October 2021 FFS Magazine by ffca

THE PUBLICATION

OF THE

FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

October 2021 • VOLUME 29 NUMBER 10

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October 2021 FFS.QXD

Florida Fire Florida Fire Fire Chiefs’ Florida Fire

10/27/21

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Service is the monthly publication of the Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Association (FFCA) members, by the Chiefs’ Association.

Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone: (850) 900-5180 Email: info@ffca.org • www.ffca.org FFCA Staff Wm. Ray Colburn - Executive Director & CEO Denise Holley - Office Manager Scott Leisen - Marketing Director Ngoc Huynh - Conference & Events Director Liz Aperauch - Administrative Assistant FFCA Board of Directors Douglas Riley - President Reginald Duren - 1st Vice President Harold Theus - 2nd Vice President Ty Silcox - Immediate Past President Julie Downey - Secretary/Treasurer Ryan H. Crawford - Northwest Region Director Carlos Aviles - Northeast Region Director Chuck Bogle - East Central Region Director Percy Sayles - Southeast Region Director Ian Kemp - West Central Region Director Gregory DeWitt - Southwest Region Director Wm. Ray Colburn - Executive Director & CEO James White - Foundation Chair Leland Greek - Senior Member

FROM THE SECTIONS Message from the FFCA President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Message from the Foundation Chair . . . . . . . . . . . .12

12 FEATURES

Healing Our Departments One

Cup at a Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Florida’s Surrendered Infant Statute: What is Your Role? . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lonelier the Higher you Climb? . . . 18 Where are all the Firefighters...

and Medics? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

FURTHERMORE FFCA New Members. . . . . . . . . . . 12 Fire Rescue Support... . . . . . . . . . . 14 CFFCA Rededicates 911 Memorial 16

NW Florida Volunteer Firefigher Weekend 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180

Featured Vendor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lakeland Firefigher Returns After

Advertising Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org (386) 717-0055

Battle with Cancer . . . . . . . . . . .26 Members on the Move . . . . . . . . .28 South Walton’s Fire

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 October 2021, Volume 29, Number 10 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 2021 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.

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October 2021

Prevention Campaign . . . . . . . . .30 In brief . . . news from around the state . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

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Douglas Riley, Fire Chief FFCA President

urricane season should be winding down and we certainly hope that we’ve experienced our last storm for the season. I am consistently amazed at the resiliency of our fire departments and the superior performance that you all exhibit when responding to the storms that affect your areas. Fall is finally here, and we are looking forward to some cooler temperatures following a very hot and humid summer. As the holidays approach, I urge us all to take time to enjoy family and friends and to remember to reach out to those that we know may be going through difficult times.

Sometimes something as simple as a phone call can have a huge impact. The 2021 Health and Safety Conference, and Fire Rescue East, are rapidly approaching and I hope that you will be able to join us. COVID has certainly put a damper on our ability to get together with old friends and meet new ones. The value of networking and building professional relationships can’t be overstated, and these conferences provide an excellent opportunity for us to do just that. We are all happy to see a steady downward trend in COVID cases in our state and hopefully among our First Responders. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone that has been at the forefront of the pandemic and has consistently worked together to provide the most current and accurate guidance to keep our personnel safe. Several members of the FFCA board gathered in Tallahassee on September 20 and 21 for the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and the “of the year” awards presentations. I appreciate the efforts of the Joint Council and everyone involved in coordinating the event. Congratulations to all of the award recipients and thank you for the excellent work that you all are doing every day. A huge thank you to Governor Ron Desantis, CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us for the events. Your FFCA board and staff are continuing to work on key legislative issues. The team is already busy lobbying on our behalf and making sure that our concerns and initiatives are addressed. Please reach out to your FFCA Regional Directors with any questions, concerns, or suggestions that you have. We are here to represent the membership as well as the fire service in our great state.

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

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Healing Our Departments One Cup at a Time By Rick Spence, FFCA Chaplain

ver since I became a Chaplain, I have been going around to fire stations of each department I represent. I talk to the firefighters and try to get them used to being around me so they will feel comfortable if they need to reach out to me. But, over the past year, I have noticed something different was going on in the stations. The people in the stations seemed to be moodier and angrier than firefighters usually are. When I would ask about this, I would get a variety of responses. They covered the spectrum in their responses; COVID, the state of the country, rising prices and many other things. There were other factors within the fire departments that seemed to contribute to this malaise of misery; forced overtime, running an ever-increasing number of calls with less personnel which causes the feeling of not being appreciated and at times, inconsistent or indecisive leadership within the fire department. Many of the firefighters did not voluntarily respond, and when I asked them the same question, most of them were unable to give an exact reason for their frustration, anger, moodiness, etc. The truth is that this problem is not limited to just one fire department and not just fire departments in Central Florida. It is something that appears to be prevalent throughout the country and not isolated to the fire service. I’m not sure that if each person was made “King for the Day” and they had the ability to make things right, even that would not make them happy. There is no policy or procedure that the President, Governor or Fire Chief could implement that would change the situation. The changes that could be made would most likely result in only short-term improvement. This has resulted in people leaving the fire service for other professions and others retiring early. A majority of those who remain have lost their zeal for doing the job, leaving morale in the toilet. They have resolved that “things are what they are,” and hold out little hope for improvement. The job has become mundane and burdensome. Many have forgotten the reason they went into the fire service and what they are doing is no longer rewarding. What are we to do as leaders in the fire service to help our people? Especially, when

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most of the issues affecting the firefighters are beyond our control. First, we should not play into this narrative and allow our own frustrations to be exposed. Our own frustrations should only be aired in a confidential setting, preferably away from the job with someone who is outside the fire department. I have seen too many officers join in a “gripe” session in the dayroom with the rank and file membership within the department. This tends to reinforce the thought that things within the department are hopeless and getting worse. But, most importantly, it undermines our ability to lead going forward. Second, just listen to what the firefighters are saying. This is similar to a situation I experienced with my wife early in our marriage. She would come home from work and voice her aggravation about a particular job situation. Being a firefighter/problem solver, I knew how to fix her predicament and was more than happy to impart my wisdom to her. But that was not what she wanted; she only wanted me to listen to her. She had no need for advice or solutions to her problems, only an attentive ear to validate her concerns. That is what our firefighters are looking for; an attentive ear to listen to their concerns. If we have the ability to improve their situation, by all means, we should do so. By allowing them to vent their frustrations, it shows your concern and compassion for the job they are doing. Quite a few firefighters do not have supportive spouses or other outlets to express their concerns. That is what Jesus and His disciples did when they were ministering to the people of Israel. The Israelites were ruled by the Roman empire and were subjected to extreme cruelty and unfair laws. Jesus went out to help the sick, the hurting and those who were poor in spirit (very similar to modern day firefighters). He didn’t go into their world to fix their political or social problems or give them advice on how to deal with the Romans. He came to give them hope, encouragement and heal them physically and spiritually. In Matthew 10, Jesus states that what He is doing is a big job and to not be overwhelmed by it. It is best to start small, by giving someone who is thirsty a

cool cup of water. We may not be able to heal our firefighters, but we certainly can give them hope and encouragement for this season we are going through. We can start with giving them a cup of cool water as we listen. Jesus knew it was going to be a huge undertaking and was going to take some time to change the world. He did not buy into the anger and bitterness that existed during His day. He started small by listening to the people, having compassion toward them and offering them a cool cup of p Rick S ence water. He had to do it one heart, one person at a time. Changing the direction of our departments is a big • • undertaking and will FF in CA C h a pla take some time. The morale didn’t suddenly become bad overnight and will not improve overnight. Our own bitterness and frustration must not leak out publicly. If we want to change the direction of departments, we must do it one heart and one person and one cup of cool water at a time.

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Florida’s Surrendered Infant Statute: What’s Your Role? By Joel Gordon, MS, RN, EMT-P, MPIO, CFO, Deputy Chief, Plantation Fire Department Advisory Board Member, A Safe Haven for Newborns

t’s 3 AM. You are nearing the end of another very busy shift. You just got back into bed after a lengthy extrication in which someone who may have had a bit too much to drink came to the end of their life. You lay your head back on the pillow. As you close your eyes the images of what you just experienced are still fresh in your mind. As you slowly drift off the station door bell rings. Bleary-eyed, you open the door to find a very upset girl, maybe 15 or 16 years old. She’s crying. She has a bundled up blanket in her arms. As she hands you the bundle you realize it is a newborn baby. She says please take good care of her and starts to leave. You assure the mother that her newborn will be well taken care of and compassionately offer her any immediate medical assistance and ask if she can offer any medical information and date of birth regarding the newborn infant. She turns and disappears into the darkness. You’ve just received a Safe Haven Baby. What do you do now? Where do you go? Whom do you call? Receiving a Safe Haven or surrendered infant can shake even veteran firefighters to the core. Understanding Florida’s Surrendered Infant law, the procedures that need to be taken, and the resources available at that moment, can make the experience memorable and rewarding versus tragic and haunting. This short article can serve as both a guide and a reminder should you experience this event at some time in your career. Florida’s Safe Haven law, adopted in 2000, provides for all 24/7 staffed fire stations, hospitals, licensed ambulances, and fire trucks, throughout Florida to serve as Safe Havens, designed with A Safe Haven for Newborns sign outside their facility.

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Under the provisions of the statute a mother may legally and anonymously leave her baby, seven days old or younger, at one of these facilities, in the hands of a qualified individual. A qualified individual is considered a firefighter, paramedic, EMT, nurse, or physician. Provided the baby does not show signs of abuse, the surrenderer is under no legal obligation to leave their name or any contact information. Without question, this presents you with some unique challenges. So, what do you do now? Step one: Notify your supervisor immediately that you have just received a Safe Haven Baby. Step two: Based upon your local SOG, place your unit out of service, assess the infant. If the infant appears healthy, notify the closest appropriate hospital that they will be receiving a Safe Haven baby. Should the baby appear to be abused or neglected in any way, law enforcement should be notified and directed to meet you at the receiving hospital. If the infant appears safe and healthy, law enforcement should not be called. Secure the infant properly in your unit and transport directly to that facility. It is highly recommended that once you are aware you have a Safe Haven Baby you should limit radio transmissions and communicate via landline to reduce the risk of the news media hearing the calls. Step three: It is suggested someone within the station or crew call the Safe Haven for Newborns 24/7 hotline at 1-877-767-2229. A Safe Haven for Newborns is the organization

that supports the Surrendered Infant law and can advocate for the infant to ensure all procedures are properly followed. Step four: Once the transfer with the hospital is complete, prepare a run report documenting all aspects of the event. If you don’t have the infant’s name (which you probably won’t), ”Baby Doe” is sufficient. While it may not seem like it, you just saved a precious young life from the horrors of abandonment often resulting in death. As we said at the outset, this can be nerve racking and upsetting. If you feel uncomfortable or are not sure how to reconcile this situation, call the Safe Haven for Newborns hotline. Often we are asked how someone can just leave a baby. In our experience having dealt with these cases and worked with mothers in distress such decisions are usually made out of desperation, under circumstances many of us can’t even imagine. We don’t judge. And, if given the chance, A Safe Haven for Newborns will do everything possible to keep mother and baby together. A Safe Haven for Newborns remains grateful for our partnerships with all Fire, EMS, and hospitals as well as with the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association and many other statewide organizations as we all contribute to saving lives. Learn more about Florida’s Safe Haven law and the resources A Safe Haven for Newborns offers, including on-line training. Visit us at asafehavenfornewborns.com, follow us on social media, or just give us a call. We’re here to help.

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James White Foundation Chair

t’s pretty amazing that we are rapidly closing in on the end of 2021. Time seems to be flying by as we continue to regain our footing in our post-pandemic world. The fire service training world is also seeing a new and definitely different person interested in this career. Over the past decade those entering the fire service were often people who had a legacy of family or close friends influencing their career decision. Daughters and sons of firefighters found their way to the fire academies and often to very successful careers in our industry. More recently, those individuals applying for seats in our fire academies are no longer those legacies, or even those who had a personal experience as a young person, they are from a totally different demographic. Many are quick to see this next generation of firefighter as not being from the same mold as many of those who came before. But isn’t that what our predecessors said about us? We were too slow, too weak, didn’t have real-world experience, hadn’t been to war, or hadn’t earned our way to the position. Wait just a

Ben Alvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clay County Fire Rescue Carlos Arencibia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hialeah Fire Department Landon Bass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Jamey Biggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Richard Brinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department Paul Britt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Corbin Chow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Andrew Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department Aaron Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Mathew Desantis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Carlos Diaz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hialeah Fire Department Brandon Dolezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clay County Fire Rescue Marlin Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Dakarai Everett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Heaven Ferguson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Keneth Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Blake Frier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Karl Froling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Flagler County Fire Rescue William Futch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clay County Fire Rescue Rebecca Geimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tamarac Fire Department Greg Godwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .East Lake Fire Rescue Jordan Goetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Raymond Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Laura Hanstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clay County Fire Rescue Brenn Hines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Haines City Fire Department Anna Inman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

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minute, the fire academy applicant today isn’t that much different than we were! Yes, things have changed, but just like with us, the world has changed as well. During a recent firefighter minimum standards informational meeting held here at the college, which by the way was packed with

Mike Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Sebastian Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Charles Leroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clay County Fire Rescue Hannah Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Tony Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lighthouse Point Fire Rescue Annaya McCray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Lisa McDonald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orange County Fire Rescue Department Fatimah Muhammed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Bertram Owens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department Anthony Parlamento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Mike Porch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .East Lake Fire Rescue Kristin Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Retreat Behavioral Health Samantha Rehtorik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Retreat Behavioral Health Justice Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Palmer Samson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Eric Seidel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Claudia Soulie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Smyrna Beach Fire Department Matthew Strahle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delray Beach Fire Rescue Faith Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Alex Valentine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue David Valiant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Andrea Vargas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Quintin Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Thea Walton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Shyanne Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

twice the number of interested young people as usual, a very diverse group of candidates listened intently to our message and asked great questions about the commitment needed for a career in the fire service. The dialogue went on well past our normal one-hour time limit and was filled with what I would consider surprisingly good questions. The group’s attitude and attention to our message was amazing. It made me feel more confident about our future. I say this to remind us that that next generation of firefighter is coming. No matter what we think or how we know they will try to change the fire service, it’s our responsibility to prepare the road for them. A part of that preparation is providing the financial support for their education and certifications. This is where the work of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Foundation is making a difference. As the current leaders of our industry, we need to take heart that others are coming to fill our seats, and that’s a great thing. These young people need our guidance and support. They need to hear the war stories of battles once raged, and they also need to be given the opportunity to succeed in a new world of firefighting. Our mission has always been to leave the industry better than we found it. Personally, I think we’re doing a pretty good job.

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In a moment. Yet, because of what you see, in fact, in spite of what you see, I believe you could develop the best perspective on h A. La C ogna se p ta life. You, more than Jo most, realize that everything can change in a moment. Our days may Fir t come to seventy years, eR or escue Supp or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Teach me to number my days that I may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:10,12 You can find out more about Chaplain Joe and Fire Rescue Support by visiting www.firerescuesupport.com. •

early morning hours of September 12, two vehicles collided at a blacked-out intersection. One person was killed. Then, the evening of that same day, there was another crash at another blacked-out intersection. This crash claimed the life of a 92-year old woman. Her 92-year-old husband was critically injured. He spent 10 days at Ocala Regional Medical Center, then died of his injuries on September 22. In a moment. I got to know this couple’s family during the elderly man’s stay in the hospital. The couple lived in Brandon but had been evacuated to be with family in Georgia ahead of Hurricane Irma. The family was taking them back to Brandon when the accident occurred. The couple had been married for 69 years – that’s 25,185 days! In a moment. This is the story of one couple. It’s a reflection of one traffic crash. It’s a reminder of one tragedy. But situations like this happen regularly to people like you. You are exposed to tragedy and loss and suffering and pain on a regular basis. You witness lives changed and families devastated with sad regularity.

•

In a Moment I moved to Florida in May of 2004, right in time for the trio of storms called Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. I knew nothing about preparing for a hurricane, especially the emotional drain that takes place while waiting for the approaching storm. In my home state of Illinois, the tornado is the storm to watch out for. But that all happens in a very compressed time frame. Five minutes before the storm you hear warning sirens; five minutes later it’s all done. Whether the wait is short like a tornado or long like a hurricane, each of these storms pack devastating power; power that can change things in a moment. Such was the case of Hurricane Irma that came through our area September 10-11. It seems like all of Florida was impacted; some more, some less. In Marion County, some lastminute changes in the storm’s track kept us from getting the worst of it. In fact, we came through Irma in good shape, mostly dealing with downed trees and power lines. That was until after the storm had passed. Widespread power outages impacted traffic signals throughout the County. Sadly, in the

“Twenty Years of Remembrance” Rededicates its 9-11 Memorial… By Steve Gaston, Fire Chief [ret], on behalf of CFFCA Board of Directors

n 2011, the Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association commissioned a 9-11 Memorial display in the main lobby of the Hilton – Altamonte Springs. Every five years, the CFFCA rededicates this memorial in memory of that horrific day in our history so “We Shall Never Forget”. The CFFCA in conjunction with the Hilton Altamonte Springs held a 9-11 Memorial Rededication Ceremony “Twenty Years of Remembrance” on Thursday, September 9th at its regularly scheduled meeting at the Hilton. Numerous agencies, officials and dignitaries

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were present at this special event. We Shall Never Forget that “All Gave Some and Some Gave All”. Special Thanks to the Seminole County FD Honor Guard, the Orlando Firefighters Pipe & Drum, and Mike Shields [FDNY Ret and Member of the FDNY 343 Memorial Club, FL]. Our gratitude is also extended to our 9-11 Memorial Rededication Ceremony lunch sponsors: CORE Construction Services Municipal Equipment Company [MECO] Municipal Emergency Services [MES]

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October 2021 FFS.QXD

10/27/21

12:18 PM

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By Ian Emmons

or anyone in the fire service who is preparing to promote or has already promoted, there’s a maxim I’m sure you’re all familiar with: “It gets lonelier the higher you climb.” For those of you who aren’t familiar with this saying, it refers to the idea that each time an individual promotes, while their circle of influence may widen dramatically, their circle of friends and internal confidants likely shrinks correspondingly. Managing friendships following a promotion in the fire service may not be

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difficult for every fire officer, but it poses challenges for the majority of us, and there are good reasons for it—some self-imposed, others that happen naturally through interactions and experience. By the time a person achieves the rank of fire chief, it can become very lonely at the top. But does it have to be? And if not, what can be done to prevent it? Why Relationships Can Be Difficult as an Officer Picture this: You’re a lieutenant with a tightknit crew one day and the next day you’re a battalion chief. You’ve gotten the big promotion, and with it comes more responsibilities, expectations, and formal authority. The promotion puts more eyes on you and subsequently your decisions, interactions, actions, and sometimes inactions. While this type of scrutiny shouldn’t be a problem for any of us because of that little thing called integrity, managing friendships following a promotion in the fire service can be challenging to say the least. A promotion doesn’t have the same impact on everyone’s relationships; there are many variables that influence friendships following a promotion, such as where the rank falls in the chain-of-command, the size of the department, and the organization’s culture. For the overwhelming majority of us, things change, and that change can be hard at first. This is because our obligations to the organization, its members, and the community also change. However, we should keep in mind that our friends, former partners, and former crew members may have an even harder time appreciating the change that must occur for us to fulfill our new role.

The reason why friendships can be tricky as we promote, especially to the rank of fire chief, is because we may be expected to act or react in the same way we did as a firefighter or officer of a lower rank, but we now have different obligations to the organization and community. Friends may not understand why you’ve “changed,” and this is often where the saying, “He or she forgot where they came from” is coined. But did you really forget where you came from or are you just fulfilling the expectations of your new role? This is where the water gets muddy, and where friendships may become strained. Some officers are fortunate to strike the appropriate balance in their friendships right away; others may abandon them all together. Still others may throw all advice to the wind and continue to act just as they did before their promotion. Each fire officer must choose their own path; however, treating your relationships as if nothing has changed with your promotion will eventually catch up to you, forcing you to make decisions between what is best for your role and organization and what is best for your friendships. Rarely is this because a friend is trying to take advantage of the relationship, although, this, too, does happen. Instead, there is often simply a disconnect between the new expectations of your role and how your friend or former crew member expects you to react. Strategies for Maintaining and Expanding Your Support System Losing friendships—both inside and outside of work—can feel daunting, but it’s important to realize you don’t have to end friendships to move successfully into a new leadership role. It’s true, your friendships will inevitably

change, but they do not have to vanish altogether. There are many successful approaches for preserving some relationships as well as developing newer, long-lasting relationships with colleagues both inside and outside of the organization. The key to preserving existing relationships is to set boundaries and expectations as early as possible. I mentioned earlier that your obligations change with each additional bugle, and with this comes the fact that your decisions will not make everyone happy all the time. By creating these boundaries and expectations early and having frank conversations with friends about your new role, you can set the stage for future decisions you’ll unavoidably be making. This alone doesn’t prevent or relieve you from the fact you’ll be making unpopular decisions at times, but it does help facilitate an understanding with your friends. As you promote, you will find yourself relying more and more on your in-rank peers and your immediate boss. This cadre will likely make up the bulk of your internal confidants, to whom you can safely bounce ideas, bend ears, and ask questions. You will no longer be able to share details of organizational issues and events with people you may have previously confided in, which can be a hard habit break but one where there is no wiggle room. Be sure to foster these peer relationships early and often since as an officer you rarely work side-by-side with your peers, other than at training and on emergency scenes. As a fire chief this can be particularly difficult, since you have no direct peers within the organization. The fire chief must seek out conversations with their lower-ranking officers and develop a working relationship with their boss, who is often a township administrator or city manager. At some point, especially as you climb higher toward and finally achieve the rank of fire chief, you’ll need to cultivate relationships with

colleagues outside your organization. This is usually accomplished through regional and statewide meetings, trainings and conferences, as well as on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. These relationships are vital for creating a support network where you can safely share situations, ask for advice, or simply vent. These relationships often become the cornerstone of your professional network and provide perspective to your situations and decisions. Having relationships with colleagues across the region, state, and country is rewarding and allows you to grow as a leader. Continuing the Climb So, to circle back to our original question: Does it have to be lonely at the top, and if it doesn’t, what can you do about it? While it may certainly feel lonely at times, especially during the difficult decisions where you know you’re going to upset the masses (but for the right reasons), you don’t have to—and shouldn’t—isolate yourself. Setting boundaries can protect your existing relationships, while forging new connections can help you cultivate different avenues of support. Together, these strategies should help you feel a little less alone as you ascend the chain of command. Ian Emmons is the deputy chief of operations for Washington Township in Dayton, Ohio, and has served in this role since early 2019. Emmons received his MBA from the University of Cincinnati and is a current EFOP student at the National Fire Academy. Ian sits on the Board of Directors for the Safety, Health and Survivial section of the IAFC, is an IAFC Professional Development Committee member, serves as the Education Committee Chair for IFE-USA, and sits on multiple NFPA technical committees, including 1001 and 1021. Emmons has been designated as a CFO and CTO through the CPC and received his MIFireE status from the IFE.

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER WEEKEND 2021 By Mike Cox, Florida State Fire College (ret)

t seems like we may have missed a year. Yes, 2020 was a very limited 15th annual weekend thanks to COVID-19, and an untimely visit from Hurricane Sally. There were several classes held as required by our SAFER Grant. Yes, there was even a banquet on Saturday evening, held at the hotel. In 2021, we made a great come back.

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There were 174 students that participated in over 3,000 hours of training. Several adjustments still had to be made due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the changes made no difference in the value of the events on the firefighters’ training and enthusiasm. Many were introduced to their first experience of fire. It was quite a learning

experience for them, and it showed in their faces as they came out and went through the post event physical evaluations. Others tried their hands at vehicle extrication. Some found that keeping the big trucks between the lines became a challenge. At one point, they were flowing two master streams from the engines and six hand lines

from two dump tanks as supply. Naturally, many of the practical classes were outside, however, classroom courses were also on tap. Animal first aid was popular again this year. Of course, it all depended on your seat. Rehab, mental health, incident safety officer and a big awareness class on Cancer. S130/190 Wildland Firefighting also made up some of the FFI requirements. The annual event is sponsored by the Florida State Fire Marshal, Florida State Fire College, and Florida Fire Chiefs Foundation. Vendor count was down a little, however over

10 provided access to the “latest and greatest” in gear, safety and education were on hand. And a big thank you to the Alabama Fire College for again providing the burn trailer and staff, Eglin AFB Fire Department and staff for engine support, and the many area fire departments providing vehicles, equipment and most important support staff. Pipes and drums came from Panama City and we thank them especially for Amazing Grace, many eyes in the house were not dry. Students were primarily from Florida and came at no cost to them. There were also participants from Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. The out of state folks did have a small fee. 2021 was a challenge for all, but the classes were certainly happy and most said they would definitely be back for 2022. The dates for the 17th annual Northwest Florida Volunteer Firefighter Weekend have been scheduled for September 14-22, 2022.

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By Damon Allen

am sure many of us remember a decade ago where a department would post one firefighter position and receive 100 or more applicants. For some larger departments, they would have thousands of applicants for a handful of positions. Fast forward to today and it seems like there is a significant decrease in qualified firefighter applicants. There has been such a decrease in applicants recently that I have observed job postings of departments in Florida offering $5k or more sign-on bonuses for fire medics. But it is not just a Florida issue, the lack of firefighter applicants is a nationwide issue and it appears to be getting worse. (Firefighter II Compliance/Certification, Source: Florida State Fire College) I ask myself, what has changed over the past two decades? Why is there a shortage of quality firefighters, especially fire medics? Is it because people are no longer interested in the career? Is it because of low pay or reduced benefits? Is it because the schedule and workload are too demanding, or is it the increase in EMS calls that seem to be spiraling out of control year after year? Is our career too expensive to get into, limiting it only to applicants who can afford to attend the academies? Fire service leaders need to get creative with addressing the issue. We are going to

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have to have some hard conversations and change the way we do things. Some say Albert Einstein quipped, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” and I believe this applies to our fire service in regards to recruiting and training quality applicants. The demand for fire medics is increasing substantially and not just from the fire service. Hospitals and doctors offices are realizing how beneficial paramedics can be to augment their operations, especially as hospitals feel the shortage of nurses during the pandemic. You are probably thinking, “Damon, I already know this, duh!” so what can we do to fix it? The answer I have for you is that I don’t have all the answers. I do know the first step is having the conversation and that it is going to take leaders much better than me to figure this out. Some of the options I have rattling around in my head are: • Departments hiring people who do not have the financial ability to pay for fire and EMS academies and sponsoring them while they receive training, and having them sign a letter of commitement to the department for some agreed amount of time. This targets a demographic that would probably be great firefighters and EMS professionals, but do

not have the means to attempt it without compensation. • Targeting our high schools and giving scholarships with a garuantee of a career. • Rolling back negative changes to pension systems that entice people to stay knowing they can retire earlier than other careers. • Changing benefit plans that attract firefighters. Public service used to be known for low pay, but great benefits. • Progressive career ladders that award people going above and beyond in education and community service. One thing is clear, fire service leadership needs to concentrate on recruitment and retention or face a future of higher demand and a lack of firefighters to address the demand. We have to start asking the hard questions and implementing new solutions to combat a problem that is potentially getting worse. Damon Allen, MPA, EFO, CFO, CPM currently serves Sumter County Fire and EMS as the Deputy Chief of Operations. Damon has over 25 years in the fire service and holds a Master of Public Administration, Executive Fire Officer, and Chief Fire Officer.

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parts and shrinkage costs, and cut parts costs and inventory investment. Today, NAPA IBS serves more than 400 government and commercial fleets including cities, counties, states, DOTs, school districts, airline GSE, construction, utility, trucking, dealerships and more. NAPA IBS started supporting fire departments back in 1993 in the City of Richmond, Va. Since then, we have grown our footprint and have learned from industry professionals exactly what departments need to thrive. With out priorities aligned with yours, we can be a true business partner, not just a parts supplier. Some of the priorities we focus on include: Maximizing technician wrench time by having the parts when they need them Minimizing equipment downtime so units can be on the road serving their communities Managing a large supplier base and consolidating everything into one bill Controlling technician p-card spend so all purchases are tracked and attached to work orders

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Lakeland Firefighter Returns After Battle with Cancer By Stephanie Lewis, Public Relations and Information Manager, Lakeland Fire Department

t’s been a long-awaited return for Firefighter/Paramedic Clay Geiger. Sixteen months to be exact. Diagnosed last year with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Geiger underwent several bouts of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is set to return to his shift at Lakeland Fire Department tomorrow. “I wasn’t sure this day would ever get here, but I couldn’t be more excited for my return,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Clay Geiger. “It was a long journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the continued support of my family and work-family.” Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research shows firefighters are at higher risk when compared to the general population. Because of this, Florida legislature recently passed Senate Bill 426, granting rights and benefits to firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers, including NonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Geiger, only 30 years of age at the time of diagnosis, discovered he had a rare form of Non-

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Hodgkin’s called Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL). He contributes the finding to Dr. Donald C. Lanza at the Sinus & Nasal Institute of Florida, who then referred him to Moffitt Cancer Center to receive treatment over the span of 6 months. Clay faced monumental challenges throughout his battle. Dreadfully amidst treatments, he tested positive for COVID last Christmas. “I thought that was it; I had no immunity. Cancer and treatments significantly weaken your immune system,” said Geiger. But Clay powered through and

overcame. It won’t be for several years of PET scans and follow-up appointments before Clay can claim complete remission. Still, he wants to use his experience to advocate for cancer patients and firefighters alike. “We are very excited to have Clay return to work following a very courageous battle with cancer. He has kept a positive attitude and demonstrated tremendous courage and determination throughout his treatment,” said Fire Chief Doug Riley. “His return is a monumental win for the department and the citizens we have the privilege of serving every day.”

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LFD Announces New Assistant Chief of Operations Fire Chief Douglas E. Riley is pleased to announce Harley J. Wilson, III, former Battalion Chief at the Lakeland Fire Department (LFD), was selected as the department's new Assistant Chief of Operations. Assistant Chief Wilson began his new role on Monday, October 11. Wilson's vacancy was created when Assistant Chief Mike Williams assumed the position of Administrative Assistant Chief. Assistant Chief Wilson has 21 years of public safety experience and has been with the department since 2001. In the role of Assistant Chief, Harley will oversee and provide direction for the Operations Division and is responsible for personnel and emergency responses for the department. These services include Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Training, Technical Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting,

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and personnel management. His annual salary will be $124,076. "I am proud and excited to announce the promotion of Harley J. Wilson, III to the position of Assistant Fire Chief," said Fire Chief Douglas E. Riley. "Harley is a respected leader who brings a lot of positive influence and experience to the department. He will be a welcome addition to my executive team, and I look forward to great things from him." The appointment came after an internal selection process between three of the department's mid-level managers, Harley J. Wilson, III, Dan Faviere, and Matt Brown. According to Fire Chief Riley, all three candidates have been exceptional contributors to our organization. "It is important to note Battalion Chief Faviere and Captain Brown have been consummate professionals at Lakeland Fire Department," says Fire Chief Riley. "Their diligent work, both in the community and the department, is greatly appreciated and valued and instrumental to our department's success. The selection was a difficult one to make due to the caliber of all candidates." Assistant Chief Wilson began his career with

Lakeland Fire Department as a Firefighter in 2001. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008 and served in his most recent capacity as Battalion Chief since June 2017. Wilson is also a Veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as a shipboard firefighter for more than four years. In regards to his appointment as Assistant Chief, Harley shares, "I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the great men and women of LFD. I look forward to serving them and the community in this new role. I will work diligently to ensure the continued delivery of professional and exceptional fire and emergency medical services to the citizenry of Lakeland." Assistant Chief Wilson is a member of the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association. He earned his Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. Assistant Chief Wilson is a graduate of the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association (FFCA) Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI) and the City of Lakeland's 48 Hours Investing in You Leadership Curriculum.

South Walton’s Fire Prevention Campaign By Mackenzie McClintock, SWFD Public Information Officer

outh Walton Fire District’s Life Safety Division works year-round to inspect buildings and ensure construction details will meet fire code, however, for the month of October, Fire Inspectors Todd Bowser and Dexter Payton make it a priority to spread Fire Prevention education and messaging to the community.

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With the help of firefighters and District crews, the inspectors attended a flurry of educational opportunities to engage children on the National Fire Protection Association’s “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” as well as general fire safety tips. Bowser and Payton’s presentation never gets old for students, parents, and teachers from local schools and daycares, who look forward each year

to touring the fire trucks and trying out equipment for themselves, like firehoses and firefighter gear. The South Walton Fire District believes fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and with the hard work of the firefighters and inspectors, Fire Prevention Week turns into a memorable month of hands-on activities for children.

Escambia County Names New Fire Chief By Michael A. Aaron, Assistant Fire Chief

Leadership and Development Collaboration By Ashley Papagni, Public Information Manager

Lieutenants Anctil, Angelotti, Cottrill, Dixon, Pielin, and Tardugno met with community leaders to share learning philosophies and strategies for success in collaboration with Central Florida agencies during Valencia College - School of Public Safety's Leadership and Development Curriculum. Attendees included: Orange County Sheriff's Office, Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department , Longwood Police Department , Maitland Police Department and Osceola County Corrections

Welcome to “Fire House 92” By Tina Adams, Public Safety Information Officer

The Town of Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department has worked diligently over the past several years to have a new station built. With the final approval of the Town’s staff, commissioners, businesses, and residents, we broke ground in 2019 on Fire Station 92. On August 11, 2021, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi was honored to speak at the Grand Opening and participate in the “Uncoupling” to welcome everyone home. He shared with the guest, stating, “This is not just a Fire Station, this is our home and our family, away from our own home and families, therefore this is not just a Fire Station, it is our Fire House.” The house provides three bays, five bunks, and was built with the “Hot Zone” design in mind, allowing for red, yellow, and green zones. We are thankful to have a safe place for our firefighters to live in and are ecstatic to share with our fellow brothers and sisters. Pictured L-R: Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal Jane Herrin, Assistant Chief Brian Carr, Therapy Dog Hunter, Deputy Chief Sandi Drake, Assistant Chief John Curran, and Fire Chief Paul Dezzi

Jason Catrambone will join Escambia County on June 14 with more than 25 years of experience as an accomplished chief fire officer, including more than 18 years of command-level experience. Escambia County’s last fire chief, Rusty Nail, was hired in April 2018 and resigned in April 2019. “It’s an honor to be chosen to join the Escambia County Fire Rescue team and Escambia County community,” said Catrambone. “I’m looking forward to working with this motivated group of men and women to continue to serve the residents and visitors of Escambia County dutifully and honorably.” He currently serves as the fire chief for the City of Williston, N.D. and has certifications as a hazardous materials incident commander and strike team task force leader. He earned an associate degree from Columbia Southern University and has continued coursework there toward a Bachelor of Science in fire service administration with an expected graduation date this year. He received an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. “Chief Catrambone brings the wealth of knowledge and a breadth of experience to this position that we were looking for,” said Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team.” “We look forward to Chief Catrambone leading ECFR with his vast understanding and knowledge of firefighter personnel management,” said County Administrator Janice Gilley. “His 25 years of experience tell a story of dedicated and unceasing commitment to excellence and public service and we welcome him to the team.” “I am very happy a new fire chief has been selected,” said Chairman and District 4 County Commissioner Robert Bender. “This is the first step in elevating Escambia County’s fire service. There is still a lot of work to do, and I’m looking forward to working with him.” Catrambone is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and previously served on the board of directors. He recently accepted the role of International Association of Fire Chiefs international director.

East Lake Fire Rescue 2020 Firefighter of the Year By Claudia Hernandez, Fire and Life Safety Educator

East Lake Tarpon Special Fire Control District recognized Lieutenant Devin Mormando as the 2020 Firefighter of the Year. Lieutenant Mormando has been a full-time employee at East Lake Fire Rescue since October 2015 and is known for his high standard of performance and thoroughness. Lieutenant Mormando has a passion for the fire service profession and serving the community. Not only is he a fulltime firefighter at East Lake Fire Rescue, but he is also a registered nurse who works in the emergency room serving people who are sick and injured on his days off. Lieutenant Mormando is well known throughout the department for his ttenacity, his willingness to go the extra mile to ensure each process is completed the right way, and his thoroughness in making sure department tasks are completed with proper attention to detail and in a timely fashion. Lieutenant Mormando is highly respected by his peers and appreciated by his officers. The combination of his high-performance standards and attention to detail enables him to be an excellent mentor to our new firefighters and drivers. He is highly respected by who meet and work with him. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Flagler County FF Chris Ellis Receives Quilt of Honor By Lacy Martin, Marketing Media Manager

Jacksonville Breaks Ground on its 62nd Fire Station By John Bracey, Community Affairs Officer

The shovels pierced the ground, the dirt flew, and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department officially launched construction of its 62nd fire station in late September. Located in the developing community of eTown, the station will enhance the department’s service within Jacksonville’s fast-growing Southeastern region. The station’s contemporary design will complement the modern architecture prevalent throughout the eTown community, which will eventually include 1,900 homes and an apartment community of approximately 300 units. Officially known as Jacksonville’s Fire Station 74, the facility’s floor plan is 9,500 square feet and includes three bays for fire apparatus, including Engine 74, Rescue 74, and another emergency vehicle when future demand warrants. The project’s estimated completion is Spring 2022. Photo (L-R): Jacksonville City Council Member Matt Carlucci, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Director/Fire Chief Keith Powers, Jacksonville Council Member Sam Newby, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Jacksonville Council Member Danny Becton, and IAFF Local 122’s Chief Randy Wyse move some earth at Fire Station 74’s groundbreaking in late September.

On Saturday, September 25, Remembering Vets hosted a Fall Festival to honor our local heroes at Town Center in Palm Coast. The non-profit supports Veterans families, First Responders and front line workers. This year, the organization expanded its charter to include First Responders. Flagler County Fire Rescue Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Ellis was presented with a peacemaker quilt that is made for Gold Star Families (families who lost a member in combat). The ladies who made the peacemaker quilts from First Baptist Church of Mt. Dora, presented Mr. Ellis the quilt of honor, which coincidently Mr. Ellis’ grandmother and aunts had previously made quilts with these same ladies, for the same cause. Christopher Ellis has been with Flagler County Fire Rescue for over a year and served 18 years in the United States Army as a Sergeant. He has 13 active years and five years in the reserves, where he currently remains. He was deployed for 36 months. Mr. Ellis has received a Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Three Army Accommodation Medals, Six Army Achievement Medals and an Outstanding Volunteer award. Flagler County Fire Chief Michael Tucker said “Chris has proven himself to be a true servant. First he dedicated himself to serving our nation through his time in the military, and now he has proven his willingness to serve the residents and visitors to Flagler County. It’s an honor to have him part of the FCFR family.”

Clearwater Driver-Operator Honored By Rob Shaw, Public Information Officer

Hillsborough County Firefighters Complete Training By Jessica Coy, Public Relations Officer

Providing quality medical care to our patients is a priority; we just completed a three-week orientation for our employees, moving from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to Paramedic. These 23 Firefighters have completed a yearlong certification program with a local college and then obtained a state of Florida Paramedic certification. The orientation is a condensed version of the Paramedic program that focuses on HCFR medical protocol and standards of care. Newly promoted Fire Medics will learn in detail about patient care, EKGs, and the medications we carry, including when and why to administer them to our patients. After completing the 120-hour orientation, they move on to an apprenticeship program on a Rescue unit for 1944 hours, which includes a training book and a series of tests. 32

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Clearwater Fire & Rescue DriverOperator Jerome Mourelatos recently was named the recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Firefighter Award. Fire Chief Scott Ehlers presented the award to Mourelatos during a shift in September. Last year, Mourelatos recruited a team of volunteers from the fire department and elsewhere to build a wheelchair ramp so a disabled 12-year boy could make it in and out of his residence more easily. All of the work was done on their own time and at their expense. “Jerome epitomizes what we want our crew members to be – giving, compassionate and always thinking about others,” Ehlers said. “He is a true asset to our department and to our city.” Mourelatos has been with the agency for 15 years.

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Palm Coast Honor Guard Presents Colors at Capitol By Patrick Juliano, Fire Lieutenant

Florida State Representative Paul Renner invited the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard to present the Nations Colors on the House Floor at the Speaker Designee Ceremony in Tallahassee. Speaker Designee Renner has been a long supporter of Firefighters and Law Enforcement, especially the Palm Coast Fire Department. In his address to the Florida House of Representative, Speaker Designate Renner stated that, “first responders put their own safety at risk to save ours, and we will always have their backs.” This was a significant honor for the members of the Palm Coast Honor Guard participating in the ceremony. The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard was established in 2001 to represent the members of its department, their families, and the citizens that they protect and serve during formal occasions. The Honor Guard projects a positive image of the Department and its members by performing as a well-trained professional unit at local and national events. “Honor Guard service is selfless; They perform their duties and expect nothing in return,” stated Palm Coast Fire Chief Jerry Forte. “Representing our City at our State Capitol is a highlight for our Honor Guard. There are great days ahead for our team.”

Navarre Beach Wins Landrover Defender By Danny Fureigh, Fire Chief

Navarre Beach Fire Rescue recently won a fully customized 2022 Landrover Defender. This vehicle will protect all who live and visit Navarre Beach and also be a deployable asset when we assist others in natural disasters.

Miami-Dade Presented with Safety Certificate By Humberto J. Quintela, Safety-Chief Fire Officer

On September 22, 2021, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was presented with a certificate for a successful safety compliance inspection from the Florida Fire Marshall’s Bureau of Standards and Training. This certificate is awarded to fire rescue departments that have passed an inspection to determine compliance with the Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is the first department in MiamiDade County to receive the certificate and one of only 20 statewide. 34

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Escambia Fire Rescue Awards By Michael A. Aaron, Assistant Fire Chief

Members of Escambia Fire Rescue were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty during an awards ceremony in September. Fighters were honored for their heroism during events like the NAS Pensacola terrorist attack in December 2019 and Hurricane Sally. The were also recognized for saving citizens from fires, traffic accident and other perils. The family of fallen District Chief Dwain Bradshaw was recognized. Bradshaw, 41, lost his life in November 2019 in the line of duty on scene of a fatal crash on the Muscogee Bridge. Awards and recognition were presented as follows: Medal of Gallantry Lt. Jim Beagle, FF Dale Coulter, Josh Hunter, FF Justin King, FF/Paramedic Bill Halfacre, FF Robert Stivers, Lt. John Van Matre, FF Kyle Saxton, Medal of Courage FF Charles Bailey, Lt. Keith Chapman, Lt. Matt Scallan, FF Allen Harrison, FF Daniel Keating, Asst. District Chief Brandon Stevens, FF Nicholas Speer, Lt. Daniel Mills, FF Jeff Fangman, Lt. Wesley Barnett, FF Isaac Herring, Lt. Daniel Akerman, Lt. Jeff Rohrer, FF Peter Welch, FF Rodney Pittman Distinguished Service Medal Lt. Dan Kunz, FF Victor Govyadov, FF Geric Fatheree, Lt. James Shaw, Lt./EMT Conner Wood, FF Geoffrey Carmichael, FF Jacob Hoskins, Final Alarm Medal - District Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw Career Firefighter of the Year Medal - FF John Longsworth Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Medal - FF Zach McMillan Career Fire Officer of the Year Medal - Lt. Dimitri Jansen Volunteer Fire Officer of the Year - Lt. Alex Torres

Hillsborough County Shows off New Trucks By Jessica Coy, Public Relations Officer

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue wanted to show our pride in our CHAMPABAY community. The new HCFR Engine, AKA “CHAMPABAY’s Fire Truck,” has been professionally wrapped with championship logos from the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays. All this while retaining the reflective colors and other visual safety features of a traditional fire truck. The eyecatching Quint 9 hit the streets, serving the residents of Hillsborough from Station 9 in Brandon, one of the busiest stations in the county.

New Replacement Engines Add Features/Reliability By Andrew Sullivan, APIO, Public Information Coordinator

Hometown Heroes Recognized By Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer

For the fourth year in a row Hiers-Baxley and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joined forces to celebrate uniformed personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty, at the Hometown Heroes Award Ceremony. Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) was fortunate to have not one, but 12 members recognized at the September 17 celebration. Among their ranks were: Captain Brandi Du Coeur - nominated for her contributions to the Overdose Data to Action and Community Paramedicine programs; Firefighter John Villella – honored for his contributions during the pandemic (including at home testing for elders, disabled, and other houseridden patients); and, Florida Task Force 8 members (including OFR’s: FEO Vincent Alexander, Captain Jules Bouckhuyt, FEO Ryan Brady, Captain Brad Cortez, FEO Geoffrey Duplessis, Chaplain Joe La Cognata, Deputy Chief Richie Lietz, FEO Jagger Maguire, Captain McCormick, and Captain Joe Talley) recognized for their invaluable work during the Surfside collapse.

Excellence in Emergency Medical Service Awards By Lisa M. Smith, Office of EMS

Brevard County was honored to be recognized twice at the “Excellence in Emergency Medical Services Awards” held, in Orlando Florida on September 29, 2021. The ceremony was presented by Florida Health Department. Brevard County Fire Rescue’s Assistant Chief of EMS, Orlando Dominguez was one of five recipients who received the “EMS Educator of the Year” award as part of the Florida Resuscitation Academy team. Also, Brevard County Fire Rescue’s Medical Director, Dr. John McPherson, was this year’s recipient of the “Raymond H. Alexander EMS Medical Director of the Year” award. EMS delivery is something we pride ourselves in and our medical director plays a huge role in the development of our protocols, training and quality assurance. We would like to recognize the most visible part of our organization, the tireless men and women working the streets saving lives each and every day. Congratulations to all the award recipients!

A pair of new replacement fire engines were put into service at Osceola County Stations 52 and 63 recently. Each of the new custom-configured apparatus represents more than half a million dollars invested in public safety. Following the current standard, the new Sutphen Corporation Monarchs bring increased reliability, added features & technology and lower maintenance costs to the County’s fire service, replacing older models in service since 2007 with 150,000 and 220,000 miles on their odometers, respectively. Osceola Fire Rescue & EMS displayed the time-honored traditions of the fire service with “Push-Back” ceremonies for each apparatus. The first part of the ceremony involved washing, then drying off the new engines. Firefighters then pushed the new vehicles into the firehouse, a practice that dates to the 19th century when horses could not properly back into the station with the wagon attached. In recent years, Osceola County has invested $10.3 million in new fire station properties and $22.1 million in replacement stations and a dedicated fire training facility, as well as annual commitments of $1.3 million in apparatus replacement and $200,000-300,000 in tool and equipment replacement.

Clearwater Chaplain Retires after Nearly 20 Years By Rob Shaw, Public Information Officer

Clearwater Fire & Rescue recently said farewell to its chaplain of nearly two decades. Father Jacob Monteleone was presented a shadow box in September after serving the agency for almost 20 years. He was a frequent and friendly face around the fire stations in Clearwater, dropping by to chat with crew members and to check in on their well-being – especially after challenging calls that can take a toll. “He went above and beyond,” Fire Chief Scott Ehlers said. “He became part of the fire family.”

Clearwater Honors City Manager By Rob Shaw, Public Information Officer

Clearwater Fire & Rescue is paying tribute to its former city manager who died in August. Agency personnel designed a shadow box in honor of Bill Horne, who served the city for more than 20 years and was a tremendous supporter. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Ocala Fire Rescue Welcomes Three New Hires By Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer

On September 17, during a quaint ceremony, Ocala Fire Rescue welcomed three new hires to the team. Please help us welcome L-R: Joshua Crouch, Cody Edwards, and Dalton Pohl as they begin the career of their dreams.

South Walton Lights the Night in Remembrance By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer

Red lights glowed bright from the Headquarters of the South Walton Fire District for a week of Light the Night remembrance, starting on September 26. Participating in this yearly observance holds a somber, but important meaning for District staff, who light the night in honor of the AIRHeart 1 crew killed in a medical aviation crash on October 20, 2004. The crew was comprised of Flight Nurse Jack Chase, South Walton Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Heighton, and Pilot Tom Palicic. All three men went to work that day knowing the risks they faced, and their stories of heroism continue to inspire the community and all emergency personnel 17 years later.

Brevard County Fire Rescue Capnography Training By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS

On August 24 and 25, 2021, and September 30, 2021 Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) hosted; Capnography “More Than Just Numbers”, which consisted of two classes per day over two days. Attendees included; BCFR employees as well as local municipal fire departments, hospitals and clinical education programs. The course was presented by Mr. Don Guillette, a retired Engineer/Paramedic from Orlando Fire Department. Mr. Guillette has been involved in the Fire and EMS field for 34 years, with the last 23 years in education. The Capnography class provided attendees, with a better understanding of capnography use in patient care including: providing information/trends from breathto-breath, verification of ET tube placement and continuous monitoring of tube position, effectiveness of cardiac compressions and an early indication of ROSC, the ability to monitor low perfusion states. Using nasal capnography also can assist with differential diagnoses for many respiratory issues and “Sick vs Non-sick” patients. Upon completion of the class, EMT’s and Paramedics were awarded with two State Approved CEU’s. 36

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

October 2021

Florida’s Career Firefighter of the Year By Michael A. Aaron, Assistant Fire Chief

A firefighter from Molino was posthumously honored as Florida’s Career Firefighter of the Year in a ceremony recently in the Senate Chamber of the Florida Capitol. Gary Diamond’s wife Cindy accepted the honor on his behalf from Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. Diamond was murdered at his Molino home on December 26, 2020. “Gary was known as influence on others with the experience and passion to build a strong fire service community,” Patronis said, “dedicating his time to train younger generations of firefighters.” Diamond joined the Ensley Volunteer Fire Department in 1982 before transferring to the Molino Volunteer Firefighter. He worked his way through the ranks to assistant chief of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department in 1987 and went on to serve as Molino chief from November 1992 to September 1993. He left Escambia in County 2006 to pursue his career calling as a firefighter and EMT at Navarre Beach where he retired as a captain to return home to take care of a family member. At the time of his death, he was volunteering as a fleet transport driver for Escambia Fire Rescue, moving fire apparatus around the county as needed. “Gary suffered a tragic death in December 2020 doing what he has been know to do his entire career, which was selflessly protecting others at the expense of his own life,” stated a proclamation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, CFO and Fire Marshal Patronis, and Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried.

Two New Paramedics Serving South Walton By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer

The South Walton Fire District would like to congratulate Firefighters Taylor Foster and Andrew Miller on their recent completion of the District’s preceptor program to become our newest paramedics. This is an incredible accomplishment made possible by the hard work of many. Firefighter/Paramedics Jimmy Carter, Steven Foreman, and Matt Hayes did a tremendous job as preceptors in preparing Foster and Miller for their check-off assessment, as well as providing irreplaceable guidance and leadership. Congratulations to Taylor and Andrew!

Pinellas Park Firefighters Awarded 2021 Fire Professional of the Year By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Coordinator

On September 21, the Pinellas County 2021 Fire Professional of the Year Award was presented on behalf of the Pinellas County Fire & EMS system to Firefighter/Paramedic Derek Twardowski and Firefighter/EMT Riley Brennan in appreciation for their dedication to the fire service and in recognition of their heroic efforts during a residential house fire. Earlier this year, Derek and Riley were on Rescue 34 responding to a house fire with reports of heavy smoke showing and victims trapped in the structure. They arrived as the first unit on scene and were told by neighbors that there was an elderly male still inside. They peered inside and saw the man on the floor, so without hesitation, they entered the smokefilled structure and removed the unconscious victim from the burning home to safety. As units began arriving, Riley began treatment on the burn victim’s wife for smoke inhalation while Derek notified dispatch of a trauma alert due to the victim’s second and third degree burns. He began advanced treatment and accompanied the patient in the ambulance to Tampa General Hospital’s Burn Center. Both Derek and Riley show a genuine commitment to serve the citizens of Pinellas Park and risked their own lives in making this heroic rescue. Derek is a 23-year veteran of the Pinellas Park Fire Department. Riley is a third generation firefighter and was hired by Pinellas Park in 2020. Pictured L-R: Pinellas Park Fire Chief Brett Schlatterer; Pinellas County EMS & Fire Administration Director Craig Hare; Pinellas Park FF/EMT Riley Brennan; Pinellas Park FF/Paramedic Derek Twardowski; Pinellas Park Fire Operations Chief Rob Angell.

Flagler-Palm Coast Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year By Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Fire Public Information Officer

Joseph Fajardo, a firefighter with more than five years of service, joined the Palm Coast Fire Department in 2016 as a Firefighter-EMT. He was promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer in December 2020. Above and beyond his duties as a Driver Engineer, Fajardo eagerly accepted the role as the Community Engagement Officer for the fire department. He coordinates public education events, fire prevention activities and the CPR program. Additionally, he established the Fire Department’s Junior Firefighter Program and actively serves as the Program Coordinator. Fajardo was selected for this award because of his commitment to excellence with the Public Education and Fire Prevention programs and for greatly enhancing residents’ quality of life through the department’s community engagement, public education and fire prevention. “Driver Engineer Joseph Fajardo is an emerging leader within the Palm Coast Fire Department,” said Battalion Chief Potter, who nominated Fajardo for the award. “Joe has a servant’s heart. He selflessly and sacrificially serves others and does so with a huge smile on his face.”

Rob Errett Named Firefighter of the Year By Lacy Martin, Marketing Media Manager

On October 6, 2021, the Flagler-Palm Coast Kiwanis Club named Firefighter/Paramedic Rob Errett, 2021 Firefighter of the Year. Errett has more than 17 years of service with Flagler County Fire Rescue and is known to go above the call of duty, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic in which he dedicated the majority of his off days to assisting with testing and vaccinations. When the Department was approached on their nomination for Firefighter of the Year, Errett was on everyone’s mind. Chief Ensalaco, who presented this award at the Kiwanis club, noted many of Errett’s achievements and commitment to the department. Errett left home for two weeks to go to Mexico Beach in order to tend to victims of Hurricane Michael and assist with rescues and tarp placements on roofs. His dedication and care for patients has also been recognized by our local Health Department, who has since hired him on for his off days to assist their agency. Chief Ensalaco said “Rob is someone I can count on and he is always willing to train new people. He is dedicated and he finishes the job by always coming up on top”. Errett said “I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award”.

Eighteen Added to Florida Firefighter Memorial By Michael A. Aaron, Assistant Fire Chief

Taps played this week in the Florida Capitol Courtyard as 18 fallen firefighters were honored for answering their final call and making the ultimate sacrifice. One of the 18 names now inscribed on the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial is Escambia County Fire Rescue District Fire Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw. Bradshaw, 41, lost his life early on the morning November 2019 in the line of duty on scene of a fatal crash on the Muscogee Bridge. He was a volunteer district chief and lived a life of public service. Bradshaw was also a Department of Defense firefighter at Naval Air Station Pensacola, an U.S. Army veteran, a member of the Mississippi Air National Guard and a former police officer in Bay Minette, Alabama. Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis hosted a ‘Ringing of the Bell’ ceremony to honor Florida’s fallen firefighters. He was joined by Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “With each ring, we mark the ending of a final call for the brave souls honored on these walls, the ones who lost their lives bravely and with honor. This year, as we reflect on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and the tragic condo collapse in Surfside, it further emphasizes for everyone the tremendous sacrifices our first responders give to keep our communities safe. God bless these fallen heroes and their families,” Patronis said. “We honor Florida’s firefighters who answered the call for service but did not come home. They dedicated their life to their communities and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

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October 2021

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