Floyd named next NMB fire chief, Spain retiring

By RUBEN LOWMAN

North Myrtle Beach will soon have new chiefs at the top of both departments within the city’s public safety division.

NMB Fire Chief Garry Spain informed NMB Fire Rescue earlier this year that he will be retiring from his current post in April of 2023 the department announced last week on social media.

Department officials confirmed that NMBFR Deputy Chief Billy Floyd will be appointed as the new fire chief for the city following Chief Spain’s retirement in April.

Spain was appointed as the sixth fire chief of NMBFR in April 2015 following a decorated career with the city of Raleigh Fire Department where he retired holding the rank of assistant chief.

Over the last eight years Spain has been instrumental in leading the fire department of North Myrtle Beach to prepare for the future of the city and growth that has been seen within the department and the city overall.

NMBFR officials said there is no doubt Spain has cemented his legacy within the history of the NMBFR through the accomplishments he has achieved during his time with the city.

Officials said he should feel proud in knowing that he will be leaving the fire department a much better place thanks to his guidance.

NMBFR officials said the department will forever be grateful for his leadership and service as North Myrtle Beach’s Fire Chief.

Deputy Chief Floyd has served a total of 13 years with NMBFR as a firefighter/EMT, lieutenant, captain and division chief, and has been in his current rank of deputy chief since May 2021.

Department officials said until Spain’s retirement, it is “business as usual.” Spain stated he has plenty left to continue working on over these next couple of months, as the department begins to transition into his retirement and under Floyd’s leadership.