THOMASVILLE- County Manager Mike Stephenson has announced the appointment of Juan Bernal of Broward County, Florida as Fleet Services Director. Bernal started work with Thomas County on September 16, 2024. Bernal was most recently employed with Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office for five years as Lead Technician in their public safety-fleet maintenance division. Bernal previously worked with 10-8 Fire & Safety, the premier firefighting equipment dealer in Florida and Georgia and was employed with 10-8 from 2014 to 2019.

Bernal was also the owner/operator of Emergency Technician, Inc., from 2006 to 2011, a Bradenton, Fla. company specializing in the repair and rebuilding of commercial and fire apparatus. Bernal was hired subsequent to the retirement of long time County employee Jamie Parrott. Bernal is a graduate of Miami Lakes Technical College in Miami, Fla. with a degree in Diesel Mechanics Technology.

The Fleet Services Director is the department manager for the Fleet Services Department. Fleet Services is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all Thomas County equipment and vehicles. The current fleet is concentrated in the Public Works, Fire, & EMS Departments and the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.

“Juan is imminently qualified to oversee the maintenance of the County fleet. I am looking forward to Juan enhancing the professionalism of our day-to-day operations,” said Stephenson.

Thomas County’s fleet maintenance shop is located at 400 Joiner Road off East US 84. For more information contact the Fleet Maintenance shop at 226-1803, or the County Commissioners’ Office at 225-4100.