For many business owners in Port Richey, a visit from firefighter and inspector John Beebe isn’t something to dread — it’s a familiar face walking through the door with a commitment to keeping both people and businesses safe.
“When I first hired John, we had several meetings on expectations and how I want to do everything we can to help business owners here in the city,” Fire Chief Gary Policastri said. “Before coming here, in my 33 years in Pasco County Fire Rescue, I have witnessed many inspectors tell business owners what’s wrong, but never offer suggestions on options they have to help meet the requirements and possibly save money and time.”
In fact, Policastri remembers one instance in which someone broke into a computer business through a rear door window simply by reaching in and unlocking the door. The business owner fixed the window and replaced the cam lock with a double-keyed lock, but in the process, committed a code violation. Policastri says the business owner felt frustrated and without options — caught between trying to secure the property and meeting code requirements, without feeling like there was a collaborative effort to help find a workable solution.
Since Beebe took over as fire inspector three years ago, Policastri says he has only received two complaints — a feat unheard of since most code issues ultimately require a business owner to spend money on repairs, upgrades or compliance measures.
“Both complaints stemmed from those costs, not his actual interactions,” he said.
Known throughout the community for his approachable style and emphasis on education, Beebe has built strong relationships with local business owners by treating every inspection not as a checklist, but as an opportunity to help.
Beebe was recently honored as “Firefighter/Fire Inspector” of the year — a vote by his peers at the fire department. As part of the achievement, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis recognized Beebe, along with several other first responders throughout Congressional District 12, in a special dinner in May.
For Beebe, who also serves as a firefighter EMT and driver engineer for the department, his goal is to ensure all businesses in Port Richey get treated with respect.
“I make sure that education is the No. 1 priority to serve our customers the best and most thorough fire and life safety inspection to their business,” he said. “I enjoy connecting with our businesses and letting them know that we are here, not just for their emergency, but for any assistance we can help them they may need.”
Beebe started his fire service career in 1978, joining a small volunteer fire department in Clearwater at age 18. After graduating from the Pinellas Fire Academy, he moved to Pasco County in 1986 and became a volunteer with the Port Richey Fire Department, then one of its first paid members in 1989. He also worked at the Pinellas County Consolidated 911 Center and served as a fire inspector and investigator with the Clearwater Fire Department before retiring in 2019.
“After two years, I decided I wanted to still be involved in the fire inspection service, helping our business community, and connected back with Port Richey, and here I am five years later still loving every day I am able to contribute to the betterment of our community,” Beebe said.
He admits, however, that some calls as a first responder can be challenging. “You never know what you really are going to encounter until you arrive and evaluate the call,” he said. “It can be as simple as helping someone that fell and needs help to a call where you are battling to save a life or property.”
In his role as an inspector, he views enforcement as an opportunity for education, since many times, the customer is simply not aware they are in violation. Beebe says his role in the community often involves taking on many different forms of life throughout the day, week, month and year.
“You have to earn your position, but you become part of that team that depends on you to support and protect not only yourself, but your team members and the public that you serve,” he said. “I am honored and still find something new I learn every time I walk in the door of the station.”