Fureigh, who served as chief since August 2016, was arrested for reportedly testing positive for cocaine. The warrant, requested by his probation officer, Nina Wilkins, also alleged that Fureigh denied using cocaine and failed to attend a court-ordered session of the Drunk Driving Impact Panel within 120 days of his prior arrest.
Last year on Sept. 9, 2025, Fureigh was arrested on a DUI charge while riding his motorcycle. In February, his charge was reduced to reckless driving, and he was placed on probation for one year.
The NBFRD commission met Friday, May 1. On Monday, May 4, they released the following statement:
“The Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District is thankful for Fire Chief Fureigh’s service to the District. As of the District’s Friday, May 1, 2026 meeting, the District will be moving to identify and appoint an interim Fire Chief in advance of a search for the District’s next permanent Fire Chief. Any inquiries should be directed to sbrummett@navarrebeachfire.org, which the District will address in appropriate order consistent with its hiring process. The District will continue, as it has done, to provide uninterrupted services for the protection of life and property in its District.”
A second special meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, at 4:30 p.m. The Tuesday meeting will pertain to the naming of an interim fire chief. The meeting will be held at Station 49, which is located at 1412 Utility Drive on Navarre Beach.
Once an interim chief is named, the commission will begin a search for the next permanent chief.
