Deputy Chief Paul Langel
Deputy Chief Paul Langel began his career with the St. Lucie County Fire District in 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Indian River State College. He attended the Managing Officer Program at the United States Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and is a graduate of the Staff and Command Class through the University of Maryland Fire College. Chief Langel is a certified Life Safety Inspector I/II, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, State of Florida Fire Codes Administrator, Certified District Manager, and one of 189 internationally designated Fire Marshals through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He also holds the Member grade designation with the Institution of Fire Engineers.
As Deputy Chief, Chief Langel provides executive oversight of the Training and Safety Division, Information Technology Division, Application Support Engineers, Accreditation, Strategic Planning, Professional Development, Compliance, Human Resources, Health and Safety, and Exposure Control programs. He also directly oversees Special Projects and provides leadership and direction to Division Chief Dane Vachon and Division Chief Nick Wilson in support of these functions. His responsibilities include organizational leadership, strategic planning, professional development, budget planning, compliance management, and the advancement of initiatives that support operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the District. Throughout his career, Chief Langel has served on several Fire District committees, including the Safety Committee, Retirement Health Insurance Trust, Strategic Planning Committee, and Health and Welfare Trust.
Deputy Chief Mark Cristaldi Jr.
Deputy Chief Mark Cristaldi Jr. began his career with the St. Lucie County Fire District in 2002. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Emergency Medical Services from Indian River State College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Leadership from Columbia Southern University. Throughout his career, Chief Cristaldi has served on numerous Fire District committees, including the EMS Guidelines Committee, EMS Operations Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Medical Review Board, Safety Committee, and Communications Committee.
As Deputy Chief, Chief Cristaldi oversees the Logistics, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Community Risk Reduction, and Insurance Services Office (ISO) divisions. He provides leadership and direction to Division Chief Mike Walker and Division Chief Wayne Boyer in support of these functions. His responsibilities also include grant development and administration, policy and procedure development, strategic planning, budget management, data analysis, leadership development, and organizational improvement initiatives. He works collaboratively with all divisions to support the efficient delivery of fire rescue and emergency medical services throughout the District.
Deputy Chief Donny Stefani began his career with the St. Lucie County Fire District in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from Waldorf University and an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. Throughout his career, Chief Stefani has served in a variety of leadership and operational roles, including Division Chief, Battalion Chief, Special Operations Captain, Company Officer, and Special Operations Driver. He is a published author, with an article featured in Fire Engineering magazine in March 2015, and is a certified Fire Instructor III who regularly delivers training programs throughout the State of Florida.
As Deputy Chief of Operations, Chief Stefani oversees all aspects of the District’s emergency service delivery, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, aeromedical response coordination, special operations, and communications. He provides leadership and direction to operational personnel to ensure the highest levels of service, preparedness, and safety for both the community and Fire District personnel. His responsibilities include operational planning, resource management, personnel development, budget oversight, and the coordination of emergency response activities throughout the District.