Florida Fire Service Magazine - January 2024

THE PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

January 2024 • VOLUME 32 NUMBER 1

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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 - Executive Director Denise Holley - Office Manager

The Power of Social Media . . . . .14

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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 - Executive Director James White - Foundation Chair Leland Greek - Senior Member

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The Family Connection . . . . . . . .16 The Narcissistic Leader . . . . . . . .24 Weighing a Roth Conversion? Don’t Overlook These Five Factors . . .26

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26 FURTHERMORE

Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Anthony Perez Selected as Pasco County Fire Chief. . . . . . . . . . . 10

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Meet the EVT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180

Orange County Fire Rescue’s 2023

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

Meet the Training Professional . . . 20

Squad Academy . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Seminole County Celebrates Opening of New Station . . . . . 21 Martin County Fire Rescue Captain

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.

Serves in Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Palm Coast Firefighters Spread Holiday Cheer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 In brief . . . news from

Florida Fire Service January 2024, Volume 32, Number 1 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 2024 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.

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Harold Theus, Fire Chief FFCA President

Greetings, and hope this message finds you well.

The new year has kicked off to great start with the inaugural Florida Fire Conference having taken place January 8-12 of 2024. I am pleased to report that the Florida Fire Conference exceeded ALL our expectations.

Over the five-day conference, more than 2,100 attendees participated in H.O.T. classes, competed in ALS, RIT, and Firesled competitions, attended seminars, classes and meetings, and walked the exhibit hall to see the offerings of our completely sold-out tradeshow that showcased 217 participating exhibitors. From Public Information Officers to Emergency Vehicle Technicians and of course those men and women who serve as firefighters and EMS personnel who deliver direct services to our communities, our goal was to provide some of the best training possible for all those involved in the fire service.

Combined with about 781 vendor representatives in attendance, the show had an overall estimated foot traffic of 2,890. Based on historical records, this has far exceeded the past six years of Fire-Rescue EAST in Daytona Beach. In terms of revenue, the 2024 conference has also far exceeded the past several years. Although the expense has correspondingly increased as well, overall, we felt it was important to invest in the experience for everyone involved. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the new location and the refreshed direction of the

event; we feel encouraged that we are moving in the right direction.

I am thankful to past presidents and previous board members who had the vision to move the conference from Daytona to Orlando and equally thankful to our current board members for the courage to follow through. I would like to specifically acknowledge Chief Ty Silcox for getting the ball rolling by establishing the Conference Committee during his presidency to discuss and enact the viability of changing locations. The conference would not have been successful without the leadership of our new Executive Director Ngoc Huynh. Director Huynh, Denise Holley, and their team of volunteers and partners deserve our praise. I would like to express my immense appreciation to Valencia College Fire Rescue Institute for providing the facility, and instructors from the Orlando Fire Conference, Orlando Fire Department and Orange County Fire Rescue for working together to allow us to bring live fire and technical hands-on training to the Florida Fire Conference. I would also like to express my deep gratitude for the support of the host department, Orange County Fire Rescue, and its Training Division, for assisting us with every aspect of onsite logistics, providing their recruits and staff to help make everything happen.

We learned a lot in the first year of this conference and look forward to continuing to make improvements for the future years of the Florida Fire Conference.

Legislation is in full swing. Chief Darrel Donatto and our legislative team is following over 71 bills that may have an impact to the fire service. On January 17 and 18, members of the board met with Representatives and Senators, discussing our legislative priorities. I would strongly encourage you to keep up to date by clicking the legislation tab on the FFCA webpage.

A couple of our board members were fortunate to attend the 2024 Florida Hazardous Materials Symposium who celebrated their largest turnout yet. We congratulate them for their incredible success and thank their board and organizers for always welcoming us at their conference. As many of you know, Chief Richard Stilp (Ret.) has been a pivotal figure in the fire service, a cornerstone in both emergency management and hazardous materials response, and a fixture of the Florida Hazardous Materials Symposium. As of this writing, we understand his health is declining and we ask for you to join us in praying for strength for Chief Stilp, his family, friends and those inspired by his example to move the service forward.

Finally, we are excited to announce the Executive Development Conference (EDC) will be held at Tampa Marriott Water Street from July 19-23, 2024. More information will be posted to our website in the coming weeks once details are finalized. We hope to see you there.

Take care and be safe.

February 19-23, 2024 Jacksonville, FL Register at www.ffca.org

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By Rick Spence

W

hen our Pastor first came to our church over fifteen years ago, he started a tradition that is still going strong at our church.

He had everyone think of a “word for the year,” which was to be something that would be our focus or theme for the year. In the past, my words have included, “resilient”, “consistency”, “focus”, and “patience” among others. The goal is to think about our word throughout the year and live our lives in a way that strengthens our faith. And true to form this year, I chose my word for the year, GRATITUDE. When I stop to think about it, I realize I have a tremendous amount of blessings to be thankful for. There is so much that I can be grateful for; I often don’t think about it and may even take it for granted. Prior to writing this, I sat down and made a list of some of the things I need to be grateful for.

Number one should be my family. They have to deal with me and all my quirks and idiosyncrasies more than anyone else. Since we are related, they have to be around me, whether they want to or not. (That is another thing I am grateful for). Something else to be thankful for is the income the fire service has provided for me. We have never lived extravagantly over the years, but my income, and now my pension, has been able to provide a comfortable home and other living necessities (cars, food, clothing, etc) for me and my family.

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I am very thankful I have fairly good health.

The fire service is a very difficult job, and it tears your body down over time. I complain about some of the physical issues I have to deal with, but I appreciate that I am doing good physically, much better than some of our other retirees. I am also grateful for a mind that is still working effectively. I still have times of distraction, forgetfulness, and lapses in good decision making, but for the most part, my brain still works as it was designed. I often think of my father-in-law, who had one of the most brilliant minds I have ever seen (he also did almost 30 years in the fire service) and is now in a memory care facility. That brings to mind another blessing for me, the mentors in my life. My father-in-law was my biggest inspiration in the fire service. He encouraged me to go to the fire academy and believed in me enough to pay for the cost. During my time in the fire service, I have had a handful of people who have taken me under their wings and steered me in the right direction. I am like a turtle on a fencepost, he didn’t get there on his own, he needed help. Likewise, I got to where I am with the help of others. This is something that has not ended in retirement because there are still people I look to for advice and direction. I believe mentorship is something that should never end, and I still seek out strong mentors and appreciate those

who have poured wisdom into me over the years.

There are so many other things that I am grateful for that I do not acknowledge enough.

If I continued to list them, this column would go on for several pages. The main goal of my word, GRATITUDE, is to not take anything or anyone for granted throughout the year. When I phrase it like that, it makes me realize that it is something that I should continue into next year and beyond. I think you will be amazed at how many different things (both big and small) in your life that you can be thankful for. It is a list that will continue to grow almost everyday and something to think about when things are not going in your favor.

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 over 30 years.

Anthony Perez Selected as Pasco County Fire Chief P

asco County Fire Rescue (PCFR) is proud to announce and introduce its new Fire Chief, Anthony Perez. Born and raised in New Jersey, Anthony “Tony” Perez began his career in the fire service with Pasco County as a firefighter in 1997 after having a successful and rewarding adventure in professional sports as a baseball player in the minor leagues. He was with the San Francisco Giants for a couple of years while pursuing an opportunity in the major leagues. There were several attempts with the major leagues with no outcome, so his focus and objectives transitioned to the fire service. His older brother was a firefighter, and Perez always found that career meaningful, rewarding, and fulfilling, so he decided to try it as his new career chapter. When he began working as a firefighter, the principle of service and protection of fellow men resonated with him, and he immediately became very passionate in the field. He transitioned to Tampa Fire Rescue, working on the fire grounds as a firefighter, and eventually worked his way up the leadership ladder from firefighter to paramedic, to driver engineer, to captain, to District Chief, to Shift Commander, then Chief of Operations, and resumed his career with TFR as Personnel Chief. He honorably served Tampa Fire Rescue and the Tampa Bay community for over two decades, but Pasco remained his home.

When it was announced that Pasco County Fire Rescue was on the search for their new Fire Chief, Chief Perez could not turn down the chance to come back to his home – to work and protect where he, his family, and the community members he loves, live. The Board of County Commissioners appointed Chief Perez as Pasco County Fire Chief during the July 11, 2023, Board Meeting, with an official start of July 31, 2023.

For a start date so recent, you may be surprised to hear just how much progression and conquests Chief Perez has already accomplished. Right off the bat, we need to discuss his commitment and unwavering perseverance when it comes to establishing and maintaining relationships and a connection to the men and women on his front lines. Chief Perez, having worked for PCFR in the past, as well as teaching and mentoring positions, had a foundation of already established relationships that he needed to build upon when he became

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Pasco’s Chief. Chief Perez welcomed this challenge- he wanted to meet and connect with ALL of his personnel. Chief Perez completed this effort in a little over two and a half months – 87 station visits, nearly 100 hours, in a little over two and a half months. Once completed, Chief Perez restarted the program to continue a perpetual rotation of connecting with his men and women and maintains an active presence for them. In addition to this, Chief Perez has thoroughly evaluated processes and procedures, budgets, and the overall organization of the department, that ultimately led to strategic and innovative modifications that significantly improve and modernize the department to best serve the citizens of Pasco County.

Chief Perez is on the cusp of leading PCFR through a revolutionary time in Pasco County Fire Rescue history, as we begin the process to prepare and strategize a blueprint of implementation of a fourth shift (“D” shift) to make the agency one of the few fire departments in the State of Florida on a 24/72 work schedule. This will allow our first responders to have more time at home with their families and increase their quality of life and mental health by affording them additional time to decompress after responding to critical and traumatic incidents. He has explored and implemented several avenues and resources for mental health treatment access for his personnel and worked with applicable partners to negotiate substantial salary increases to bring the pay of the men and women on the front lines into alignment with regional standards. He has restructured the organizational ladder to encompass the most operationally efficient positions and subsequentially eliminated problematic “red tape”. Additionally, he has worked on standardizing equipment, uniforms, and protocol. He has developed the first ever Officer Development program for leaders of the agency, scheduled to launch at the end of January 2024. This program will guide the current and future leaders of the department to reach for their highest potential in their role, as well as inspire and mold those they mentor to do the same for the future generations of Pasco County. His ultimate goal is to set the agency and community up for success, long after his leadership as Fire Chief.

Chief Perez is a man of faith, strength, and principle, and holds strong values in a family dynamic and charitable culture. He enjoys giving back and connecting with his

community while empowering and mentoring others.

He is also a national speaker for the fire service with a focus on leadership, and tactical training, while also investing in his own personal and professional development. In his free time, he is very dedicated to his wife, Jennie, family, and friends. He enjoys traveling nationally and internationally with his family to explore different cultures and landscapes. He loves visiting ballparks nationwide and enjoys sports events, primarily football and baseball.

On many occasions, he will enjoy a low-key staycation to do work around his home which is one of his outlets.

Chief Perez undoubtedly brings groundbreaking concepts and profound leadership to the organization – He also keeps his team well informed and involved in the mission to protect and serve the community of Pasco County, in addition to consulting the team for historical background and operational feedback when appropriate, and we are excited to see where he will lead this department.

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Fire service tenure and career journey.

My name is Marcus Moreno. I began my career 15 years ago as a Lube Technician for Goodyear Tire and Rubber. Due to my wife’s carreer in the Air Force, I have held many different jobs in different parts of the country. Everything from a small ‘mom and pop’ motorsports shop in New Mexico, to BMW Manufacturing in South Carolina. Though I did have some fire apparatus experience while working for other municipalities, it wasn’t until I came to Palm Bay that I was able to dive deep into the fire service, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that have come with it. Since joining the city two and a half years ago, I have been able to earn my F1-F6 EVT Certificates and look forward to finishing my ASE’s to earn my master’s.

Explain the fleet and variety of fire service vehicles you work on throughout each week.

Palm Bay’s fleet consists of nine pumpers, three tenders, two platforms, and one straight stick aerial. We also have ten different brush trucks that consist of Ford

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chassis and repurposed military fiveton, two and a half-ton and FMTVs. All of this, as well as multiple pick-ups trucks and SUVs for support staff and command staff, are all serviced and repaired in-house. We have some of our testing done by third parties, but everything else is performed by me, or one of our other technicians.

What are some unique aspects of your role as an EVT? Every vehicle brings a new adventure! Due to the variety of landscape and environment we have in the city, we encounter a large variety of concerns. Keeping these trucks up and running so that the firefighters have one less thing to worry about is my goal. I don’t think I have had more than one or two similar concerns since I've started. I find this great because it keeps us fresh and on our toes. It has also been an honor to be a part of multiple apparatus building communities.

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The Power of Social Media

By Ashley Gipson, Public Information Officer, Orange County Fire Rescue Department

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ocial media has become a powerful tool for fire departments. It can be utilized for a variety of purposes including recruitment, providing timely communications to internal and external stakeholders, enhancing the department’s reputation, and showcasing the efforts of personnel. Although each social media platform is different, with varying user demographics and unique algorithms, they all have the same goal- to connect with people.

Orange County Fire Rescue has three social media platforms managed by the Office of Public Information- Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Social media analytics reveal that Instagram attracts a younger audience, therefore we tailor the content posted on this particular platform towards the average 18-25 year old, making it the perfect platform for recruitment. More visual, edgier photos and videos do well on Instagram; examples include active fires, extrications, high angle rescues and of course- any and all animal rescues. The

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message we try to convey: You want to work here. This is the coolest job ever.

In contrast, Facebook has a slightly older demographic and is primarily utilized by what we affectionately refer to as the “Moms”. This is where we share a lot of our “feel good” content- community relations (parades, school visits, Open Houses), personnel shout outs, fire safety messaging, etc. It’s common for a significant amount of engagement on these posts to be from the family members and friends of our personnel, someone who either knows someone who works for the department or often, someone positively impacted through an interaction with our department.

The platform X (which will forever be Twitter to many of us), is utilized primarily for breaking news. This is where we disseminate information on major events in real-time. This form of mass communication proves beneficial when you need to get the right information to the right people at the right time, whether it is a two-alarm fire garnering a lot of media interest or a car

crash that has shut down a major highway just before rush hour. During Hurricane Ian in 2022, X played a vital role in my ability to communicate to both local and national news regarding water rescue operations, storm updates, and important safety messaging.

While it was impossible to answer the hundreds of calls and emails I was receiving in the immediate aftermath of the storm, I was able to depend on social media to help me keep the public informed. It was standing in knee-deep water, with 50+ mph wind gusts, sending a Tweet on where our firefighters were and what they were doing- that I truly understood the power of social media.

There are also many social media management programs that offer valuable insight into each platform and understanding your audience, which can be helpful when strategizing on how to effectively utilize social media. It is not a one size fits all- what works for one platform, may not work for another.

What is successful on Instagram may not perform as well on Facebook or X. I highly recommend departments invest in these programs, as they are a great asset when it comes to leveraging social media to meet the needs of your citizens.

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The Family Connection A Missed Opportunity for Firefighter Wellness

By Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD

R

ecently, I presented at a fire service state leadership conference. In a gathering after the conference, the topic of involving the family in firefighter wellness came up.

Almost universally, the fire service leaders present said they didn’t see a need for this.

But here’s the catch: Many of their spouses were there, too, and they said the opposite – they craved information and involvement.

As the wife of a fire captain and a clinical psychologist specializing in working with first responder families, I live this issue both personally and professionally. Family members are uniquely positioned to observe and influence firefighter wellness – which has a direct impact on the contribution the firefighter makes to the department. But too often, fire service leaders are missing this connection, leaving a valuable opportunity on the table.

The Family-Work Connection Regardless of our occupations, what happens to us at work affects us at home, and vice versa. But within the fire service, this family-work connection is greatly magnified.

Fire service families regularly sacrifice for the 911 system. Just consider: • When a community crisis happens or natural disaster in your area, most people are trying to make it home to their family. Our spouses are more likely to headed to the emergency.

• We’re headed out on a date night and see a car accident no one has yet responded to. Most people call 911. Our spouses get out of the car and start doing what they can until others arrive on scene.

• There’s a crisis at home – maybe your kid goes into the emergency room, the water heater goes out, a fence blows down. Most people will leave work to tend to these family needs. Fire spouses, however, are more likely

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to get directions over the phone on how to handle it and the message that they “really don’t want to have to leave work if they can avoid it … how bad is it?”

Not to mention, we regularly give up nights, holidays, and vacations to support our partner’s occupational choice. We learn to be OK with them being gone at a moment’s notice. We adapt our whole life to support them. We battle with knowing their career carries high risks – not just of injury or death on the job, but long-term health impacts such as cancer and heart disease.

Without effective coping mechanisms, these factors create stress on the relationship that can in turn affect firefighter performance and have an operational impact on the department. Just consider the inevitable call home to report that you’re going to be forced back. Without open communication and a plan to handle these situations, the firefighter may feel they simply cannot ask their spouse to sacrifice yet again.

So they go home sick to avoid the extra shift.

Pretty soon, they’re maxed out on sick time, possibly looking at taking mental health leave, or even leaving the job all together.

And the department is in a bigger staffing dilemma than ever.

The good news is there are effective strategies to help families cope with the stress of a fire career and to help family members prevent firefighters from developing many of the physical and mental health issues prevalent in the fire service. In fact, family is a force multiplier you’re probably not using to support firefighter wellness.

The Family as Force Multiplier Fire service work puts firefighters at higher risk for sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, heart disease, cancer, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Family is

the “smoke detector” that can call an early warning for any of these issues – but only if they know to look for them. Any firefighter can (and will) say they’re fine if questioned at work, but at home, it’s much harder to hide.

The spouse will know if the firefighter is drinking more, having nightmares or panic attacks, if their mood is off more than it’s on.

The spouse will see that before the firefighter’s coworkers do.

So it’s a missed opportunity when departments fail to educate fire families about the common warning signs. Without this context, spouses and other family members may conclude such symptoms are normal, or they may fail to connect it back to the job. For instance, if their partner is detached, unmotivated, and isolated, they may just assume the firefighter is unhappy in the relationship. They might not think to ask, was the firefighter exposed to trauma they are having trouble processing?

But family plays another force-multiplying role. If departments can help firefighter families effectively understand and manage the stresses of the job, they will reduce the chances of health and relationship issues occurring in the first place. A key example involves what Dr. Kevin Gilmartin calls the hypervigilance rollercoaster. During a busy shift, a firefighter goes into hypervigilance and the body gets depleted. So when they come home, they may be exhausted. The need to recover – to sleep, or to exercise to process the stress hormones. But their spouse – who has been alone, or single-parenting, for 24 or 48 hours or more – is likely expecting the firefighter to take over or at the very least to be present in family activities.

If departments talk about this with families, the message is often, “Your firefighter is going through a lot on the job, so when they

come home, you need to be sympathetic.”

That’s a start, but it leaves families asking, “What about us?” We need to acknowledge that the spouse and family have needs too and provide ways to help them manage this lifestyle.

How to Support the Firefighter Family Wellness Connection Although some departments are doing a good job with family outreach, there is so much more we can be doing. Let’s think of it as falling into two buckets: 1. Helping the family better understand and manage risks 2. Helping reduce family stress so the firefighter can perform better The first bucket is really about education.

As I noted, the family is best positioned to see the early warning signs that something isn’t right. Education about what to expect should start in the academy and continue throughout the firefighter’s career. Consider holding a “micro-academy” for family members, hosting annual family health days, and starting family support groups. These are great ways to share information, including: • The physical and mental health risks firefighters face • Red flags that indicate a firefighter may be having health issues • What to do when you see red flags – e.g., how to access EAP or peer support • Wellness lifestyle choices that can help reduce risks We want our families to identify when something’s off because they see it early, when intervention is most effective. Equally important is enlisting the family in supporting healthy habits. If the spouse is the one who does the grocery shopping and prepares the meals, then certainly it’s helpful for them to know

their spouse is at greater risk for heart disease and have access to healthy recipes that can lower that risk. Similarly, the family needs to know that exercise is essential for firefighters.

Understanding how exercise can help the firefighter manage hypervigilance and stay fit for duty changes it from being seen as an indulgence to a way of taking care of themselves so they can be there for their family over the long term.

The second bucket is perhaps more difficult but equally important. Education is a start, but when it comes to managing the firefighter’s schedule, many families still feel helpless. They need practical tools to help them sit down and map out how they’re going to manage shift work, callbacks, overtime, and seasonal deployments.

Departments can bring experts in to facilitate these conversations.

In my practice, many firefighters defer almost completely to their spouse to manage the family schedule. They even talk of “floating in and out” of family life. Fire departments that can reach the person in charge of what’s happening at home unlock a big opportunity to influence firefighter wellness. Let’s engage the spouse in figuring out what the transition from work to home needs to look like, when the firefighter will need time for exercise or down time, and how that can fit in with everything else the family has going on.

Fire service leaders can also get creative with scheduling to try to alleviate stress, even as mandatory overtime is required. Let’s return to that scenario of the firefighter being once again forced back. Without a family system in place, the firefighter will be reluctant, even afraid, to call their spouse to say they won’t be coming home. The spouse will be resentful and angry. They will both

experience increased stress – and the department will pay the price.

But if the department provides options – for example, being able to choose from several extra shifts over the next several days – the stress is somewhat alleviated. And if the department has provided the family with calendaring tools to help identify what can be moved around, what can’t, what can be sacrificed and what can’t, the conversation centers around what option is best – rather than leaving the firefighter feeling guilty and the spouse to pick up the pieces.

You Need Us on Board!

It’s time we stopped thinking about firefighter wellness as a firefighter issue. Yes, every firefighter must take responsibility for their well-being and work to reduce physical and mental health risks. But departments that fail to engage the family in firefighter wellness are missing a powerful tool. We play a huge role in helping firefighters stay resilient, prioritize their physical and mental wellness, and stay on the job – factors every fire service leader should care about.

Dr. Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed clinical psychologist in California, specializing in work with first responder families. She serves as the 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

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By Jesse Canales, Assistant Public Information Officer, Orange County Fire Rescue

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or the first time in the department’s history, Orange County Fire Rescue’s Squad Academy class graduated with a 100% completion rate. This achievement was no easy feat, candidates dedicated a quarter of the year to the Squad Academy. The men and women of the program earned the honor of being part of the Squad program. Friends, family, and mentors joined the new Squad Techs on December 15, 2023, to celebrate their accomplishment.

Squad Academy is the final step in the process of becoming an Orange County Fire Rescue Squad Tech. Before applying to Squad Academy, candidates attended classes and earned a certification— a total of 520 training hours in Vehicle and Machinery Rescue, Rope

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Rescue, Trench Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Structural Collapse, and Hazardous Materials. The candidates then took a written test and the top twelve scoring candidates were invited to attend the Squad Academy.

The level of commitment showcased by the candidates was exceptional. A shift “friendly” schedule was anything but friendly. Normally, a firefighter works one day on, two days off— but there was never an “off day” for the candidates. After working their regular shift, candidates trained on their first day off, and the following day attended Squad Academy for official training. This was their schedule every three days for four months.

Why would a Firefighter put themselves through this? For the opportunity to wear the

Squad Eagle on their chest. The Eagle represents the highest level of training the department provides. The Eagle means they are trusted on the fire ground, and officers look to them to assist in their decision making. It means they are the first to get called upon to complete a difficult mission, and the last to leave a hazardous environment to ensure that all personnel are out. The Eagle gives firefighters the privilege to respond to technical rescues, special hazards, and fires— all while getting the job done in a safe and efficient manner that puts the patients first. Ultimately, these men and women are in a very small, select community of firefighters with the honor of being in the OCFRD Squad Program.

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Name: Herbert Tyler Department: National Rescue Consultants County: Palm Beach County Fire Service Tenure: 19 years Career Journey: Herbert Tyler has been a student of the Fire Service for over 19 years and holds a degree in Fire Science & EMS Science. Herbert is a state certified Fire Instructor II, Fire Officer II, Safety Officer, and FEMA FL Task Force 2 Rescue Specialist.

Form of Government: Herbert Tyler is a career firefighter and holds the rank of Lieutenant.

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What made you create National Rescue Consultants?

Like others before me I have continuously dedicated time outside of work to further my knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the job. As I built my toolbox learning from various institutions, I remember at times having a phenomenal experience as well as times finishing a class feeling the training company left a lot to be desired. I always wondered how my learning experience would be improved if every company and instructor approached the class with the same motivation and enthusiasm I had when I signed up to learn a new skill. With that in mind, I thought what better way to teach my fellow firefighter’s as well as the future generations than to create a company that placed students in an atmosphere that is not only dedicated to teaching the latest trends, but a company that had the same enthusiasm as the students who are sitting in the class? With these few ideas in mind, National Rescue Consultants was born.

What training challenges do you see facing the fire service today?

One of the biggest challenges I see today is

the use of online training in lieu of hands-on, instructor guided, education. While this can be convenient for people who are busy outside of work, in my humble opinion nothing compares to receiving hands-on instruction as well as an opportunity to demonstrate newly developed skills in a controlled setting.

Explain the structure of your training program and how it is implemented.

At National Resue Consultants, we have formulated a training program that gives our students a hands-on experience in real world scenarios. Every program’s instructor to student ratio is designed to allow each student to receive appropriate instruction and the opportunity to be “hands on,” as opposed simply being an outside observer. Our programs are based on the latest research and trends that give our students the opportunity to learn with state-of-the-art equipment, under direct supervision of trained instructors who have a genuine interest in our students understanding every aspect of the disciplines we are teaching them.

What’s the future for the fire service as you see it?

The future of the fire service as I see it is a mix with some old and new “traditions.” Hands on training by skilled and dedicated instructors will always put firefighters in a position that will allow them to develop and practice the skills they need to be assets to their departments and the communities they serve. With that being said, there is a place in today’s fire service for online education that has to be accepted and utilized to coincide with the methods of yesteryear. Training and continuing education will always be the backbone of a great firefighter and as we say at National Rescue Consultants, “Train to Live!”

Seminole County Celebrates Opening of New Station

By Doreen Overstreet, APR, Public Safety Information & Education Officer, Seminole County Fire Department

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he Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD), in partnership with the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Altamonte Springs, recently celebrated the opening of the brand new Fire Station 11, located at 2721 S. Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Altamonte Springs.

The $5.78 million station was built less than a quarter mile from its original home, allowing the station to continue serving its existing firstdue area of nearly 13,000 residents while providing ample space to house the station’s increased capabilities and meet the needs of a growing community. The land for the station, located adjacent to the Altamonte Springs SunRail Station, was generously donated by the City of Altamonte Springs. The City also contributed $2 million toward the construction.

Fire Station 11 was originally constructed in 1974 on State Road 427. It was then relocated in 1978 to the larger City of Altamonte Springs municipal complex on Newburyport Avenue. The station served residents as part of the Altamonte Springs Fire Department until its merger with the Seminole County Fire Department in 2002. SCFD’s founding Fire Chief, Gary Kaiser, even started his career at Fire Station 11.

The new station, based on the same design from CT Hsu + Associates as Fire Station 29 in Jamestown/Oviedo, includes 10,300 total square feet of living and apparatus space that incorporates updates based on firefighters’ feedback. The facility includes a slate of modern safety features, including a direct source exhaust capture system for apparatus, a self-contained PPE storage room, a fueling depot, and an emergency standby generator. Crew facilities include a kitchen, sleeping quarters, offices, fitness equipment, and EMS supply storage. Three apparatus bays house vehicles and equipment to support a variety of response capabilities, including Engine 11, Rescue 11, Boat 11 for water rescues/responses, Woods Truck 11 for wildland firefighting, and ATV 11 for trails responses.

“Fire Station 11 has a special place in our department’s 50-year history, and our opening of a new home for it represents an important new chapter in that history,” said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley.

“Station 11 has been a fixture in this community for decades, and the Seminole County Fire Department has been privileged to be its steward for more than 20 years. A fire station is more than a building – it’s a home for our crews, a hub for our lifesaving capabilities, and a place that

embraces the community it proudly serves. This new fire station allows our crews to do their job faster, safer, and more effectively, to the benefit of the residents they serve.”

“This station represents a key part of the important relationship we have with our valued City of Altamonte Springs municipal partner,” said Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chair Jay Zembower.

“The safety and well-being of our residents is a responsibility that transcends jurisdictional boundaries. Our residents can rest easy at night knowing that we are working together to ensure they continue to receive the effective and efficient public safety services that make Seminole County a great place to live.”

“When the City first proposed this partnership to Seminole County to relocate the existing fire station to another city-owned property, we knew this would be a true win for both our first responders as well as taxpayers,” said City of Altamonte Springs Mayor Pat Bates. “We were thrilled when the County was receptive. Local governments should work together to create better service delivery and better outcomes for our residents and businesses.”

Last year, Fire Station 11 ran more than 6,465 responses and it is currently Seminole County Fire Department’s fourth busiest station.

Today, it serves more than 12,896 residents and 5,466 households in its first due area. Crews at Fire Station 11 remain committed to serving the community by participating in smoke alarm installs with the American Red Cross of Central Florida and leading education programs with local schools and the East Altamonte Boys & Girls Club, located less than a mile from the new station.

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Martin County Fire Rescue Captain Serves in Israel

By Cory Pippin, Community Relations Liaison, Martin County Board of County Commissioners

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artin County Fire Rescue Captain Charles “Chuck” Gordils spent nearly a month in Israel at the end of 2023, serving first responders and civilians caught in the middle of ongoing war.

Gordils, a 32-year fire service veteran, left in October and joined 24 other first responders who were chosen by the U.S. non-profit organization Emergency Volunteer Project (EVP).

He said he was inspired to act following the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7.

“Israel lost four firefighters and 13 paramedics; they died within the first 48 hours. They were understaffed to run all their calls,” explained Capt. Gordils, “They hadn’t been home, and they were working every day for 24 hours. I couldn’t sleep anymore. I thought, what am I doing here on the sidelines?”

Gordils sought out EVP, and after being selected, spent roughly three weeks assisting in firefighting, search and rescue/recovery, medical treatment, and other operations in the war-torn region.

He previously deployed to help in New York following 9/11, and in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, but Gordils said the front lines of war is unlike anything he’s experienced. ” You’re responding to fires, you’re helping people, but at the same time, there are rockets flying over your head and there’s machine gun fire,” Capt. Gordils said, “We heard shelling over and over again. The

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ground was shaking, and you could feel it in your boots.”

Gordils safely returned in November to decompress for a few days before jumping right back into his role as a firefighter serving the community of Martin County.

Still, his time in Israel weighs heavily on his mind. ”I couldn’t believe the destruction I saw. We responded to a building that was hit by a missile and went up nine stories to help remove victims from inside,” said Gordils, “We found a woman and two young children inside a bomb shelter. Thankfully, they weren’t hurt, but it’s the kind of thing you never forget.”

While he’s thrilled to be back with his wife and family, Gordils said he still feels a calling to go back to the Middle East. ”My wife and kids and grandkids were beyond relieved to have me back in one piece, but I did feel like there was so much work left to be done,” Gordils said.

Capt. Gordils said he plans to return to Israel in the spring.

The Narcissistic Leader

By Dr. Eric Smith, EFO, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Barry University

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arcissism is a personality trait that includes feelings of grandiosity, arrogance, self-centeredness, fragile self-esteem, and outward hostility. Narcissistic leaders are generally motivated by a need for power and admiration rather the needs of their subordinates. Paradoxically, narcissists often possess the charisma, vision, and critical thinking skills necessary to successfully lead an organization. Unfortunately, however, the negative traits of the narcissistic leader nearly always outweigh the positives.

Although narcissistic leadership characteristics are mostly negative, there is, however, one positive narcissistic leadership quality—- The ability to lead with vision.

Narcissistic leaders understand the importance of having a vision in which subordinates believe.

These leaders are able to see and shape the big picture in order to meet both their needs and the needs of the organization. Unfortunately, it’s a sure bet that sooner or later the negative traits of the narcissistic leader are going to make an appearance. These negatives include: 1. A desire to be admired: There is nothing wrong in seeking to be respected and admired by subordinates. Narcissists have a gift for attracting followers. They are nearly always charismatic and charming with hyper-developed verbal skills.

2. Unable to take constructive criticism: Normally, narcissists are extremely sensitive to constructive feedback. They view criticism as a personal attack and often lash out at their critics.

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3. Inability to listen: Narcissistic leaders are not good listeners. To them, communication is one way and is only important if it is coming from them. Narcissists believe input from subordinates is of little value, and as such, they mostly disregard it.

4. Relationship management: Healthy narcissistic leaders show real concern for other people, and do not devalue the ideas and thoughts of others. However, leaders exhibiting destructive narcissism tendencies find no value in the ideas of others. They often try to embarrass and humiliate people with different viewpoints.

5. The inability to take criticism: Narcissists are usually hyper sensitive, and this makes them react harshly to criticism and brood over it endlessly. They cannot tolerate perceived slights or dissenting opinions and can be quite abrasive with those that voice a negative opinion.

6. Consistency: If a leader has a healthy level of narcissism, they will have a set of values, the ability to follow a consistent path, and will usually follow through with plans. However, when narcissism turns destructive, you have a leader with no apparent values, changes direction frequently, and is easily bored.

7. Uses generalizations: Narcissistic leaders exaggerate to achieve their goals. They use words like “always” and “never” to enhance their perspective. They play fast and loose with the truth.

8. Competitive: A narcissistic leader is “ruthlessly” competitive. They are relentless in their pursuit of victory. They take games seriously and see them as a test of their strength and survival skills. Many narcissistic leaders are ethically and morally challenged and feel strongly that the end justifies the means.

9. Possess poor mentoring skills: Since they lack empathy and are extremely self-reliant, it is very difficult for a narcissistic leader to mentor someone or to be mentored. When they do act as a mentor, they instruct and lecture rather than coach and try and make their mentees into smaller, paler clones of themselves.

Narcissism by itself is not necessarily a negative trait. When an organization is healthy and doing well, a narcissistic leader’s attitude can remain healthy by internalizing the organization’s success as a direct result of their leadership. The dark side of this kind of leader manifests itself when the organization experiences a downturn, or other issues and problems. This is the point where the narcissistic leader begins to point the finger and blame everyone else for the organization problems.

Hopefully, your organization will never have to experience the pain of toxic narcissism. But now you’ll know it when you see it; and if you see it early enough you may be able to take steps to stop it before it spirals out of control.

By Daniel Rey

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onversions to Roth IRAs can have wideranging consequences on your finances, so look at the big picture before you make your move.

Most investors understand that they need diversification in their portfolios. As a result, they are fairly good about settling on a mix of aggressive, moderate-risk, and low-risk investments.

But one area people often fail to account for — especially when saving for retirement — is diversification of the tax status of their assets.

Take a look at the retirement accounts of many Americans, and you will likely see they are heavily weighted toward IRA, 401(k), 457, and 403(b) accounts. People rely on that savings for their retirement income, along with Social Security and perhaps a pension.

All of those retirement income sources have something in common, though: They are taxable.

Think about that for a moment. We wisely hedge our market risks by diversifying, but we fail to hedge against the notion that based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, taxes will likely go up sometime in the future and that our tax rate may be higher in retirement than it is today.

Of course, one astute way to mitigate that tax risk is to convert pre-tax dollars to tax-free dollars. And a popular strategy for doing that is to convert a tax-deferred account to a Roth IRA. Unlike with a traditional IRA or other taxdeferred account, you don’t pay taxes when you make a withdrawal from your Roth account because it’s not considered taxable income (provided you follow the Roth IRA distribution

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rules).

Yes, you do pay taxes when you make the conversion, but that’s at today’s tax rates, not future rates. Also, if you follow the IRS rules regarding distributions, a Roth grows tax-free.

Although a Roth conversion can be an effective tax planning strategy, there are a few things to keep in mind as you weigh whether to take the plunge and decide how much money you should convert in a given year. Those include: 1. Roth Conversions and the Cost of Medicare Part B Premiums You’ve likely heard that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. That sometimes applies to a Roth conversion. If you are at an age where you are anticipating signing up for Medicare — or you are already there — you need to be cautious about how much of your retirement savings you convert to a Roth in a given year. This is because the cost of your Medicare Part B premium is determined based on your modified adjusted gross income from two years prior.

The standard monthly premium in 2023 for Medicare Part B is $164.90, which applies to individuals making $97,000 or less and married couples filing jointly making $194,000 or less.

As income goes up, so do those monthly premiums. In all, there are six levels of premiums, with the highest being $560.50 a month.

Additionally, you should consider that these numbers may change year to year. For example, in 2024, the Medicare Part B premiums will be $174.70, an increase of $9.80 (this applies to individuals making less than $103,000 or

married couples earning less than $206,000). If you are wondering what the highest premium will be in 2024, it is $594, an increase of $33.50!

So, when you look at the net benefit of a Roth conversion, you need to consider all the costs related to the conversion. How much will the conversion raise your taxable income for the year, and will that bump you into a higher Medicare Part B premium over the next two years?

2. How Roth Conversions Can Affect Social Security and Taxes Yes, your Social Security benefits can be taxed. In fact, up to as much as 85% of your Social Security benefit is potentially taxable.

Your provisional income is what determines whether and how much of your Social Security is taxed. Provisional income is the total of half of your Social Security benefit, plus your taxexempt interest, plus the other sources of taxable income that make up your adjusted gross income, including pensions, wages, and dividends. If your provisional income is: • Under $25,000 (for singles) or $32,000 (married couples filing jointly), you pay no federal income taxes on Social Security • From $25,000-$34,000 (for singles) or $32,000 to $44,000 (married couples), up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable • Above those income limits, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable So, if you are already drawing Social Security, a Roth conversion could increase your income enough to have an impact. This is one reason why it’s beneficial to begin making those Roth conversions when you are younger, before you are drawing Social Security.

3. Roth Contribution Limits The government doesn’t let you put an unlimited amount in a Roth each year and, in some cases, doesn’t let you contribute to a Roth at all. For 2023, the maximum contribution to a Roth IRA is $6,500 annually if you are younger than 50. Those 50 and older can contribute an extra $1,000, for a total of $7,500.

Also, income limits apply. To contribute the maximum, your adjusted gross income can’t exceed $138,000 if you are single, or $218,000 if you are married filing jointly. Beyond that, the amount you can contribute begins to be phased out, and you can’t contribute anything if you are single and your income is $153,000 or more, or married filing jointly with an income of $228,000 or more.

One thing to remember, though, is that while those with high incomes can’t contribute directly to a Roth IRA, there are no income restrictions on Roth conversions.

4. Withdrawal Restrictions for Roths It’s important to know that there are stipulations for accessing the money in your Roth tax-free. You can withdraw the contributions you make to a Roth IRA at any time, whatever your age, without owing taxes or a 10% early-withdrawal penalty. But to withdraw any earnings tax-free and penalty-free, you must be at least 59, and you must have waited at least

five years after opening a new Roth account.

For those making Roth conversions, you must wait five years after the conversion or until you are at least 59 before you can withdraw the converted amount without paying the 10% penalty. Earnings on conversions are tax-free and penalty-free as long as the owner is 59 and has had the money in the Roth IRA for at least five years.

5. Other Roth Benefits: RMDs and a Tax-Free Legacy With tax-deferred accounts, such as traditional IRAs, 457s, 403(b)s, or 401(k)s, you must start withdrawing a certain percentage when you reach age 72 (or 73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022), whether you want to or not. This is called a required minimum distribution, or RMD, and it is fully taxable. But there is no RMD for a Roth. You can leave the money untouched as long as you like if other income is taking care of your needs. Also, an additional benefit is that you can pass the Roth account to your family after you die, tax-free.

Clearly, there are plenty of reasons to consider a Roth conversion in your personal plan, but as you can see, how well it will work for you depends on variables such as your income, other assets, and your goals. Your financial professional or tax planner can give you guidance on how to responsibly approach a

conversion for your specific situation — and get some tax diversification in the process.

Information provided should not be considered as tax advice from GWN Securities, Inc. or its representatives. Please consult with your tax professional.

Ronnie Blair contributed to this article.

Daniel Rey, CEO and Wealth Manager at Voyage Retirement Solutions, is committed to providing customized financial solutions for fire service members and their families. With a passion for helping others and a deep understanding of the financial landscape, Daniel created the Retirement Navigator. The Retirement Navigator is a disciplined and written plan that is proprietary to Voyage for the benefit of the people they serve. Daniel leads his team with integrity and a dedication to putting clients first.

If you’re interested in meeting with Daniel to discuss your financial future, you can contact him at 888501-3063 or Hello@VoyageRetirement.com. Also, ask us about free educational workshops for your department.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through GWN SECURITIES, INC. a Registered Investment Advisor. 11440 N Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 561-472-2700 Member FINRA, SIPC. Voyage Retirement Solutions and GWN Securities, Inc. are not affiliated.

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Palm Coast Firefighters Spread Holiday Cheer

By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer, Palm Coast Fire Department

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he Palm Coast Fire Department along with Professional Firefighters Local 4807 were successful in spreading holiday cheer by hosting the 5th annual Heroes and Helpers Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 23. The event was hosted by the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Local 4807 and their local charity, Palm Coast Firefighters Benevolent Fund Inc. Lieutenant Patrick Juliano, Lieutenant Daniel

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Hackney, and Driver Engineer Dylan Mulligan coordinated the event — all officers of Firefighters Local 4807.

“We wanted to bring some joy and spread the love we have for our community to our community,” said Strozier. “We wanted to uplift the spirits of the children in the community and give them something to remember when they are older.”

This year’s event was jam-packed with over 500 children and adults in attendance. Funding was provided by a grant from Target and the amazing staff at Super Target of Palm Coast. “Our friends at the Super Target of Palm Coast, who have always been great partners, came in and helped to make this event possible,” said Lieutenant Juliano. “The Palm Coast Professional Firefighters recognize the importance of being involved in the community, ensuring that we have developed community relationships and understanding the needs of the community before the call” Juliano continued. “Opportunities like Heroes and Helpers builds a community and strengthens relationships by meeting with the community. We wanted to bring a little Christmas to the community we love and make spirits brighter this holiday season.”

“Doing without asking,” said Palm Coast Fire Chief Berryhill. “These inspiring folks looked outward to the community to meet their needs and not their own. Their selfless acts and willingness to make Palm Coast a better place, everyday, is encouraging.”

Santa Claus arrived from the North Pole to the Palm Coast Community Center aboard a Palm Coast Fire Engine. The role of Santa Claus was played by local talent Ric Giumenta. In addition to taking photos with Santa Claus, all of the children were provided with a small gift.

“I want to commend our Palm Coast Firefighters who selflessly serve our community every day for their efforts in going above and beyond” said Mayor David Alfin. “They are enhancing the spirit of our great community and making memories for families to cherish for a lifetime.”

This year’s event has sparked so much interest that the Palm Coast Professional Firefighters have already started planning next year’s event.

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Cedar Hammock Fire Recognizes Top Honors

Randy Holmes Celebrates 30 Years of Service

By Dr. Kyle Bradshaw, Fire Chief

By Lieutenant Patrick J. Juliano, Public Information Officer

Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue recognizes individuals that excel in their roles. They consistently provide excellent internal and external customer service, setting the example for others to follow.

Firefighter Marco Nepomuceno is the 2023 Exemplary Duty Award recipient. Marco consistently trains hard, excels at his position, and sets the bar of excellence for others to follow. In just over three years he has amassed an impressive fifty-two classes with a focus on ladder/truck company operations, engine company operations, search and rescue operations, Mayday and RIC operations, firefighter survival and technical rescue classes. His drive, passion, and discipline are driving him to be better every day, leading by example.

Captain Bradley Jones is the 2023 Fire Officer of the Year Award recipient. He continues to work at the highest of levels and continues to increase his level of education at every opportunity. In addition to advancing his educational qualifications, he is also delivering the utmost level of educational guidance to fire school candidates in our community. He brings an enthusiastic brotherhood type atmosphere to the shift.

His forward-thinking mindset and willingness to explore new ideas have contributed to the success of various improvements and changes within the organization. His actions and behaviors consistently align with our organization’s values, reflecting a deep commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence. His dedication to upholding these values has had a positive impact on our workplace culture and the well-being of our employees.

Firefighter Paul Reda is the 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award recipient.

FF Reda personifies excellence in firefighting and has earned the mutual respect and admiration of both peers and supervisors. FF Reda has been a leader in the District and the community. FF Reda has been a valuable asset to the District for over two decades.

In 2019, he was elected as the DVP for IAFF Local 2546.

He led the District through contract negotiations in 2023 with the primary focus on moving the District forward.

He was an original member of the TRT team at its inception, and he has maintained the BLS certification for the department for more than eight years. He is continuing his career path with the District by recently promoting to Fire Inspector and is now working on his Fire Investigator certification.

Palm Coast Fire Department congratulates Battalion Chief Randy Holmes for 30 years of service to Palm Coast Fire Department.

Chief Holmes has an impressive career, notably marked by his outstanding contributions during the 1998 wildfires that wrought havoc upon Palm Coast.

He orchestrated and directed operations that successfully safeguarded homes in the F-section.

His remarkable efforts during this period afforded him the honor of introducing President Bill Clinton at a firefighter appreciation rally held at Daytona International Speedway. This event featured the President of the United States and Governor Lawton Chiles.

Chief Holmes earned further recognition following his pivotal role during the White Eagle brush fires in 2011, a catastrophic event in Seminole Woods.

“After 25 exemplary years in operations mainly as a company officer and five years of leadership in Fire Prevention, Chief Holmes continues a fantastic career,” stated Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. “Randy always leads with both expertise and heart and serves as a mentor to countless PCFD officers and firefighters.”

Throughout his years in service, Battalion Chief Holmes actively participated in various facets of the department and played a crucial role in shaping the growth of the recently established city fire department. For an extended period, Holmes assumed the role of a wildland fire mitigation specialist and served as a mentor to numerous aspiring fire officers within the department.

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. If you have an interesting topic that would be informative or entertaining to other departments - feel free to write a feature article for this magazine, we welcome all your submissions!

All articles must have a title or headline and a byline as part of the article (please note format in above briefs) - if no byline is supplied- the article will run without.

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Pinellas Park Announces Firefighter of the Year

By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management CoordinatorPinellas Park Fire Department is proud to announce that Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Lonadier has been selected as our 2023 Firefighter of the Year. This honor is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated a level of professionalism that reflects the highest standards of the department.

Firefighter Lonadier was recommended for the award

by EMS Chief Andrew Hughes who described Daniel as a “dedicated and exemplary firefighter who has shown exceptional commitment and growth within the Pinellas Park Fire Department.”

Since joining the department in 2019, Firefighter Lonadier has shown a dedication that goes beyond his regular duties - most recently demonstrating his leadership in taking on the responsibilities of an acting Lieutenant. He has also made significant contributions to the department’s education initiatives by revamping the department’s new hire EMS orientation process and taking the lead in our CPR program.

“Daniel has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and professionalism” stated Chief Hughes. “I am confident that recognizing Daniel for his accomplishments will not only acknowledge his hard work but also inspire others in our department to strive for excellence.”

Apparatus Commissioning

By Joseph Dorsette, Assistant Chief of Specialized Services

World Heart Day

By Jesse Canales, Assistant Public Information Officer On Thursday, January 18, Orange County Fire Rescue Department firefighters, the American Heart Association and multiple neighboring fire departments taught hands-on CPR training to tens of thousands of Orange County Public Schools students across the district for World Heart Day. Around 31,000 students from all 22 high schools learned how to perform hands-only chest compressions in the event of a cardiac arrest medical emergency. This lifesaving technique plays a vital role in patient outcomes.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue welcomed the newest apparatus to the fleet with a traditional wet down and push-in ceremony. New engine 7 will be replacing the current engine at fire rescue station 7 in the City of Hallandale Beach and with it brings new hose, tools, equipment, and a sense of safety, security, and comfort to the members of the community.

The wet-down and pushing-in of fire apparatus dates back to the early 1800s and this tradition carries on today. A fire engine is one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world, it transports firefighters to emergency scenes in times of need. Celebrating the arrival of a new piece of apparatus is a source of pride amongst the fire departments members, administration, the members who will get to ride on the truck, and the community. Building a specialized piece of apparatus takes several years of research, planning, designing, and lots of patience to customize the truck to meet the needs of the community.

On the Scene of an Alert-3

By Joseph Dorsette, Assistant Chief of Specialized Services The Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue units from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport were dispatched to a report of a Cessna Aircraft with landing gear issues and several people on board. Air traffic control tower advised that the pilot was unable to deploy the aircraft’s landing gear and would be performing a belly-landing with all landing gear retracted. According to the Fire Rescue Incident Commander, the aircraft performed a successful belly-landing with visible sparks from the bottom of the aircraft, slid a short distance before coming to a stop in the middle of runway.

As Fire Rescue crews continued to investigate, there was no visible smoke or fire and all passengers including the pilot were evacuated and moved to a safe location. The aircraft was towed off the runway, cleaned of any debris, and later reopened.

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Saint Leo University Offering New First Responder Tuition Discount Saint Leo University has a rich history of educating law enforcement and public safety professionals, and the university boasts alumni in high-ranking positions in agencies throughout Florida and the nation.

Now, the university is proud to extend a 15% tuition discount to all first responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, lifeguards, and other dedicated professionals.

This discount applies to all undergraduate WorldWide programs and select eligible

graduate programs offered through the university’s education centers and online.

The education centers include the Tampa (FL) Education Center; MacDill Air Force Base Education Office in Tampa, FL; Key West (FL) Education Center at Naval Air Station Key West; Center for Adult Learning at University Campus (St. Leo, FL); Pasco-Hernando (FL) Education Offices; and Savannah, GA. The First Responder Tuition Discount is applicable to the following academic programs: • All undergraduate WorldWide programs, whether delivered online or through education centers • Master’s degree in business administration • Master’s degree in criminal justice • Doctor of Criminal Justice “Saint Leo has a reputation of offering a high quality, Catholic education that addresses the needs of working professionals through flexible and convenient schedules at an affordable cost,” said Dr. Robert Diemer, professor and director of Saint Leo University’s Department of Public Safety Administration. “Social and legal changes have increased both the importance and complexity of ethical leadership in the public safety arena. A strong commitment to a set of core values is the cornerstone of Saint Leo University and its mission to offer a practical, effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world.”

The university’s degree programs help first responders succeed in their current positions and advance in their careers. The new First

Responder Tuition Discount will help make a degree even more affordable. This discount cannot be combined with any other tuition discount.

Saint Leo’s programs serve both active and aspiring public safety, law enforcement, and legal professionals, Diemer said. “The various curriculums within the field of criminal justice are designed to provide and enhance knowledge, skills, and values for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness, professionalism, and policy-making abilities of public safety professionals,” he said.

Those with degrees in emergency management may pursue careers as well as advancement in various areas including, but not limited to, emergency management, fire, and emergency medical careers.

“We are committed to supporting our first responders as they further their education and professional development at Saint Leo University,” Diemer noted.

For information, contact Dr. Robert Diemer at Robert.diemer@saintleo.edu or (352) 467-0722.

For information about admission to Saint Leo, email WWAdmission@saintleo.edu.

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32

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

January 2024

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