NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The City of North Myrtle Beach announces the retirement of Fire Chief Billy Floyd, effective May 16, 2026, following a long and distinguished career in the fire service, with just over 16 years of that service to the North Myrtle Beach community.
Chief Floyd originally joined the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department in May 2005 as Firefighter/PSO, working his way up to the rank of Training Captain before leaving the Department in October 2008 to take an opportunity with a neighboring Department. He returned to the City in January 2013 as Division Chief of Fire Training before his promotion to Deputy Fire Chief in May 2021. In April 2023, Floyd was appointed as the 7th Fire Chief to lead the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department.
Reflecting on his career with the City, Chief Floyd shared:
"It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve the City of North Myrtle Beach and this Fire Department through various roles throughout my tenure here, especially these last 3 years as Fire Chief. This Department and City hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful as well as grateful for the opportunities they have provided me during my time here. I feel blessed to have played just a small part in how our City has flourished during my time here. I cannot say enough about the employees throughout this City who are making a difference each day. I am excited to watch this Department continue to progress forward, thanks in part to the outstanding men and women who make up the Fire Department, and with full support of City Administration, as well as our Mayor and City Council behind them."
In addition to leading the Fire Department’s 91 uniformed personnel who make up the Operations Division, Support Services Division, and Fire Marshal’s Office, he also served as the City’s Emergency Preparedness Director, which involved coordination with Department Heads for the City’s response to large scale incidents and events, most notably weather-related events in a continued effort to enhance public safety and community resilience.
“Chief Floyd’s leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our Fire Department and our organization as a whole,” said City Manager Ryan Fabbri. “His dedication to preparedness, training, and service has helped ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and employees. We are deeply appreciative of his commitment to the City of North Myrtle Beach and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Mayor Baldwin also expressed gratitude for Chief Floyd’s service.
“On behalf of City Council and our entire community, I want to thank Chief Floyd for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership,” said Mayor Baldwin. “He has served this City with professionalism, integrity, and a true passion for public safety. His contributions will have a lasting impact on North Myrtle Beach.”
As part of the City’s succession planning, Deputy Fire Chief John Galganski will serve as Interim Fire Chief upon Chief Floyd’s retirement to ensure continuity of operations and leadership while the City evaluates the next steps in naming a permanent replacement.
The City of North Myrtle Beach extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Floyd for his years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting the community.