PALM CITY, Fla. — Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Morley learned two things from an early age: how to play soccer and how to work as part of a team. 

That sense of teamwork would carry him far beyond the pitch. In 1993, Morley moved to the United States, eventually settling in South Florida, where he attended high school in Parkland. A year spent in Germany playing soccer broadened his worldview even further.  

When he returned, he found the calling that would define his adult life.  

Morley spent 24 years in the fire service, 20 of them with the City of Lauderhill Fire Department, rising through the ranks from firefighter to driver, company officer and ultimately division chief.  

Along the way, he served on the SWAT team, dive rescue, union leadership and as the department’s emergency management coordinator. As division chief, he oversaw training and logistics—ensuring crews had the skills, systems and resources to do their jobs safely. 

One of Morley’s most impactful achievements in the fire service had nothing to do with flames or sirens. Early in his career, he realized his department didn’t have a formal logistics division, so he built one. 

“I saw a need, so I pitched the plan to the fire chief and deputy chief,” he says. “I was able to start a team focused on supply chain, contracting, all of it.” 

It was a turning point. Morley proved he could lead at scale.  

“Later, I was in charge of training,” he shares. “And I realized that if you want to make real change, you have to fix the processes behind the scenes.” 

That realization pushed Morley back to school. While still working full time in the fire department, he earned his MBA, focusing on process improvement and operational efficiency. 

“I knew I wanted to work in the private sector, and I felt it was necessary to demonstrate that I’m an operational leader,” Morley says. “That I can make positive change happen.” 

After retiring from the fire department, Morley worked in process improvement, applying the same operational mindset he had developed in public service. 

In late 2022, after months of deliberation and a chance dinner conversation with a friend connected to NextEra Energy Resources, Morley joined the company, initially working on projects in Louisiana before moving to project planning in Utah. 

Still, something was missing. 

“I needed a mission,” he says. 

That mission found him. 

As battery energy storage projects expanded nationwide, a recurring challenge began to emerge: local fire departments didn’t always understand the technology. 

Drawing on decades spent training firefighters, Morley recognized that unfamiliarity could create uncertainty. With NextEra Energy Resources’ support, Morley stepped into a role that allowed him to continue serving the fire service, this time by helping firefighters understand how battery energy storage systems are designed, monitored and safely managed. 

Today, Morley serves as BESS Safety Manager, spearheading a first-of-its-kind energy storage safety curriculum, designed by firefighters, for firefighters and focused on planning, preparedness and understanding.  

Working alongside fire officials and with guidelines from nationally recognized safety organizations, Morley helped develop a curriculum that provides practical, real-world planning guidance taught by experienced firefighters across the country.  

“This curriculum is designed to help the firefighter on the ground,” he says. 

The training helps first responders understand the safe and beneficial nature of battery energy storage.  

“Education builds confidence,” Morley says. “When people understand how these systems work, they understand why they’re safe.” 

For Morley, the work is deeply personal. After more than two decades in the fire service, he knows firsthand the importance of clear, practical training, especially when new technology is involved. 

“I will never provide training that wouldn’t have helped me,” he says. 

His role today blends technical expertise, cultural fluency and public service.  

“It’s about bringing the right message to the right audience,” he says.  

At home in Martin County, Morley remains grounded by family. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 20 years and counting and is the proud father of two daughters—one pursuing nursing, inspired by her father’s years as a firefighter-paramedic, and another excelling in school and sports. 

From firehouses to energy sites, Morley’s journey reflects a consistent throughline: service, preparation and trust. 

The uniform may have changed, but the mission hasn’t.