Chief Solich joined the Cape Coral Fire Department in March 2008 and promoted to Division Chief of Professional Standards in December 2019. He has been serving as Acting Deputy Chief since April 2024. He has also served in the positions of Firefighter, Engineer/Driver, Paramedic Field Training Officer, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief. He is a certified Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, Hazardous Materials Technician, Public Safety Boat Operator, and Rescue Dive Technician.
The Fire Deputy Chief is second only to the Fire Chief and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department, including managing the budget and overseeing the Divisions of Logistics, Operations, and Professional Standards.
Kierstan Lynch
Fire Grant/Accreditation Specialist
Kris Dodds
Accounts Coordinator
Daphne Adams
Accounts Coordinator
