Chief Brian Richard Dean, CFO, EFO, Assistant Fire Chief (Ret.), 61, passed away on November 20, 2025 surrounded by family and friends after an almost 2 year battle with cancer. He openly shared his journey, the ups and downs, and encouraged others, especially those in the fire service, to get cancer screenings.

Brian was the youngest of 5 children born to Bobby and Elizabeth Dean. Brian was born in North Miami Beach, FL and spent the majority of his life in Winter Park, FL. He is survived by his son, Donovan Dean, siblings, Liz Torres, Steve Dean, Bill Dean and John Dean, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and too many friends to name.

Brian began his career in the fire service as a volunteer with Lake Sue Fire Department while in high school. Part of his volunteer service was to photograph the scenes. After graduating from Winter Park High School, Brian joined the Winter Park Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT. He successfully moved through the ranks as an Engineer, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief. He retired in 2010 as the Assistant Fire Chief for Administration. Brian also began working with the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) in the late 1990s. He served as an accreditation manager, peer assessor, team leader, mentor, conference presenter, instructor, technical advisor, and Technical Advisor Program Manager.

Among his many accomplishments, Brian received an A.A. degree from Valencia Community College, A. B. degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a M.S. degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He was a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Execute Fire Officer Program and a long-term Chief Fire Officer designee from the Commission on Professional Credentialing.

Brian touched many people's lives in ways we may never know. He was always willing to give a listening ear and offer advise if asked. If he saw a need and could meet it, he did with no fanfare and expectations. He was kind and loving. He strived for excellence in himself and others, and those that achieved it were "rock stars".

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leary Firefighters Foundation in Brian's name are requested.

A celebration of Brian's life is being planned for January 24, 2026 and more details will be provided at a later date.