2023 September FFS Magazine by ffca

THE PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

September 2023 • VOLUME 31 NUMBER 9

Safety and Health Conference Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

Opening Keynote: Burning Shield Jason Schechterle

Closing Keynote: In Honor of The Charleston 9 Dr. David Griffin

LIKE US on Facebook

FLOR I

EFS’ HI

FIRE C DA

C I A TI

Florida Fire Service is the monthly publication of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) members, by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone: (850) 900-5180 Email: info@ffca.org • www.ffca.org

FROM THE SECTIONS Message from the FFCA President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6 FEATURES

FFCA Staff Ngoc Huynh - Interim Executive Director Denise Holley - Office Manager

FFCA Board of Directors Harold Theus - President Michael Choate - 1st Vice President Trip Barrs - 2nd Vice President Douglas Riley - Immediate Past President Carlos Aviles - Secretary/Treasurer Ryan H. Crawford - Northwest Region Director Brady Rigdon - Northeast Region Director Michael Johansmeyer - East Central Region Director Chantal Botting - Southeast Region Director Ian Kemp - West Central Region Director Gregory DeWitt - Southwest Region Director Ngoc Huynh - Interim Executive Director James White - Foundation Chair Leland Greek - Senior Member

Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180 Advertising Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org (386) 717-0055

Subscription rate for members is $36, which is included in member dues. Archived electronic monthly editions of Florida Fire Service magazine are available at www.ffca.org. Log in as a member and click on the Publications tab. Florida Fire Service September 2023, Volume 31, Number 9 USPS # 016-759 Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Florida Fire Service, 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of FFCA. Copyright 2023 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Surviving Your First 100 Days . . . 10 Ethics in Leadership Do the Right Thing . . . . . . . . . . 12 Navigating Firefighter Relationships: Communication Is Key . . . . . . . 22 Fight or Flight The Enemy of Critical Thinking . 30

FURTHERMORE The Spirit of September 11 Still Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Boca Raton Army Air Field . . . . . 14 South Walton Remembers 9/11 with 3.43-Mile Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Have You Considered a Remount? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 FFCA New Members . . . . . . . . . 18 PCFR Bolsters Readiness with Tactical Care Training . . . . . . . 20 Orange County Holds Narcan . . . . Training/Demonstration . . . . . . 24 Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Celebrates 50th Anniversary. . . 26 Polk County Fire Rescue Peer Support Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Martin County 9/11 Memorial Bridge Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District September 11 Stair Climb . . . . 30 Palm Coast Fire Department Wins EMS Matching Grant . . . . . . . . 34 In brief . . . news from around the state. . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Featured Vendor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

perfect pair TWO TOOLS - ONE BATTERY

lEARN MORE

SALES - SERVICE - TRAINING

SERVING FLORIDA, GEORGIA, ALABAMA & MISSISSIPPI 2924 Crescent Dr, Unit A Tallahassee, FL 32301 - 850.698.2457 - WWW.RESCUESYSTEMSUNLIMITED.COM

Harold Theus, Fire Chief FFCA President

Hope you all are doing well. In Association news, it has been a busy month with meetings and discussions to learn what actions need to be taken in moving the Association forward. On August 18, Chief Darrel Donatto, Lobbyist Eric Prutsman, our partners from Public Consulting Group (PCG), and I met with representatives from ACHA to discuss future funding opportunities through the Public Emergency Medical Transport (PEMT) program.

The following week, Interim Director Huynh and I worked out of the Association’s Office with Denise Holley and Micaiah Mitchell to gain information, review files and documents, and to meet with stakeholders. Over the week, we met with our lobbyist Eric Prutsman from Johnson and Blanton, Bennet Napier and his team with Partners in Association Management, Bureau Chief Steve McCoy and his team from the Department of Health Emergency Medical Oversight, and Director JoAnne Rice and her team with the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal. We had several meetings with our Attorney Jeff Childers and our accountants from DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A..

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

By far, the highlight of the week was the presenting of the 2023 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award to South Gulf Fire Rescue’s Fire Chief Michael Barrett in Port St. Joe. On August 31, the Board met to discuss our pressing matters on developed action items to move forward. September 7, we were on-site to support the Lithium Ion Battery Symposium offered by the Division of the State Fire Marshal at the Florida State Fire College. CFO Jimmy

Patronis made opening remarks and remained in attendance for the greater part of the first day. Interim Director Huynh was on-site supporting registration, while the leadership of the FFMIA provided AV for the event. Director Rice expressed that a great demonstration of cohesion and collaboration was present with the Division of the State Fire Marshal, State Fire College, FFMIA, and FFCA throughout the event, and even during move-out after closing. On September 12, members from the Board met with the Division of State Fire Marshal to assist in developing their Strategic Plan. In non-association news: Hurricane Idalia, a Category 4 storm made landfall on August 30, near Keaton Beach, the first hit from a major hurricane to the Apalachee Bay coastline since weather recordkeeping in 1851. As always, our Statewide Emergency Response Plan (SERP) was implemented and departments from across the State of Florida were there to assist in this community’s time of need. A big thank you goes out to T.J. Lyon, our SERP Coordinators, the Fire Chiefs of departments who sent resources, and the crews themselves. It was good to see so many departments remember the events of 9/11 through local stair climbs, walks, and ceremonies. We will never forget! I am so proud to serve such a great association. Please take care and be safe.

sales@mecofire.com 1.800.228.8448 www.mecofire.com

GET THE FACTS. VISIT WWW.LIONPROTECTS.COM/REDZONE

By Rick Spence

y the time most of you are reading this, we will have passed the anniversary of the September 11 attacks against our nation. This time 22 years ago, we were still getting over the shock of knowing that Islamic extremists had attacked the mainland of the United States. It was something that had not occurred since the British attacked Washington DC in 1814. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 innocent victims, including 343 FDNY firefighters and 71 law enforcement personnel. In the days and weeks following the attacks, the American public began to gain a new and greater appreciate of American firefighters. It came to light that 343 FDNY firefighters willingly entered the World Trade Center towers to rescue those who were trapped inside. It is hard for me to imagine what they were thinking when they were going up those stairs. Did they think they had enough time to get in and out of the building to get everyone out? Did they think about the building collapsing? Or did they think that this was going to be the last thing they ever did on earth? I have a feeling they were thinking about the task at hand, getting those people out of the towers safely. Which is what makes each of the 343 different stories even more remarkable, they were all focused on one task, one goal. The safety of others, not themselves. After the rubble had settled, thousands of firefighters from across the country converged on Ground Zero to hand pick through the rubble in order to find their brothers in arms and the innocent people killed that day. The

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

debris had over 2,500 documented contaminates, including pulverized concrete, asbestos, lead, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which caused fires to burn for three months. The firefighters who took part in the bucket brigade at Ground Zero wore masks and protective gear. They thought they were being protected enough to dig through the debris. But the fact that they were willing to take that chance says enough about their character. We have recently reached a tipping point, where more firefighters and law enforcement personnel have died from illnesses, they contracted during the cleanup at Ground Zero than actually died on September 11. The sad part of this story is there are thousands more first responders who are being treated for cancer and various other respiratory diseases. The American people began to realize that firefighters are a different breed. They are very different from almost any other profession. People realized that firefighters, much like the military and law enforcement, know there is a much higher calling than trying to better ourselves. Even if it is to our detriment, firefighters will risk harm to ourselves in order to save someone else. And almost always it is someone they do not know or have ever met. I do not think this is something that is exclusive to FDNY. This is a trait firefighters share across the country. Had the attacks occurred in any other city, I think the firefighters would have responded in the same manner. It is something in their heart that cannot be learned or taught. It is truly a calling. I say that to make a point, that the

true character of firefighters was on display on September 11 and the days and months that followed. There were 343 collective acts of valor that took place on that day. But, everyday across the country and within most fire departments, there are individual and crew acts of valor that take place. Firefighters still place themselves in harm’s way to save someone else’s life. You just do not hear about it because they do not talk about it. In fact, there are probably many people who are reading this now who have done exactly that. It is this type of commitment that makes me proud to have worn the uniform for 30 years. It is this type of commitment that is instilled in the hearts of firefighters, no matter what department they work for. It is this type of commitment that separates firefighters from most everyone else. It is this type of commitment we need to remember yearround, not just on September 11. God Bless America. Rick Spence retired as Assistant Chief from the Reedy Creek Fire Department after 30 years. He is currently the Chaplain for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Reedy Creek Fire Department, Lake County Fire Department, Clermont Fire Department, Maitland Fire Department, and the Florida Professional Firefighters. He serves as Sergeant of Arms for the Florida Professional Firefighters and International Association of Firefighters. He was selected Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year in 2018. He has been married to his wife Alecia for 36 years.

By F. R. Montes de Oca

ver the past few months, I’ve taken note of the hundreds of training classes, seminars, tailboard chats and hotwashes that helped guide a kid from the eastside of Orlando to work with some of the greatest men and women in the world – firefighters. Along the way I formulated a “plan to lead someday”. In my estimation, there are just a few ways to get to the leadership position: • Stumble into it (i.e., process of elimination) – in other words, no one else wanted the job, • You know someone on the appointment board, or • Develop a plan, study hard, learn from your mistakes, prepare yourself, and compete. I’m sure there other ways, but most occupying the leadership role fall into one of these scenarios. Regardless of how you “get there”, you will need a plan to “stay there”. In a recent training summit, I presented a boileddown, one-hour version of an eight-hour seminar on how to survive the most crucial timeframe of your new position – the first 100 days. In most places the way one enters the leadership position is structured, fair, and upfront. Not so much in the early days. The first fire service job I had, began with an interview consisting of three questions: 1) Do you drink? 2) Do you smoke? and 3) Do you read the Bible? I got the job. And to illustrate

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

further the changing attitudes of this great profession, my interviewer (the fire chief) said, “I can’t pronounce your last name, so I’m going to call you Taco”. Needless to say, the rules of engagement have changed dramatically. Instead of worrying about EMS challenges such as Hepatitis C and AIDS, which I am proud to say now have effective treatments, the multi-faceted, multitalented fire and emergency services professional of today is dealing with the threat of worldwide pandemic (a new flavor about every 2-3 years: remember Ebola and SARS?); the onerous winds of social mistrust and civil unrest brewing across our great nation; unsteady local, state, and national economies that threaten everything from much-needed research for firefighter cancers to upgrading the infrastructure we rely on to get to those in need and the constant talk of defunding public services – specifically police. And, if you don’t think the police defunding actions won’t affect fire and EMS, keep wearing your blacked-out, skull-and-crossbones, camouflaged tactical vests and cargo pants. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck… Today, start formulating a plan that moves you into the take-off que for leadership success. And when you get there, whether it’s a competitive promotion or appointment by decree plan your work and work your plan. Here is the quick, down-and-dirty 100 Day Plan.

Day One Gain and/or maintain momentum. If the organization is moving forward without too many significant issues, determine if you can let it cruise for a few weeks without your personal touch. If not, quickly step in, make immediate, necessary command decisions to maintain a continuity of operation. Remember, they hired you, promoted you, or appointed you to improve the situation, not watch it go over a cliff. And, if you accepted the position with marching orders to change nothing – go to work for a fast-food chain. Week One Conduct an internal size-up of yourself, the team, and the organization. While there are several leadership and organizational health evaluation systems (SMEAC, PFAI and Cynefin to name a few), the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) process is well-known, easily applied to a variety of agency types and disciplines (fire, medical, hazmat, communications…). The process is straightforward and most importantly allows input from all – something I strongly encourage you to consider. The new generation of emergency services professional wants to buy-in, participate in the process, influence the outcomes and have a say in how (and why) decisions are made. Meet and brief your team. If you are the newly-promoted company officer or shift

commander, make every effort to meet and speak with every member of your team. Actively listen. Practice the 10-second drill (wait 10seconds) when answering questions – especially if you suspect someone is trying to lay mines around you. If you’re new to the organization learn their history, culture, and nomenclature. Set expectations and establish boundaries. Let them know what your values are and hot buttons. I recall a newly-appointed colleague who waited six months before having in-depth discussions with his staff members and field personnel. Not the wisest move for an outsider attempting to make meaningful (positive) change. Month One Identify what resources you have to work with: hardware, infrastructure, personnel, and those supporting behind the scenes. Take inventory of those resources you have direct control of and those that you have significant influence over. For example, if you belong to a communication consortium, what authorities or “voting rights” does your position or someone representing you and your agency have? Exercise them. Be an active participant in the process. And, if you choose to send a representative in your stead, make sure she or he knows how, why and what to vote on. Once they make a decision contrary to yours, it’s very difficult to take it back without looking stupid. Knowing what local assets outside your direct command, but committed to directly supporting you is crucial and should be part of your support asset inventory and shared with your command and support staff and agencies. For example, during a communitywide mass fatality incident, you must know (beforehand) the depth and breadth of your morgue capabilities. Don’t rely solely on FEMA or state resources. If the incident is affecting the entire region, you may have to handle the situation by yourself for several days until outside help arrives. Remember, all disasters are local. Having a working knowledge of and relationship with non-traditional professions and organizations are priceless during widespread disasters. Is your relationship with faith-based organizations current and strong? Do you have a day-to-day interaction with the media? Is it strong and non-confrontational? As the climate continues to challenge emergency services, federal assets may not be able to maintain a straight, level heading. Study, learn and practice self-sufficiency. Drill it. Drill it. Drill it. Month Two Within the first 30-40 days, if you are able to get the ship moving in the right direction and stormy weather is subsiding – at least

temporarily – make some time to draft a model of the changes you envision that you feel can reflect the needs of the community. Don’t reinvent the wheel. If your professional association, business community or local college or university has the ability and willingness to assist – take advantage of the offer. If you choose to enlist the assistance of a consulting firm, be careful. A former colleague was appointed fire chief to bring a department out of a flat-spin following the death of two firefighters. He walked into his office the second day, and his boss greeted him with the final draft of an $88,000 consultant’s product and directed to finalize the review and have it ready for commission approval within two weeks. Upon closer review it was obvious the well-known consultancy firm had copied-andpasted another agency’s report…the other department’s name was on the header of a few pages. Oops! Needless to say, the new guy (having a few weeks remaining on his honeymoon with his boss and the commission) recommended canning the report, request the return of the initial payment of $22,000 and go another route. It can’t be stressed enough to invite everyone to the model’s discussions: command staff, field personnel (all ranks represented), labor organization(s), administrative and support, and those representing various community groups and stakeholders. You want everyone’s fingerprints on the knife blade. Month Three Before the model or vision is ready for primetime, deliver a version of it to supporters and detractors. There is always someone who will be offended or oppose the plan. Not the entire plan, but if you’ve done your homework and not stepped on the third rail (any local sacred institution or group that will be negatively affected) you can get a feel for how the plan will be accepted. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll see who the snipers and sharpshooters hiding in the weeds are before you take a round during the commission meeting. It shouldn’t be said, but I’ll say it anyway; make certain your boss is in the loop every step of the way. Remember: “There are no good surprises in government”. Somewhere around the 100-day mark you should have two reports or deliverables for your boss: 1) The Vision and 2) A 100-Day Report. If all goes as planned and you take on no lethal hits, execute the plan. A few adjustments may be necessary, but that is expected, the changes should be communicated to all with the reason(s) for the changes and continue to care and feed the living document as technologies, funding and

politics change and impact your vision. If, during your initial foray into this leadership role “stuff hits the fan” (such as a newly-purchased ambulance rolls over injuring the crew and patient) the Rule of 3’s comes into play. In most cases, the Rule of 3’s is vitally important to help critically analyze and solve problems. Simply stated it consists of: 1)What do I have?; 2)Where is it going?; and 3)What do I need? It has been used successfully to analyze and solve scene management problems, personal challenges and even administrative quandaries such as budgetary decisions. A few last thoughts: • Focus on the Small Team. They are the 20% who produce 80% of the results. And the 20% who cause 80% of your challenges. • Invest in Mental Health Maintenance. It’s not just a buzz-word. Taking care of the individual, the team and just as importantly yourself and family is life-saving. • Allow to be Questioned. Seldom are you the smartest one in the room. Often someone in the room or discussion has experienced the problem you’re trying to solve. And, just because they are younger than you or have less time on the job doesn’t make you more valuable than him or her. Be humble. Listen to everyone. • Find a Hero. Mine was my first chief. The one who named me “Taco”. Politically correct? Nope. However, he taught me the value of a strong work ethic, character means more than being a character and your word is your bond. Finally, think about what you want your legacy to be. That you were the longest serving? That you maintained the status quo? Or, you kept informed and you ensured all were informed. That you considered the positives of change before killing the thought and the spirit of those trying to spread their leadership wings. Frank Montes de Oca, EFO, MESH, CPM Fire Chief (ret), served as a firefighter/paramedic for over 38 years and appointed fire chief in Springfield, Ohio and Emergency Services Director and Fire Chief for Osceola County, Florida. His last appointment was as Emergency Services Director in Orange County, North Carolina. Throughout his career he has been involved in training, managing and developing firefighter safety, leadership and organizational change. Chief Montes de Oca is an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy and qualified to present training programs for OSHA and the EPA. He can be reached at frm1@me.com or www.responder1.org. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

was asked to prepare a paper on ethics as part of my Fire Officer 3 assignments. Fast forward a few weeks to May 4, 2023, when I had the privilege of attending the 2023 Instructor Conference at The Florida State Fire College. The theme of the conference was “Fostering a Culture of Ethics and Integrity in Training.” While at the conference I had the opportunity to be taught by some of the greats in the Florida Fire Service, including Julius Halas, Rand Napoli, Kingman Schuldt, Rick Talbert, Jim Angle, Ron Parrish, and Mike Tucker. When the presentations were over, we participated in a discussion panel concerning pressing issues facing the fire service. I left with new knowledge and a great appreciation for having studied under the great fire chiefs who came before me. I feel compelled to share my thoughts and inspire others to always lead with ethics and integrity. In my 14 years in the fire service, I have been privileged to work alongside excellent leaders who exuded honor and integrity. I have also had the misfortune of seeing what bad leaders can do to an organization. In case after case, we have seen leaders exhibiting unethical, immoral, and unprofessional behaviors. Watching the bad remains a valuable lesson about precisely the type of leader I never want to become. In John Maxwell’s book Ethics 101 what every leader needs to know, he talks about

the Synovus Financial Corporation in detail. The CEO of the corporation, Jim Blanchard, was quoted in saying “If we had only one rule in this company, it would be the Golden Rule. If we got that one right, no other rules are necessary.” This quote really stuck with me. Maxwell explained how Blanchard and Synovus had grown to become the number one ranked company on Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. Blanchard explained that while he was building his business, he ensured his personal ethical principles were reflected in the company’s culture. He stated that “We needed to institutionalize it, and we needed to enforce it, and reinforce it”. Blanchard stated, “As leaders of Synovus, we said we were not going to allow a mean-spirited, manipulative, commanding sort of leadership to exist in this company any longer.” Blanchard went on to say “This is going to be a safe place to work. Employees are not going to be harassed. They (the employees) are not going to be jerked around- we call ‘salute the flag and kick the dog’ meaning that you say all the right things, but then you go back to your office and just beat up the folks.” I digress to highlight that I have seen officers that do just that—salute the flag and kick the dog. I have heard the stories of leaders that exhibit poor ethics time and time again. We see them involved in everything from sexual harassment to providing

preferential biased treatment (and everything else in between). In many cases abusing their authority by (“kicking the dog”) whilst “saluting the flag” and “saying all the right things” in the light. Countless times, we hear stories of leaders who abuse their position of power with no regard for the public trust or the trust of their department. Trust of this magnitude should be valued, not cast asunder. When poor leaders lead without ethics or integrity, they discourage good people. They arguably give them no choice but to leave. Those who stay often face an even grimmer fate. These “once good employees” may come to mirror the poor leader’s actions and behaviors. As a result of this poor leadership, employees that were once positive and driven become negative and broken. The fate may prove inevitable for anyone who stays in the poor leader’s presence for too long. Like a bad apple, they destroyed the whole barrel. The saddest part is that these poor leaders are commonly very knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. They possess many of the prerequisites of great leadership but have one fatal flaw—they possess no ethics! For many years I had watched great leaders flourish and develop their subordinates for the betterment of the team by doing one simple thing, treating people right! As a result of the excellent ethical treatment of their people great leaders boost morale,

By Matthew Ferguson

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

encourage teamwork, and strengthen the team with fairness and integrity, rather than with fear and manipulation. For years I struggled with the dilemma of these poor leaders in the fire service hierarchy and the fact that they continue to torment, demoralize and destroy the morale of the people that we consider brothers and sisters. I struggled to understand this character flaw and searched to understand why people like that do what they do. In Ethics 101 Maxwell offers a possible explanation. He recollects on a note that was sent to him by Zig Ziglar that read “I believe the reason we had so many outstanding leaders in the early part of our country’s history is the fact that, according to the Thomas Jefferson Research Institute, in the days where the men that you mentioned were growing up, over 90 percent of the educational thrust was of a moral, ethical, religious nature. And yet, by the 1950’s the percentage of that same educational thrust was so small that it could not be measured. I wonder if that’s the reason three million Americans in 1776 produced Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, etc. and why in the year 2002 we have no one to equal the men of that caliber.” This a very interesting thought to me, while some may argue that character, ethics and integrity are things that you naturally possess, I personally believe to some extent that these traits are learned. According to Ned Herrmann, the Whole Brain Business Book “In the American marketplace today, 70 percent of the people that leave their jobs do so because they don’t feel valued.” I have seen this and experienced this in my own life, and this falls back to ethics and ultimately the golden rule. Firemen have the same needs and wants as everyone else and ethical leadership is key for the development of healthy, happy, high performing teams. The unethical leader fails to value people in general, which in turn makes them feel unwanted, unneeded, and ultimately destroys their drive to excel. Maxwell explains it best when he says that “Encouragement is oxygen for the souls.” But how do you teach someone to value others? The unethical leader also fails to value trust in any way, they constantly violate the trust of those around them who at one point entrusted them with their life. Victorian writer George MacDonald said, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than it is to be loved.” In my years of experience, I have learned

to always try to do the right thing even when its not the easy choice, some decisions are hard, and leadership requires us as fire officers to be able to make the right decisions for the greater good—no matter how difficult. As Maxwell stated, “A person of responsibility can trust himself to choose the right thing over the easy thing.” This statement is the definition of ethics at its core; do the right thing! I have also learned one valuable lesson through my life and through my own personal mistakes. Your beliefs, values and priorities must align with your actions, or you will never live the life that you desire. Integrity and ethics go hand in hand. One cannot exist without the other. Abraham Lincoln asserted “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” This statement rings true in leadership and the fire service. Leadership and the fire service cannot flourish without ethics, integrity and unity. As fire officers we must take steps to create a culture that encourages integrity, trust, and ethical behavior. We must model excellent moral character which is the basis of ethics. In fact, the word ethics comes from the Greek word for character, ethos. As fire service leaders, we must teach and encourage our firefighters to put the good of the public and the department ahead of their own interests. A culture of ethics must start at the top. If we as fire service leaders act immorally, our subordinates will either lose trust or follow suit. Either of these are detrimental to the department and the overall mission. We as fire service professionals must implement ethics into almost every aspect of our department including core values, practices, and leadership principles. Our very essence as firefighters is one of trust; trust between firefighters and the communities that we serve. This extreme public trust must be safeguarded at all costs through the practice of high levels of integrity, honor, and ethical conduct always. We as fire service leaders have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that exemplifies ethical behavior and integrity in everything we do. Failing to do so results in not only shame and embarrassment for the department, but rather the result is a waning of public support for a profession that has been historically held at the highest level of public trust and respect. Concerning a comprehensive plan to best deal with the unethical leaders or firefighters in our profession, I cannot offer a succinct solution. While ethics can to an extent be taught, integrity is a choice. Integrity cannot

be forced or taught. One must choose to act with integrity. Likewise, ethics can be taught and enforced, but never foisted upon someone who chooses to operate with disregard for others. In dealing with an unethical leader, you have two choices: you can either eliminate them from your organization or attempt to show them the faults in their behavior in hopes that they may change. One is something that we can do, and one is something that they must do for themselves. Men must choose to change their own character; they must decide to live with honor or perish in the spoils of their own arrogance and lack of character. They must choose their own deeds. We can attempt to lead them to see the light, or we can eliminate them, but they are the master of their destiny. What we as fire service leaders must not do is turn a blind eye to unethical behaviors or practices. We have a duty to each other and to the public to act with strength, honor, integrity, and ethics. I’d like to encourage all of you to lead with the high level of ethics and integrity that is required of us, and I’ll leave you with this quote. “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” -Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Matthew Ferguson serves as the Administrative Chief for Dixie County Fire Rescue. Throughout his career he has been involved in training, recruitment, policy development, mental health initiatives, leadership, and organizational change. Chief Ferguson has numerous instructor certifications in both fire and EMS and has instructed at several locations in the North Central Florida area. Chief Ferguson is also an active member of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association and is the current chairmen of the North Central Florida Healthcare Coalition. He can be reached at matt.ferguson@dixie.fl.gov

Start your job search or placement at www.ffca.org

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

BRFD Engine 1947-1974 Former BRAAF

Boca Raton Army Air Field By Thomas R. Wood, CFO, FIFireE, Fire Chief, Retired

he Boca Raton Army Air Field (BRAAF) included most of the lands bordered by Palmetto Park Road to the south, Dixie Highway to the east, Yamato Road to the north, and Military Trail to the west. The base totaled 5,820 acres or nine square miles and was home to about 17,000 soldiers and civilians. There were about 800 structures on the base, which were built by 3,500 construction workers in just four months at a cost of $12 million in 1942. The full base was in operation from 1942 until 1947. The BRAAF Fire Department may have been the largest in Palm Beach County at that time, with over 100 career firefighters. During this time, the City of Boca Raton Fire Department operated one fire station at the Old Town Hall, 71 North Federal Highway. BRAAF operated a total of six fire stations and an ambulance shed within the base. On September 17, 1947, a Category 4 hurricane destroyed many of the air field structures, including some fire stations. In 1947 the base was reduced in size to 1,200 acres (1,000 acres eventually became Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and 200 acres became Boca Raton Airport). The base lands were given to the city and leased back to the United States Air

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Force. Between 1947 and 1959 the BRAAF Fire Department staffed crash fire rescue units. The last of the BRAAF fire stations to be occupied was CFS-2, which closed around June 1, 1959. FAU took over the site by July 2, 1962, and the former CFS-2 became the office for the first FAU President Dr. Kenneth Williams and his staff. It was later re-designated as T-2, and it was used for the FAU Ocean Engineering Labs and Shop. Palm Beach State College demolished the T-2 to make room for their Tennis Courts in 1992. Lonnie W. Cook Sr. served as the BRAAF Fire Chief from June of 1942 to March of 1948 and May of 1953 to June of 1959. He was also the

first career Delray Beach Fire Chief from 1926 to 1942. John Gregory served as the BRAAF Assistant Fire Chief from 1942 to 1945. He became the Delray Beach Fire Chief in 1945 and served until 1967. All the BRAAF fire hydrants installed in 1942 were replaced by FAU in 1992, on their 50th year of service. At least one of the 1942 BRAAF fire hydrants is still in existence at the pool deck of a single-family home in Hidden Valley, Boca Raton. There were several aircraft crashes at and near BRAAF during the time of its operation. The worst incident occurred on May 12, 1944, when nine soldiers were killed as their bomber crashed and burned. This will be the topic of another article. Note: Some of the material presented here is original research and some was extracted from Small Town, Big Secrets, “Inside the Boca Raton Army Air Field During World War II,” by Sally J. Ling, 2005.

Photo's courtesy of USAF, Thomas Wood, and the Boca Raton Fire Department.

FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER CANCER TREATMENT INSURANCE Custom insurance product designed to assist Florida Fire Service organizations with meeting various requirements of SB 426 (now codified as s.112.1816 Florida Statutes). Not intended to meet all requirements.

COMPETITIVE PRICING / INDUSTRY LEADING COVERAGE BENEFITS .

LINE OF DUTY CANCER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS LUMP SUM BENEFIT ($25,000)*

OPTIONAL CANCER RECURRENCE DIAGNOSIS BENEFIT (UP TO $25,000)*

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS BENEFIT (UP TO $25,000)*

OPTIONAL LINE OF DUTY CANCER EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT BENEFIT

OPTIONAL LINE OF DUTY CANCER DEATH BENEFIT ($75,000)

(up to $12,000 of eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses per covered individual per year)

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS/BENEFITS AVAILABLE: Q Ability to add civilian personnel Q Ability to expand types of Line of Duty cancers covered (beyond

the statutory 21 cancers set forth in s.112.1816 Florida Statutes) PRODUCT FEATURES:

Allows employment with multiple Florida fire service organizations to meet five year, full-time firefighter continuous service requirement Q Simple Enrollment - No Roster Required Q Direct Claims Administration Q “A” Rated Insurance Carrier Q

PRESENTED BY: ®

FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: ALLEN DURHAM, UNITED BADGES INSURANCE SERVICES | 850-841-9992 | adurham@unitedbadges.com Underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company under policy form series number VFCD-001-0619-FL. Coverage is subject to exclusions and limitations and is not available in all US states and jurisdictions. Product not intended to cover all requirements of s.112.1816 Florida Statutes. *Items 1-4 collectively subject to $50,000 maximum lifetime benefit. Promotional material for overview purposes only.

PBG-CI-01-FFS-0222

South Walton Remembers 9/11 with 3.43-Mile Run By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer, South Walton Fire District

n memory of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, South Walton Fire District (SWFD) personnel gathered for the agency’s 6th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run. Approximately 50 people participated in the run, including firefighters, chief officers, lifeguards, and administrative staff members. These individuals trekked 3.43 miles, some of them even donning bunker gear or weight vests, to honor and remember the 343 firefighters who were killed on September 11, 2001. “This is our way of saying, ‘We haven’t forgotten,’ and we do this because firefighting is a brotherhood,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “This is part of American history, and it’s part of firefighting history.” In years past, this event was held along County Highway 30A and while it was met with plenty of community support, SWFD moved the run to a new roadway in 2023 to reach a different audience. As personnel ran down the sidewalk bordering US Highway 331, residents honked their car horns and waved, showing their support for the event. “We want to thank our community,”

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Sanchez said. “They support everything that we do, and we appreciate them. When they honked during the run, that reminded us of why we do our job. Each time you felt tired or like stopping, another car would come by and honk. It was the motivation you needed to keep going.” SWFD would like to thank all who participated in this year’s run, as well as the community members who showed their support and encouragement for personnel.

By Jonelle Minarcin

he Lake Mary Fire Department is proud to announce its first remount of a rescue truck after the truck flooded during Hurricane Ian in 2022. ETR Vehicles, located in Sanford, FL, remounted the body onto a new Dodge Ram 4500 chassis with a 6.4-liter hemi gas motor and then repainted and refurbished the exterior to match the department’s colors and added the gold leaf touches. The new rescue has also been updated to current standards. What is a remount you ask? NPFA 1912: Standard for Fire Apparatus Refurbishing lists the guidelines and classification differences for a refurbishment project of fire apparatus. This remount falls under 3.3.42.1 Level I Refurbishing, which is defined as the

assembly of a new fire apparatus by the use of a new chassis frame, driving and crew compartment, front axle, steering and suspension components, and the use of either new components or components from an existing apparatus for the remainder of the apparatus. This vehicle was set to be retired on the department’s depreciation schedule. When ETR Vehicles approached Fire Chief, Michael Johansmeyer, with the option to remount the rescue, the Lake Mary Fire Department put forth an immense effort of research and consideration in purchasing new or refurbishing and remounting this rescue. Purchasing a new rescue would have been an estimated six to eight months whereas the

Kyle Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Englewood Area Fire Control District Nelson Canizares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Rick Casler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clermont Fire Department Troy Cool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ft. Lauderdale Fire Dept. Jennifer DiSanto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alachua County Fire Rescue Benny Fulkerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Port Fire Rescue Tina Hitchcock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Putnam County Fire Rescue Kevin Hoey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clermont Fire Department

Robert Lindemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lake Mary Fire Department Bill McGrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .North Lauderdale Fire Rescue Nate Paulsberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elevated Safety LLC Jeremiah Plasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clermont Fire Department Gina Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Avive Solutions Sean Sacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clermont Fire Department Micah Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clermont Fire Department

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

remount only took 90 days from the receipt of the chassis. In addition, the cost savings was nearly 51% of the total cost of purchasing a new rescue. This decision was made based on a significant difference in production time and cost over purchasing and building a new fire rescue Apparatus without sacrificing quality. A second remount is now in progress for a 2023 Ford F450 chassis with a 7.3-liter gas motor and should be completed by November 1, 2023. This vehicle went in service on April 28, 2023, and is now the frontline fire rescue for Lake Mary Fire Station 33. This process has allowed the fire department to now have two reserve rescues in service, which are all C.A.A.S certified. Jonelle Minarcin is a six-year career firefighter with the Lake Mary Fire Department. She is an Engineer/Paramedic and currently serves as a driver for Quint 37. She is actively pursuing additional technical and operations-related opportunities and involved in several department projects including the Peer Fitness Team, Awards Review Board, Awards Banquet Board, and the Social Media Team.

$OO $OXPLQXP &RQVWUXFWLRQ 5 2 0 5ROO 8S 'RRU 3XOO RXW 6KHOYLQJ +LJK 9LV 6FHQH /LJKWLQJ :KHOHQ 5HVSRQVH /LJKWLQJ

5(02817

PCFR Bolsters Readiness with Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Training By Nathaniel Gale, Public Information Officer, Polk County Fire Rescue

olk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) and Orlando Medical Institute (OMI) began a joint Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training effort in February 2023. The TECC courses provided PCFR’s emergency medical services practitioners and firefighters with cognitive and psychomotor competencies instruction on responding and caring for patients during or after an Active Shooter Hostile Event. The department’s SWAT medics and members from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) complemented the training. The TECC training is a 16-hour course covering three phases of tactical care and five medical topics. PCFR members refined their knowledge on: • Hemorrhage control with tourniquets and chest seals • Advanced surgical airway procedures including emergency cricothyrotomy and needle decompression • Techniques for dragging and carrying victims to safety • Caring for pediatric patients • Critical thinking and communication strategies for treating wounded responders in threatening environments The training considers tactical care’s three phases: • Direct threat care, patient care occurring while under attack or in other adverse conditions

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

• Indirect threat care, patient care occurring when the initial threat is under control but not yet determined to be all clear • Evacuation care, patient care rendered during an evacuation from the incident site Between February and August 2023, 585 PCFR members completed and received certifications for the TECC training. This includes field personnel and administration staff with more scheduled trainings for the remaining staff. PCFR members with assistance from PCSO donned their protective vests and helmets while putting their training to the test in real-life scenarios. In the tests, PCFR members and the Sheriff’s office performed in a simulated tactical setting utilizing victim-actors, smoke machines and sounding fire alarms so they can hone their skills in a “high-stress environment.” According to Fire Chief Hezedean Smith, D.M., “TECC knowledge is a vital part of our allhazards readiness and complements our

practitioners’ tool kit. The decision to invest in this comprehensive department-wide training was straightforward, ensuring we elevate the quality of care and achieve cohesive, seamless operations during any ASHER event in Polk County.” “Furthermore, the training resonates with NFPA 3000 standards, emphasizing the crucial role of interdisciplinary and interagency preparedness and collaboration in enhancing emergence response capacities,” said Fire Chief Smith.

FOR INCREASED UPTIME QUICKER AND SECURE ACCESS BAUER UNICUS®4i

7KLV JDPH FKDQJLQJ À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

NEW FEATURES

2XU DXWR FDVFDGH V\VWHP KDV UHSODFHG DOO RSHUDWLRQV SDQHO PRXQWHG YDOYHV DQG SUHVVXUH JDXJHV ZKLFK KHOS UHGXFH KXPDQ HUURU ZKHQ ÀOOLQJ 6&%$ DQG 6&8%$ F\OLQGHUV $OO V\VWHP FRQWUROV DUH ZLWKLQ WKH SDQHO PRXQWHG +0, DQG LQFOXGH - Air storage controls ,QGHSHQGHQW 6&%$ ÀOO SUHVVXUHV ,QGHSHQGHQW 6&%$ ÀOO VSHHG $XWRPDWLF FDVFDGH FRQWURO V\VWHP UDWHG IRU SVL service $ VHFXUH DQG TXLFNHU ZD\ WR ORJ LQWR WKH XQLW ZLWK D %$8(5 NH\ IRE 0DQXDO FDVFDGH E\SDVV FRQWURO FRPHV VWDQGDUG WR ÀOO F\OLQGHUV LQ FDVH RI D V\VWHP SRZHU ORVV

&RQWDFW XV WR ÀQG RXW ZKLFK VROXWLRQ LV WKH EHVW ÀW IRU \RX Sales: RU VOV#EDXHUFRPS FRP Parts Sales: RU 3DUWV6DOHV#EDXHUFRPS FRP Service, Helpdesk or Training: &XVWRPHU6HUYLFH#EDXHUFRPS FRP

Connect with us.

www.BauerComp.com

Navigating Firefighter Relationships: Communication Is Key By Dr. Rachelle Zemlok

elationships are hard! And being a firefighter (or being married to one) can make navigating relationships even harder. Long shifts and days away from home are added to the regular stressors of life, placing even greater strain on firefighter relationships. Relationship challenges can add up to create unnecessary conflict between a firefighter and their partner. And it can be hard to even make time to address that conflict in between shifts, call outs, and mandatory overtime. While the firefighter life can be hard to navigate, it’s not impossible, I promise. Communication is important in all relationships, but it’s even more essential when you’re going back and forth between two different worlds! My advice: Focus on maintaining an open dialogue, sharing and listening, and creating a plan (or many) to address the challenges we know will inevitably come with this profession. Get really comfortable asking yourself the question, “What do I need?” and communicating that to your partner in a healthy way. You’ll need to be just as comfortable asking your partner “What do you need?” and working together to make that happen. When you’re both fighting to make sure each of you has their needs met, you’ll find balance. Some weeks you may have more needs than others; the same goes for your partner. The point is you’re both constantly checking in with yourselves and each other, being honest and developing collaborative solutions. Communicating Your Needs So many of the problems facing firefighters

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

in their relationships truly come down to communication—more specifically, a lack of communication. When firefighters are at work, they operate and live in a completely separate world from their partners. Alarms and adrenaline, camaraderie, and hypervigilance mark the life of a firefighter at the station. But life at home looks different. When you’re gone, your partner manages the homefront and juggles schedules, childcare, messes, and more—not to mention their own job demands if your partner works outside the house. After operating in a state of hypervigilance for 48 hours (or more), firefighters cannot simply pop back into their partner’s world and expect to immediately be caught up and ready to engage. To effectively transition back into the home world, firefighters must be intentional to communicate their needs, ensuring they and their partner understand the challenges of transitioning from work to home. You both must work together to reengage for a smoother transition for everyone. Maybe this involves intentionally setting aside time after your shift to decompress—listening to music on a longer commute home, working out or going for a run, or even taking a nap to catch up on sleep. It’s all about finding what works for you and your family. But you can’t take these necessary steps to be ready to engage with your family unless you clearly communicate your needs. Tell your partner what you need and ask for the space and time to effectively transition back to home

life. Communication and clarity ensure you are aligned with your partner and that both your needs and the needs of your family are being met. Listen & Understand Communicating your needs is only one part of the equation. As with all relationships, your marriage and family are a two-way street. That means you also need to understand the challenges your partner faces while you’re away and their needs when you return. After two days (or more) of single parenting and managing the household alone, your partner will be looking for support from you—support that you probably would love to give! Communication allows you and your partner to determine the best approach to meeting both your needs and helps you avoid unnecessary and unproductive arguments. Your attitude plays a big role here. Come to the table ready to listen, seeking to understand and empathize (not necessarily fix) with the challenges your spouse faces. Recognize that they may not have a job they love as much as you love being a firefighter. Remember that being home with the family can be incredibly challenging. Stressors are never to be compared. The daily stressors you face may look very different, yet you and your partner may actually rate your stress levels equally. Having an open mind and being ready to find compromises that work for everyone will go a long way in building and maintaining trust and ensuring more than just a smooth transition home.

Plan for the Predictable Establishing a plan before problems arise is critical. We can’t predict all future challenges, but we do know which issues are most likely to happen or repeat themselves, and we can plan for those: You had an exhausting shift, you responded to a terribly tragic call, the non-firefighter spouse had a particularly challenging few days while you were gone. How do you both adapt or support one another in these times? Do you and your partner have solid protocols or a good understanding of how to care for one another in these scenarios? What do you need after a bad call? What details can your spouse expect you to share, and what details are they willing to hear? Some honest discussions and planning ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary arguments and tension, helping you bridge the gap between work and home and better manage the additional stressors that impact home life with this career. Consistent, clear and effective communication is especially important to address the challenges that come with the firefighter life. When you and your partner are committed to sharing, listening, and finding common ground, you strengthen your relationship, build trust and support one another in ways that are critical to the success of any firefighter relationship. For further discussion on navigating firefighter relationships, watch Lexipol’s on-demand webinar, “Firefighter Relationship Survival: Top 10 Answers,” with Dr. Rachelle Zemlok and Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder. Dr. Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed clinical psychologist in California, specializing in work with first responder families. She serves as a strategic wellness director at Lexipol, supporting the content and strategy related to first responder mental health and wellness, with a special focus on supporting spouses and family members through the Cordico Wellness App. Prior to joining Lexipol, Zemlok founded First Responder Family Psychology, which provides culturally competent therapy to first responders and their family members. She is the author of "The Firefighter Family Academy: A Guide to Educate & Prepare Spouses for the Career Ahead." Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Orange County Holds Narcan Training/Demonstration By Jesse Canales, Assistant Public Information Officer, Orange County Fire Rescue

n August 1, 2023, Orange County Fire Rescue Department held a Narcan Training demonstration Samaritan Resource Center, an Orange County nonprofit that helps those experiencing homelessness in East Orlando, to help its employees understand how and when to administer the lifesaving nasal spray. The medicine Naloxone, commonly referred to as Narcan, rapidly reverses an opioid overdose caused opiates such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc. Narcan can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing was slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Narcan will have no effect on someone who doesn’t have opioids in their system. “There’s a lot of misconceptions of when to give it, why they give, and how much to give it,” Alex Ildefonso, an OCFRD firefighter who provided the training said. OCFRD Division Chief of Operations Martis Mack said training the community on how to administer Narcan is significantly beneficial in combatting the opioid crisis. “Narcan provides a method for bystanders to save a life in situations where a person may

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

overdose,” Chief Mack said. “By equipping more citizens with Narcan and educating them on how to use this life-saving medication, as a community- we are doing our part to fight the opioid crisis.” In 2022, Orange County, there were more than 5,800 EMS Overdose Responses, including 539 fatal overdoses, according to Florida CHARTS, a Florida Department of Health community health assessment resource tool. In about 3,300 of those overdose response cases, Narcan was utilized. “I think it’s important that the community gets involved especially when it comes to taking care of patients that involve overdose patients,” Ildefonso said. “When they have the Narcan on scene sooner, there’s a higher chance for increase patient outcome as opposed to a higher chance for mortality.” “We want to ensure that our staff is well equipped for any situation that may arise,” Diana Geremia, Samaritan Resource Center’s Director of Operations said. “The Narcan training is another tool they have to better serve the community.” “I want to thank the Orange County Fire and Rescue Department for conducting the

training,” Geremia said. “Alex was personable and passionate about the training. The training was educational, informative, and interactive.” Because of the training, Geremia said she was now more confident in her staff’s ability to administer Narcan. Chief Mack said the department aims to continue meeting the community's needs through additional community training opportunities. 5 Additional Facts About Narcan You want to store it in nothing greater than 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It isn’t super sensitive to light but, you want to keep it out of the sunlight. When you do administer it, make sure the person is lying flat on their back and that the full dose is given in a single nostril. If the first dose doesn’t work, you can wait another two to three minutes then you can administer a secondary dose until the patient becomes stable, awakened, or they have another improved respiratory drive. If you want to err on the side of caution, if you feel no pulse or feel no respirations then, you want to start CPR alongside that Narcan immediately.

By Rob Herrin, MSFES/DM, Public Safety Information Officer, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

illsborough County Fire Rescue celebrated its 50th Anniversary on August 27 of this year, marking 50 years since hiring its first paid firefighter. Before 1973, HCFR comprised several volunteer associations scattered throughout over 900 square miles of the unincorporated Hillsborough County. On that date, 50 years ago, Fire Chief Chet Tharpe hired Robert Wayne Garrett. Little did they know then that they would be laying the foundation for what is now the largest department on Florida’s west coast. In 1974, Hillsborough County EMS was formed. For over two decades, Hillsborough County Fire Department and Hillsborough County EMS were separate agencies. Then, in 1997, the two merged, forming what is now

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Volunteer firefighters were woven into the fabric of HCFR for decades. The first volunteer association was formed in Gibsonton, Florida, in 1950 and was led by the 8’4” giant Al Tomaini as Fire Chief. On December 31, 2012, the last remaining volunteer associations were closed. On January 1, 2013, HCFR was fully staffed by career firefighters. In just 50 years, HCFR has grown to become the fourth-largest department in the state of Florida. Nearly 1,300 firefighters, paramedics, inspectors, investigators, dispatchers, emergency management personnel, and staff work together under the leadership of Fire Chief Dennis Jones to provide service to the

1.5 million residents of Hillsborough County. HCFR staffs 46 stations and responds to almost 140,000 emergency calls per year. HCFR recognized its anniversary milestone with a weekend-long celebration. A golf tournament benefiting the Hillsborough Fire Museum kicked off the festivities. HCFR hosted a 50th Anniversary Gala and Awards Banquet ceremony the following day. Over 850 guests celebrated our rich history. Then, on Sunday, August 27, HCFR opened the doors to every fire station from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Several thousand attendees toured stations and apparatus throughout the day, with each station being staffed by a station ambassador who kept the bay doors open when crews responded to emergency calls.

2023 Safety and Health Conference October 9-11, 2023 Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Polk County Fire Rescue Peer Support Team

ith great pride, we put forth Polk County Fire Rescue’s (PCFR) Peer Support Team as an embodiment of the commitment to PCFR’s members mental health and well-being. Under the leadership of Chaplain Murphy Hanley and Deputy Chief Jennifer Huff, this team has made remarkable strides in mental health, showing an unwavering commitment to their colleagues. Their notable milestones include: Training & Development Since November 1, 2022, the Peer Support Team grew from 37 members to 60. Team members received training from Illinois Peer Support or UCF REACT, with 11 members initially trained by Illinois Peer Support, enriching their skills further with additional training by UCF REACT.

Impactful Assistance In May 2023, members of the PCFR Peer Support Team assisted Highlands County and Avon Park Fire Departments after a distressing call. The team extends their expertise to other fire departments like Hardee County, Highlands County and Winter Haven, emphasizing the importance of training with UCF REACT. Continued Commitment PCFR has Advanced REACT training for the current members planned in October and regularly-scheduled monthly UCF REACT training sessions. “This team’s relentless pursuit of betterment and resilience speaks volumes of their dedication,” Fire Huff Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. stated, “Their impact has not just remained confined to Polk County but has rippled out benefiting other departments as well.” In recognition of PCFR’s peer support team’s consistent efforts in partnering with the Human Resources Organizational Development, we have seen the ripple effects with other departments benefitting from their collaboration. It is evident from their tireless endeavors that they go above and beyond championing the cause of safety, health, and wellness. Thus, the Polk County Fire Murphy Rescue Peer Support Team is the most deserving of acknowledgment.

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

artin County Fire Rescue, in conjunction with the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Martin County IAFF Local #2959 and the Martin County Firefighters Benevolent, organized a 9/11 Memorial Bridge Walk on Monday, September 11, 2023. Dozens of participants – including Martin County firefighters, Martin County Sheriff's Office personnel, local elected officials, and community members - took part in the event, which began at Jock Leighton Park in Palm City and ended in a shopping center parking lot at US 1 and Indian Street in Stuart. Law enforcement blocked off one lane of traffic as MCFR's Ladder 23 flew the garrison

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

flag and volunteers helped hand out water to participants, many of whom alternated running and marching the roughly three mile distance. The annual Martin County Fire Rescue event is held in honor and memory of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, including the 343 firefighters who sacrificed everything to save lives that day. We’ll also never forget the hundreds of other first responders who later lost their lives due to Ground Zero-related illnesses, including the effects of toxic contaminants, traumatic injuries, and physical and emotional stress. Thank you to all who attended!

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District September 11 Stair Climb By Danny Fureigh, Fire Chief, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District

n Monday, September 11, Navarre Beach Fire Rescue District hosted its annual September 11 benefit stair climb. More than 35 firefighters from all over the Florida Panhandle donned full bunker gear and climbed to the 11th floor and back down 10 times to simulate the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. Navarre Beach Fire Rescue has hosted the event for five years with the annual proceeds averaging between three and four thousand dollars. Sponsors pay for the event shirts, which are sold with 100% of the proceeds donated to firehero.org. Awards are presented for the fastest time to the 110 floor and the most floors climbed. The City of Pensacola Fire Departments’ Ian Kincade won the timed event by completing the 110-floor climb in 1:03.13. The City of Pensacola Fire Departments Emmanual Shirley also won with a total of 150 floors climbed! Navarre Beach Fire Rescue will continue hosting this annual event on September 11, please come and join us next year.

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Fight or Flight The Enemy of Critical Thinking

By Jesse Birkey. Lieutenant, Sarasota County Fire Department

lorida nights never seem to have enough strength to break the grip of humidity. My crew at Sarasota County Fire Department stumbled into the dark as emergency tones signaled a structure fire in our area. An acting officer, still months away from official promotion, I had a gut feeling that this 3 a.m. response was going to be the real thing and my first opportunity to serve in command of a working structure fire. The glare of my Mobile Data Terminal blurred the map as directives flipped through my mind, shoving out sleepy cobwebs. As we raced toward the scene, fear crept through my stomach, clawing toward my mind. Voices exploded, demanding an audience: You’re not ready. You have no idea what you’re doing. You can’t do this. You don’t belong here. You should run away now! Every sneering accusation paralyzed me. The happy ending to this story is that I was able to gain control of myself and everything went well. But it doesn’t always end up that way. You may have noticed the co-worker standing as close to the exit as possible during a critical EMS call unable to perform simple tasks. The paramedic student vaporlocked at the head of a cardiac arrest, wideeyed and mouth partly open offering no

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

direction. Your partner bailing wildly out of an environment for no apparent reason. The inability of an incident commander to understand alternate tactics. You may have been that person. Fight or Flight (FOF) Imagine that a primary search takes you into a room hot enough to burn through your gear. You fall back and bail through a window moments before the room flashes. Or a patient suddenly sits up and aims a pistol at your head. You duck or perhaps try to grab the gun from his or her hand. Though the FOF response may be the enemy of critical thinking (as we’ll soon learn) it is not evil. In fact, it may have saved your life, which is exactly what it’s designed to do. FOF is a physiological reaction occurring in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival. According to Transitions, it takes 0.9 milliseconds for the amygdala to ask for a flood of chemicals. The sympathetic nervous system then releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing shoot up while digestion crawls. Blood shunts to the major muscle groups, vision narrows (tunnel vision), sweat forms, and muscles tense. There is a palpable

burst of energy and strength. The body is prepared for immediate action. Meanwhile, in the brain, physiologic neurotransmitters activate glucocorticoid receptors which degrade working memory and executive function. The accumulating cortisol shuts down the prefrontal cortex; in other words, critical thinking gets hijacked resulting in thoughts that tend to the irrational and illogical. This is by design. Surviving means reacting, not thinking. When triggered, we can go one of two ways: Fight or Flight. Fight will typically be viewed as the better option because it looks like engagement. And it is. But the binding parameters of the physiological reaction still apply. What may not be seen is that the engagement lacks rational thought. That fact can certainly be evidenced by illogical actions noticed and discussed during a post-incident analysis. Fight manifests as focus on a single goal (tunnel vision), rushing in, rash decisions, and the inability to understand alternative perspectives, strategies, or tactics. Flight puts all its focus on escape. This can look like physically fleeing, mentally withdrawing, or refusing to interact with the

team at all. This would be the classic “deer-inthe-headlights” analogy. Two paths. Both are destructive, both prevent critical thinking. Critical Thinking Although incidents discussed in the classroom may seem to follow a predictable pattern, anyone who has responded to emergency situations understands there’s no such thing as a textbook call. Emergency incidents are dynamic, ever-changing, and morphing in unpredictable ways. Critical thinking is our weapon, the edge we need to constantly adapt to frustrating conditions. The physiological effects of FOF rob us of the ability to think critically, and according to Psych Today, it can take up to 20 minutes for the body to reset. That means once triggered, we might be able to follow directions and complete tasks, but situational awareness and the ability to make reasonable decisions will be very difficult, if not impossible, during the most important time periods of incidents. Therefore, it is very important for us to find a way to block the FOF response when responding to incidents. Victims and patients are not expected to remain calm and manage emergencies; we are. Let’s discuss a major obstacle. The Fear of Failure FOF is triggered by a perceived threat. It is important to understand that the body is unable to discern the difference between an actual physical threat and a perceived psychological threat. For example, fleeing a structure about to flash is a physical threat and flight is needed. Standing up in front of a crowd and delivering a presentation can trigger a fear that would be more psychological. There is no physical threat, but our body responds as if there is, producing a dry mouth, inability to recall information, and more. Flight is not needed, but it becomes our only perceived option. While there are many of these psychological fears, let’s focus on the one that is especially debilitating – the fear of failure. The fear of failure tells us that we won’t be able to perform or manage what is in front of us. It convinces us that we are not the right ones for the job. Then, once we believe we’ll fail, there is nothing left for us to do but fulfill what we already believe. The most important battleground is the time from dispatch to arrival on the scene. That is when we’ll get the most information from dispatch about the emergency we are responding to – entrapments, fully involved, high-rise, cardiac arrest, pediatric calls,

overturned vehicles, and the list goes on. The fear of failure thrives on partial information, which is all we’ll get until we arrive on the scene. But if we can manage the fear response and arrive on a scene with critical thinking intact, we’ll be able to process the scene while formulating initial strategies and tactics to mitigate the incident. Manage the FOF We are going to fail. There’s power in accepting that fact. According to Business Insider, WD40 failed 39 times. Perfection isn’t a goal, it’s a myth … a tantalizing vapor to be seen but never captured. There is incredible freedom in giving ourselves permission to get it wrong. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to improve. If fact, feeling free to fail gives us the security we need to jump into messy situations and learn. But the thought of failing scares us, so much so that it triggers our FOF reaction. That’s because we tend to believe failure has the right to own us, to brand us. Instead of failing, we become failures. But that’s not where the story ends. Consider a gold bar. Its value is set, as a constant (as long as the market does not fluctuate) . Use it as a paperweight, drop it in the trash can, and let it sink into an outhouse. The value doesn’t change. We are gold bars. Houses burn down, victims aren’t found, Return Of Spontaneous Circulation isn’t achieved, and through it all our value never changes. How freeing it is when we report to work and celebrate success, grieve failure, and never allow either to define who we are. Prepare The more prepared we are, the less likely we are to be triggered by stressful events. The more training we participate in, the greater the level of confidence we will feel when called to respond. As emergency professionals, we have enough unpredictable stressors to encounter at emergency scenes; we shouldn’t have to add stress caused by being unfamiliar with skills we can practice every shift. Things like stretching lines, throwing ladders, search/rescue, etc. Take the opportunities to work with what’s available so when ordered to ladder the structure, we can do so confidently, peacefully and efficiently. Experience Experience can be the best teacher. The more often we are exposed to stressful incidents, the more comfortable we become with them. Recognition primed decisionmaking is a powerful tool.

When I praised a celebrated fire fighter at his retirement, he responded by telling me the only difference between him and me was about 30 years of experience. This a humble response (not entirely accurate in my opinion as the man is a legend) but certainly holds a measure of truth. The only way to grow in experience is by actually responding to a variety of emergencies. Exercises These practical exercises are designed to task the brain with something other than imagining scenarios that might trigger the FOF. If we can briefly and intermittently distract the brain during a response, we can delay or prevent the FOF. The goal is not to completely disregard the emergency until arrival on a scene; rather it is to intermittently relieve stress so we can stay focused throughout. Counting backward from 100 by sevens is a simple yet effective way to briefly task our brain with something other than imagining the worst. Inhaling through the nose while pushing the stomach out and exhaling forcibly through the mouth is another great way to task the brain. This is my preferred method because it actually takes some concentration to accomplish. By the time I figure it out and take a few breaths, any anxiety has settled. Then, finally, take a deep breath and speak these words out loud: It’s going to be okay. We all need to hear this from time to time, and I’m always amazed at the flood of peace when I hear it from someone else or myself. We need to be able to think critically, and maintain that ability, in order to ensure the best chance of successful emergency mitigation. My hope is that you can use this information to better manage the FOF response in a way that allows us to make clear and rational decisions in difficult circumstances.

Start your job search or placement at www.ffca.org

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Palm Coast Fire Department Wins EMS Matching Grant By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer, Palm Coast Fire Department

he Palm Coast Fire Department proudly announces its success in securing the 20222023 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Matching Grant, administered by the Florida Department of Health, with a grant value of $23,183.00. This grant, part of the EMS Trust Fund, underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to elevating emergency medical services in the community. The Florida Department of Health has allocated funds from the EMS Trust Fund to bolster and expand prehospital emergency medical services, enabling municipalities to enhance their emergency response capabilities. This funding aims to support various initiatives, including research, elevated levels of emergency medical services, program evaluation, community education, injury-prevention campaigns, and training in vital lifesaving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Statistics from the Florida Department of Health for 2021 underline the significance of these efforts. Heart disease emerges as the leading cause of mortality in the state, accounting for 19.15% of total deaths. In

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Flagler County, cardiovascular heart disease ranks as the second-highest contributor to total deaths, at 18.51%. To address this pressing concern, the Palm Coast Fire Department has set a critical performance indicator: achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in 30% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases. The department’s goal is to push the boundaries of its capabilities, raising the rate of ROSC in outof-hospital cardiac arrest situations, thereby enhancing survivability prospects. At the forefront of this advancement is the Palm Coast Fire Department’s successful grant application for the ResQCPR System, developed by Zoll. Comprising the ResQPOD and ResQPump ACD-CPR Devices, the ResQCPR System represents a revolutionary adjunct to CPR practices. These devices synergistically enhance blood flow to vital organs and the brain, directly impacting survival rates. The system offers guidance on compression and lifting forces, as well as compression and ventilation rates, thereby elevating the quality of CPR provided by both EMTs and Paramedics. Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said, “It’s an honor to secure the State of Florida EMS Matching Grant, a pivotal step for the Palm

Coast Fire Department. This empowers us to acquire an advanced CPR system that will undoubtedly save lives in our community. These cutting-edge tools mirror our dedication to topnotch emergency response. The remarkable tripling of cardiac arrest survival rates in neighboring areas underscores the life-saving potential this brings to our community.” The EMS Matching Grant award, totaling $23,183.00, carries a cost-sharing arrangement of 75% state funding ($17,387.25) and 25% local funding ($5,795.75). The department is poised to deploy the new ResQCPR System devices on all front-line fire department apparatus this month, ensuring their immediate availability for responding to patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

TIPS Grant By Megan Kennedy, Office of the Fire Chief Greater Naples Fire District personnel were honored to receive a matching grant from the Public Risk Underwriters of Florida, Inc. in September. The Preferred TIPS program is designed for government agencies that deal with safety/risk management and training programs within their communities – this year GNFD submitted for and was awarded $5,000 towards four hand-held thermal imaging cameras for the Firefighters.

Titusville Members Awarded Medal of Honor By Gregory G. Sutton, Public Information Officer On July 25, 2023, Lt. David Neeld and Driver/Operator William Wiegert were awarded with the Titusville Fire Department’s Medal of Honor for the following actions. On Thursday, September 29, 2022, at approximately 1300, hurricane Ian was moving through the Central Florida area after having caused catastrophic damage to the west coast. It was during this time that Lt. Dave Neeld was contacted by his father, retired Lt. Frank Neeld, asking to assist an elderly couple (in their 80s) who lived in New Smyrna Beach. Flood waters were rising in their area and the couple and their dog were trapped in their house. Off-duty but having access to a watercraft, Lt Dave Neeld and DO Billy Wiegert responded to this call for help. Even though the current storm conditions were dangerous, the means of getting to these individual's home was inaccessible by car, and the boat they had access to was less than suitable for swift water rescue. The closest to the house they could launch the boat was approximately one mile away. The streets and homes were several feet underwater. Upon successfully reaching the home they were able to assist the couple and their dog to safety over the course of two trips. After leaving the house for the final run they heard cries for help coming from another house. Because they had the husband and dog with them at this time, they were unable to respond. However, after delivering the elderly man and his dog to safety they returned to where they heard the cries for help. Upon arrival they found a man, a pregnant woman, and two dogs, who were also trapped, and subsequently brought them to safety. Lt. Neeld and DO Wiegert put themselves in a potentially lifethreatening situation for the sake of others. They displayed bravery, courage, and risked their own safety for the lives of others. These two men embodied the true spirit of the fire service. This was a hallmark of heroic action by repeatedly putting themselves in harm's way. They knew the inherent danger, yet they carried on regardless. For this reason, Lt. Dave Neeld, and DO Billy Wiegert were awarded with Titusville Fire Department's highest recognition, the Medal of Honor, an honor that has not been bestowed on a member in almost 40 years. Their actions embody what it means to be a member of the Titusville Fire Department. Pictured L- R: Chief Hustoles, Member Nelson, Lt. Neeld, Mayor Diesel, D/O Wiegert, Vice Mayor Robinson, Member Dr. Stoeckel

Palm Coast Hosts Leadership Seminar By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer The Palm Coast Fire Department continually trains to best serve our citizens. Dr. Joe Saviak discussed key leadership lessons from the nationally recognized book “It’s Your Ship” by retired Naval Commander Michael Abrashoff. He also shared real-world and proven strategies for success to always ensure residents receive the most effective and efficient services. Dr. Saviak has taught leadership to over 1,500 executives, managers, supervisors, and professionals in the Northeast Florida region. “The Palm Coast Fire Department has all the right elements to continue its tradition of professional excellence for decades to come. They have solid leadership, a strong team culture, a devotion to their mission, and a genuine love of serving citizens. As they celebrate fifty years of service to Palm Coast, Chief Berryhill and the entire team are making this department a statewide model for all others to emulate.”

New Truck Operators at PPFD By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Carr (right) and Firefighter/EMT Robert Nichols - both certified engine operators - recently completed all qualifications and training to become certified truck operators for the department. With EO/TO certifications, they are now eligible to operate all fire apparatus in the PPFD fleet. Firefighter Carr has been with PPFD since 2010, and Firefighter Nichols since 2019. Both are currently on B-Shift at Station 35. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

911 Dispatcher Receives ‘Stork Award’ and Reunion By Doreen Overstreet, APR, Public Safety Information & Education Officer Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD)Emergency Communications Dispatcher Nora Acuna was recently presented with a “Stork Award” for her help in delivering of the birth of a baby girl (Riley). Baby Riley and her Family (mom Victoria and dad Brandon) were in attendance for the award ceremony. Riley’s father Brendan Burke – who is also on the board of the Sharing Center – said he had an incredible experience with the 911 dispatcher Nora Acuna when it became abundantly clear he was not going to make it to the hospital in time. Within six minutes of calling 911 and Nora walking Brendan through how to deliver the baby, the Seminole County Fire Department was on scene. Riley was born on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 5:33 p.m. Acuna was also joined by the SCFD crew from Station 36 who had arrived on scene. Acuna has been an Emergency Dispatcher for a little over a year and this was her first 911 delivery instruction for a birth. “Nora just walked us through the process very calmly and everything worked out great with the birth of our second daughter,” said Brendan. “We are so thankful to Nora and the first responders who helped us during this unexpected due date.” Firefighter Jeffrey Garrett sang Riley Happy Birthday on the day the crew arrived on scene and he got to meet Riley as well.

TFD Presents Outstanding Citizen Award By Gregory G. Sutton, Public Information Officer On August 14, at Station 13, Chief Hustoles made a special presentation to a very special four-year-old. Just a few weeks prior, Obadyahu was riding in the back seat with his infant sister when she began to shake. Obadyahu knew something wasn’t right and alerted his mother who was driving. Once alerted, she pulled over and called 911. Our personnel from Station 13 responded along with Brevard County Fire Rescue. The baby was transported to a local hospital where she fully recovered from an apparent febrile seizure. We love a happy ending and are proud of the awareness that Obadyahu showed, as well as his ability to alert his mother. Had he not done so, the story could have ended quite differently. Titusville Fire Department recognizes Obadyahu for his actions, presenting him with the Outstanding Citizen Award. He and his family spent time with crew members that responded to the call, taking pictures, and learning all about the fire truck. 36

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Palm Coast Man Thanks Palm Coast Firefighters By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer When cardiac arrest occurs, every second counts. That was true for Palm Coast resident Mark Leinemann who has lived to share his story. On Sunday, July 9, 2023, Mark and his wife Sharon were sharing the burden of yard work. They recently relocated to Palm Coast from Maryland for the beautiful weather and appeasing aesthetics. That Sunday our community was experiencing the beginning of a heat wave. Little did Mark know that he was experiencing signs of a heart attack, known medically as Acute Myocardial Infarction. His wife didn’t notice anything wrong until she came back outside to find Mark on the ground, unresponsive. She called 911 and immediately began CPR. Flagler County Sheriff Office Communications Specialist First Class Megan Burton answered Sharon’s 911 call and provided CPR instructions over the phone until the Palm Coast Fire Department Upon the arrival of Palm Coast Fire Engine 22, the crew of Lt. Richard Cline, Driver Engineer Julie Rivera, and Firefighter-EMT Tyler Major found Mark in cardiac arrest. Fortunately, Mark received CPR performed by his wife, Sharon. Upon arrival, Driver Engineer-Paramedic Julie Rivera led the resuscitation efforts, assisted by the Flagler County Fire Rescue 21 crew (Firefighter-Paramedic Colin Dills and Firefighter Paramedic Colin Errett) that responded in an ambulance. They performed Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) interventions including manual defibrillation, intravenous drug therapy, airway intubation and maintaining high quality CPR. Their efforts resulted in Mark regaining a pulse and spontaneous breathing on scene. Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill celebrates the first responder’s intervention, “Amazing work by Flagler Sheriff Dispatchers, Palm Coast Firefighters, Flagler County Firefighters, and Sharon Leinemann that led to an amazing result,” stated Berryhill. “Early CPR saves lives and Mr. Leinemann is here today because of his wife’s actions, our dispatcher’s instructions, and the quick response of PCFD.” When visiting the first responders who saved his life, Mark stated, “I remember mowing the lawn, then waking up three days later in the ICU.” The Leinemann family visited Palm Coast Fire Station 22 to meet and thank the Engine 22 and Rescue 21 crew who saved his life. Because of the extraordinary chain of events on July 9, Mark is here today as one of the 10% of people who survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Submitting Articles Please submit your article as a MS word document and include a high resolution jpeg image as an attachment (do not embed photo in document). Try to keep submissions under 300 words if possible. E-mail files and pics to: magazine@ffca.org.

Lieutenant Richard Cline Retires After 25 Years By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer

South Walton Crews Welcome Back Students By Mackenzie McClintock, SWFD Public Information Officer Back to school jitters, be gone! South Walton Fire District firefighters welcomed students and reminded local motorists of important safety tips during the 16th Annual Back-to-School Safe Driving Campaign. Every year, this campaign allows firefighters to connect with the community, encourage young children who may be nervous to start the school year, and spread awareness about the importance of driving safely in school zones. “When the school year starts, our local roadways become more congested during school drop-off and pick-up times,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “Since 2007, our firefighters have taken the initiative to remind the community about safety in those school zones, to watch out for children on bicycles, yield to students using the crosswalk, and to always abide by the appropriate speed limits near schools.” SWFD firefighters reach as many motorists as possible during the three-day campaign by stationing crews in multiple areas across South Walton. Firefighters then welcome commuters and students by waving and holding signs during morning drop-off times. The signs contain a friendly reminder to drive safely, but the campaign extends beyond the safety tips. “We know the first days of school can lead to nerves, anxiety, and even fear for some students, as well as parents,” Sanchez said. “The smiling faces of our firefighters alleviate some of that pressure, and anyone feeling nervous usually smiles right along with us. This campaign is about so much more than a safe driving message and the positive feedback we receive is incredible.”

Brevard County Mourns the Loss of Dispatcher By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS On July 21, 2023, Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) lost veteran Dispatcher, ID#93, Carrie Dehler. Carrie dedicated 23 years of service to BCFR as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, serving the residents and visitors of Brevard County. Carrie was well-known for her personality, always brightening up the room with her infectious laughter, earning the nickname “GIGGLES”. Carrie had a significant impact on our department and was the heart and soul of our communications center. She truly was the glue that kept the shifts running, always volunteering her time helping others and keeping the communications center operational. During Carrie’s memorial services, on August 3, 2023, it was announced that the dispatcher’s telecommunications center, which will be located within the new Brevard County Emergency Operations Center, currently under construction, will be named after Carrie honoring her memory and legacy, which will forever remain in our hearts.

The Palm Coast Fire Department bids a fond farewell to Richard “Rich” Cline as he embarks on a welldeserved retirement after a proud career spanning 25 years, dedicated to serving the City of Palm Coast. Rich began his first shift as a career firefighter on February 7, 1999. He was among the department’s first paramedics when the fire department launched its Advanced Life Support program in 2002. In 2001, he graduated from Daytona State College with his EMS Certification and promoted to Lieutenant in October 2008. Among Rich’s numerous professional accomplishments, his contributions have been instrumental in creating the department’s Honor Guard, CPR program, and the Hall of Terror. Rich is the founding member of the department’s annual haunted house alongside retired Fire Chief Jerry Forte. It was their vision that created the Hall of Terror, the city’s free haunted house now in its twenty-second year. Through Rich’s vision, he has earned the title of “Boo-Master.” Reflecting on Rich’s career, Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill remarked, “Congratulations to Rich, and his wife Cindy and daughter Heather, on completing a career in public service. In addition to his esteemed service to Palm Coast, Rich has served in the US Coast Guard and as a paramedic with EVAC and at the Daytona International Speedway. His contributions throughout a lifetime of service are honorable and appreciated. Well done, my friend. PCFD is proud of you.”

Firefighters Become Celebrity Waiters for Fundraiser By Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer Earlier this month, Ocala Fire Rescue members switched their gear for aprons in support of one of Marion County’s most special non-profits – Champions for Champions. Why, you ask? Well, because Champions for Champions is dedicated to investing in the quality of life and well-being of those with special abilities. From education through classes like CPR to physically stimulating activities such as swimming and dancing, Champions for Champions ensures that everyone can experience fulfilling activities on a regular basis, regardless of developmental or physical abilities. Furthermore, they extend their services to members of all ages and their families. That said, there was no way the department would let the momentous occasion of raising funds for this worthy cause pass without lending a hand. Ranks spanning from firefighters to the Fire Chief himself gathered at Piesano’s Stone Fired Pizza to serve patrons during the special night. Thanks to the generous support of those present, nearly $1,000 dollars were raised in under four hours. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Alligator Point St. Teresa Opens New Station

North Port Fire Rescue Promotes New Engineers

By Caleb Harper, Firefighter/EMT

By Benny Fulkerson, NPFR Public Information Officer

On Saturday September 2, 2023, the Alligator Point St. Teresa Volunteer Fire Department (APSTVFD) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their new fire station at 101 Tom Roberts Road. The new station is a 40’ x 60’ hurricane rated structure featuring a spacious training room and large open bays. The new station will proudly serve the Alligator Point, Bald Point, St Teresa, and Summer Camp East communities. The APSTVFD is grateful for the incredible community support in making this new station become a reality. The department is a 100% volunteer department composed of 37 members ranging in skill from Emergency Medical Responders to Firefighter II’s and EMT’s.

On September 14, North Port Fire Rescue promoted four new Engineers after they successfully navigated a grueling year-long Engineer program. Firefighter/EMT/Engineer Brandon Bivin, Firefighter/Paramedic/Engineer Colin Zargham, Firefighter/EMT/Engineer Jeffrey Watkins, and Firefighter/Paramedic/Engineer Dmitriy Semenov sacrificed much and worked extremely hard to achieve this goal. The program consists of classroom and hands-on activities covering topics ranging from advanced water supply techniques and hydraulics to apparatus maintenance and more. The training culminates with an exhaustive week of testing including a comprehensive written exam followed by two days of practical exercises to evaluate their skills.

East Lake Fire Rescue Promotions By Claudia Hernandez, Fire and Life Safety Educator East Lake Fire Rescue would like to congratulate firefighters Jeff Jackson, Roberto Hernandez, and Mitch Mansour on their recent promotions. Jeff Jackson on his promotion to Lieutenant and Roberto Hernandez and Mitch Mansour on their promotion to Driver Engineer. LT Jackson has been a firefighter/paramedic with the department since 2016. LT Jackson has served a total of 13 years in the EMS/Fire Service. LT Jackson is the IAFF 1158 District Vice President for East Lake Fire Rescue. He chairs multiple committees including the hiring committee and the new apparatus purchasing committee. He also is on the pension board, collective bargaining team, an AHA CPR instructor, and an instructor for East Lake Fire Rescue with the North County Training team. He has received his certifications in FO1, FO2, Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor, LFTI, NFA, and multiple USAR disciplines. LT Jackson also has emergency room and trauma center experience as a paramedic. Congratulations to LT Jackson, his wife Ashley, and their daughter Tegan! DE Hernandez has been with East Lake Fire Rescue since 2017. He completed EMT school and the Fire Academy at Indian River State College. In 2021, he completed the Paramedic program at St. Petersburg College. He later obtained his Florida State Pump Operator Certification. Congratulations to DE Hernandez and his wife Claudia! DE Mansour has been with East Lake Fire Rescue since 2016. He started his career as a Firefighter Paramedic with Pasco County Fire rescue where he served for three years. 38

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

Pinellas Park’s Newest Acting DC By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. Mike Fortenberry recently completed all requirements to become an acting district chief for the Pinellas Park Fire Department, making him eligible to assume the responsibilities of a district chief when the need arises. Lt. Fortenberry began his PPFD career in 2014 as a firefighter/EMT. He was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2019 and is currently the C-Shift lieutenant at Station 35. To become an acting DC, a lieutenant must meet certain requirements including 120 hours of seat time with a district chief, running command on incident scenarios such as multiple-alarm fires and extrications, completing the performance task book, and showing proficiency and knowledge of managerial tasks such as staffing, payroll and report generation. With the addition of Lt. Fortenberry, the department now has eight acting district chiefs across three shifts.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Promotions By Joseph Dorsette, Acting, Assistant Chief of Specialized Services During the month of September, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue made promotions to the ranks of Captain and Driver Engineer. All members who apply for and compete in a promotional process spend several months studying and practicing from various sources including the agency’s policy and procedure manual, standard operating guidelines, and the EMS protocols prior to the knowledge and performance-based testing. Pictured L-R: Driver Engineer Chad Teel, Driver Engineer Kervin

Ocala Fire Rescue Members Honored at Hometown Heroes Award Gala By: Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer On September 7, first responding agencies from North Central Florida gathered at the Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala to partake in HiersBaxley Funeral Services and the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Hometown Heroes Award Gala. Little did we know that Ocala Fire Rescue members would return home beaming with excitement after not only celebrating the selfless and heroic actions of fellow first responders in the area but having the distinction of being an agency whose past, present, and future were highlighted throughout the night. Past actions were acknowledged with special recognition to the members of Florida’s Task Force Eight, who deployed to Lee County following the devastation left by Hurricane Ian (2022). FEO Ryan Brady, Captain Shawn Sams, FEO Edward Munchel, Captain Dave Battisti, and FEO Jagger Maguire accepted the award on behalf of the OFR Urban Search and Rescue members who deployed alongside Marion County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue first responders. The present caliber of the men and women in our department resulted in the receipt of a Hometown Heroes award, thanks to the efficient and safe extrication of a patient trapped by a fallen tree. The award was accepted by Captain Patrick Feagle, FEO Jackie Nettles, FEO Chris Reynolds, Firefighter Cale Susdorf, and FEO Vince Alexander. The night culminated with the joy of witnessing a future First Responder and Ocala-Marion Mentorship Program Cadet, Noah Gomez, become a Charlie Caulk Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Assistant Fire Marshal Promotes to Fire Marshal By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) recognizes Assistant Fire Marshall, Doug Carter, to the rank of Fire Marshall. Doug has been an invaluable member of our team serving our Fire Prevention section and our department as a whole for nearly two decades, consistently demonstrating exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership. His commitment to fire safety in our community, along with his unwavering passion for protecting lives and property, has set him apart as an exemplary professional. Doug’s continued dedication and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the success of BCFR’ and the safety of our community. We are fortunate to have such a diligent and committed individual on our team. We have no doubt that Doug will excel in his new role as Fire Marshall. His passion, expertise, and commitment will undoubtedly continue to inspire all of us.

Pinellas Park’s Newest Firefighters By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator Pinellas Park Fire Department is at full staff with the recent addition of three new firefighters in August. FF/EMT CJ Chagoya(1), FF/PM 1 2 3 Zachery Cinko(2), and FF/EMT Kyle Schlatterer(3) completed three weeks of orientation and training and are now on shift. They’ll spend their probationary year rotating through our five fire stations while honing their skills and gaining experience in the field under the guidance of our leadership team.

Hgh-Rise Fire in Deerfield Beach By Joseph Dorsette, Assistant Chief of Specialized Services The Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue responded to an eight-story residential highrise fire in Deerfield Beach. The first arriving unit advised of light smoke showing from multiple floors, heaviest smoke on the sixth floor. As crews made their way to the fire floor, smoke began to quickly thicken as did the fire. Crews quickly extinguished the main body of fire within the apartment but were met with a significant challenge during overhaul operations. Crews encountered smoke, active fire, and charring in several apartments from the second floor to the eighth floor. During suppression and overhaul operations, crews noticed that construction was being done to update and renovate one of the apartments on a lower floor where they located an open pipe chase between the walls that still had active fire causing the remaining the smoke located on multiple floors of the structure. Once the crews opened walls in multiple apartments, they followed a vertical line from nearly ground floor to the roof and were able to extinguish all remaining fire. Crews spent several hours on scene to ensure all fire was completely out and there was no extension of fire to other areas of the structure. No injuries were reported. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Please check us out on social media

https://www.facebook.com/FlFireChiefsAssociation/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/florida-fire-chiefs

@FlFireChiefs

NAFECO Named New Florida Distributor for Holmatro Rescue Tools NAFECO is proud to announce our partnership with Holmatro is expanding into the State of Florida. NAFECO has partnered with Holmatro for over 30 years as the authorized dealer in the State of Alabama and recently expanded into the State of Tennessee. “We are pleased to grow our partnership with Holmatro as they manufacture and support the most innovative rescue equipment in the business. Our company’s core values and commitment to customer service align perfectly. We look forward to supporting the current Florida Holmatro users and growing our business together” says Brandon Oaks, NAFECO Chief Operating Officer. Headquartered in Decatur, Alabama since

1968, NAFECO has over 145 employees supporting their four branch offices in the southeastern United States and has territory managers located in 12 states. NAFECO is the leading dealer of fire and emergency equipment serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. NAFECO, Inc is the Authorized Rosenbauer dealer in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. Rosenbauer offers a complete line of apparatus including custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, tankers, homeland security apparatus, and ambulances. For more information, visit nafeco.com.

advertisers index Advertiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page No. Bauer Compressors 954-746-2504 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 DAB Door 800-257-2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 ETR, LLC 407-339-6737 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Genesis Rescue Systems 850-566-5553 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Hall-Mark RTC 800-524-6072 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Municipal Equipment, LLC 800-228-8448 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 NAFECO 800-628-6233 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Team Equipment, Inc. 800-367-9054 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 27 Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Inc. 800-228-8368 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 United Badges Insurance Services 850-841-9992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 VFIS 800-233-1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. 860-575-7788 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Wheeled Coach 800-342-0720 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

September 2023

I N N OVAT I N G F O R L I F E SA F E T Y

HARDWARE

TRIPOD

HARNESSES

HELMETS & GLOVES

TRAINING MANIKINS

ROPES & PULLEYS

CONTACT YOUR TERRITORY MANAGER FOR DEPARTMENT PRICING

NAFECO NAFECO.com/TechnicalRescue N A F E C O .c co om/Techni m/ /T T ech e c h n ic ical ca alRescue llR Rescue

F231001_CMC050_PMI050_RES100_FLO150_POM_RB