July 2025 FFS

THE PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

July 2025 • VOLUME 33 NUMBER 7

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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 FFCA Staff Ngoc Huynh - Executive Director Rachel Pardo - Marketing & Member Services Coordinator FFCA Board of Directors Trip Barrs - President Ryan Crawford - 1st Vice President Mike Tucker - 2nd Vice President Michael Choate - Immediate Past President Carlos Aviles - Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Wagner - Northwest Region Director Brady Rigdon - Northeast Region Director Todd Allen - East Central Region Director Chantal Botting - Southeast Region Director Ian Kemp - West Central Region Director Gregory DeWitt - Southwest Region Director Ngoc Huynh - Executive Director Terry Parris - Foundation Chair Jeffrey Money - Senior Member

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

The Value of the Benchwarmers . .16 The Firefighter Behavioral Health Mindset: How Courage, Connection and Culture Save Lives . . . . . . . .30

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FURTHERMORE Turtle on a Fence Post . . . . . . . . .10 Palm Beach Gardens Launches Girls on Fire Camp

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South Walton Firefighters Medal at World Police and Fire Games . .14 Change of Command at Orange County Fire Rescue . . . . . . . . .18 Administration Building . . . . . .20

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

Escambia County Graduates Two from National Honor

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

Guard Academy . . . . . . . . . . .22 Titusville Fire Department Recognizes Accomplishments

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 July 2025, Volume 33, Number 7 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 2025 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

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

FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

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Sarasota County Opens New

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FFCA Immediate Past President . . .8

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Tampa Celebrates 130 Years of Service with Open House

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Training Center Grand Opening .32 In brief . . . news from around the state . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Escambia County Wins ‘Donut Strike 4 Manna’ Contest

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Trip Barrs, Fire Chief FFCA President

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s I reflect on the honor of being appointed as 2025-26 President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the year ahead. It is humbling to stand among such a distinguished group of leaders, and I am excited to continue building upon the legacy of those who have come before me. This is not just an appointment—this is a responsibility to the men and women of Florida’s fire service, our communities, and the future of our profession.

I want to first acknowledge the work of my predecessors. Their leadership, vision, and tireless efforts have built our Association into the strong, influential organization that it is today. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this role, and I am committed to building on the foundations they’ve laid.

Together, with our members, we will continue to elevate our profession, push forward with innovation, and build a fire service that is as resilient as the communities we protect. This will require engagement by our sections and committees and involvement by both longterm and new members of the FFCA. As I take the helm, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association has a crucial role to play in supporting our

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state’s fire chiefs, firefighters, and emergency service leaders. In collaboration with our members, we will continue working toward a fire service that is not only ready to respond to emergencies but is also forward-thinking and adaptable to the evolving demands of our communities. We will work together to ensure the safety, wellness and success of our members.

A central priority this year will be advancing the strategic goals outlined in the FFCA’s Strategic Plan. This plan serves as a guiding framework for our work, focusing on three core areas: leadership development, advocacy and policy influence, and professional excellence. These priorities will shape every initiative we pursue this year, ensuring that we remain focused, purposeful, and aligned with the needs of our members.

Leadership Development: As a fire service, we must continually invest in the professional growth of our leaders. Strong leadership is the cornerstone of any successful department and I am committed to further developing programs that nurture leadership skills at every level. This includes increasing opportunities for mentoring, expanding the pipeline of future fire chiefs, and providing the training necessary for fire service leaders to excel in the face of ever-evolving challenges.

Advocacy and Policy Influence: The FFCA will continue to advocate for policies that enhance firefighter safety, improve operational efficiency, and secure the resources needed to support our departments. In the upcoming year, we will prioritize building stronger relationships with state lawmakers and key decision-makers to ensure that the fire service’s needs are at the forefront of policy discussions. We will also work to increase the FFCA’s presence on the national stage, where we can influence the broader conversations impacting our profession.

Professional Excellence: Ensuring that the Florida Fire Service remains among the best

in the nation requires a commitment to continuous improvement. This year, we will focus on enhancing training opportunities, implementing cutting-edge technology, and fostering collaboration with partner agencies.

Building out our staff so that we can bring the best educational offerings and services to our members and the vendors that support us is a key priority in the next months.

One of our most exciting opportunities for professional development this year was the 2025 Executive Development Conference.

This event was designed to help fire service leaders at all levels enhance their management skills, stay updated on the latest trends in the industry, and connect with peers across the state. Bringing together some of the most respected experts in leadership, operations, and innovation, attendees learned and networked with nationally recognized presenters in forums that permitted one-on-one engagement. Attendees obtained actionable insights, and the tools needed to lead their departments into the future.

Whether you are a seasoned chief or a rising leader, attending FFCA conferences provides invaluable resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. These upcoming conferences are already being developed to provide learning opportunities for all ranks and aspiring leaders:

Safety and Health Conference October 20-22, 2025 – Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Kissimmee The Florida Fire & EMS Conference January 5-9, 2026 – Orange County Convention Center Executive Development Conference July 10-14, 2026 – Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor I highly encourage all fire service leaders to attend. The networking, learning, and collaboration that take place at these conferences is unmatched. This is not only an opportunity for personal growth, but also a chance to shape the future of the fire service by sharing ideas and best practices with others who share your passion for excellence. Whether it’s discussing the latest in fire operations, diving deep into leadership development, or exploring new technologies and innovations in the field, these gatherings provide the perfect forum for staying connected and informed.

I also encourage all of our members,

regardless of rank or tenure, to get involved in our Association by joining a section or participating on a committee. The FFCA is not just an association—it is a community. The strength of our fire service lies in our collective knowledge and commitment to helping each other succeed. By engaging with opportunities to participate in our Association, we are not only strengthening our own careers but also helping to shape the future of fire leadership in Florida.

As I begin my term as your President, I am energized by the potential we have to make a meaningful impact on the fire service in Florida. This is a time of great change and opportunity, and together, we will rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow. I look forward to working with each of you - our dedicated members, partners, and stakeholders - to continue driving the mission of the FFCA forward. Let’s make this a year of growth, collaboration, and innovation for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

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Michael J. Choate, Fire Chief FFCA Immediate Past President

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ello friends, I have officially transitioned from president to immediate past president of this great association. As I write this, I’m filled with pride and humility. This opportunity to serve you as your president over the past year has truly been the honor of a lifetime. I want to take a few moments to reflect on what I think was a meaningful journey that we’ve all taken together—from every corner of our state…

Last year in July, I promised each of you transparency, advocacy, and action, and, together, I feel we have we delivered. I began my presidency where I shared my commitment to building relationships and increasing involvement within the association.

Last year’s conference set the tone for me for a year full of purpose and vision.

I often compare this past year to something we’re all familiar with—a hurricane response.

It’s a scenario we in the fire service understand well. When Chief Riley was President, the association faced a serious breach involving our financial systems. Chief Riley had no choice but to operate in full “response mode.” When his term ended, he handed things off to Chief Theus, who we all recognized was still operating in that same phase. He and our executive director had to navigate complex legal challenges, issues with financial institutions, our accounting firm, serious IT problems, and constant coordination with attorneys. Chief Theus did

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an outstanding job steering us back onto solid ground and stabilizing this organization.

Then, in July of last year, I was sworn in as your President—and I stepped into what I’d describe as the “recovery phase.” I tried to gather some of the highlights from the last year: Leadership Commitment and Strategic Growth Update The Board remains deeply committed to ensuring that the FFCA not only grows in scale but also strengthens in purpose, governance, and sustainability. This commitment is grounded in a vision that supports our mission, prioritizes long-term health, and delivers measurable value to our members and stakeholders.

Strategic Focus and Expert Leadership In pursuit of these goals, the FFCA Board has intentionally engaged experts in both strategic development and operational planning to guide and reinforce our efforts.

Recognizing that association governance, dayto-day operations, and event execution require dedicated and specialized expertise, we are proactively building the right infrastructure to ensure success.

To bolster our planning and delivery of events—an essential component of our member engagement—we recently welcomed a meeting planner and association consultant.

This role was created to expand our capacity, streamline our event operations, and allow the association to be more intentional and strategic in how we approach conferences and educational offerings. The ultimate goal is to provide an enhanced experience for both our members and vendor partners.

Investment in People and Member Engagement In addition to strengthening our event strategy, the association has also expanded its internal team. We have hired a marketing and member services coordinator, who brings with her a wealth of experience working within the association sector. Her leadership is already

poised to improve the quality, frequency, and clarity of communications to our members— ensuring that our services are both accessible and aligned with member needs.

Further supporting our outreach and partnership efforts, the association plans to bring on an exhibits and sponsorship sales coordinator within the next month. This role will be vital in cultivating strong, mutually beneficial relationships with our sponsors and exhibitors and improving their overall experience and engagement with our programs.

A Sustainable Path Forward These strategic staffing enhancements represent more than just operational improvements—they signify a cultural shift toward a more resilient, professional, and service-oriented Association. By investing in specialized roles and external expertise, the FFCA Board is positioning the organization to meet both current demands and future opportunities with agility and confidence.

Chief Barrs… we’re all expecting you to assume command of the hardening and mitigation phase, to ensure we are securely ensconced and reinforced with all the provisions necessary to protect us and prevent similar outcomes.

Additionally, throughout the year, I surely did a lot of travelling, I tried my very best to attend proudly and speak at every FFCA

regional meeting, if you know me, you know I starve for that face-to-face engagement with other chiefs from across the state. These meetings became platforms not just for discussion—but to build and strengthen relationships. We concluded our regional meeting season at the First There First Care Conference at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, where Chief Barrs and myself, may or may not have sat at the blackjack table so long, while everyone else left us to go to bed….

Additionally, as part of our expanded outreach, I had the honor of speaking at: • The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association (FFMIA) Conference • The FFCA Safety and Health Conference • The FFCA Florida Fire & EMS Conference • The Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) Conference I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker for the annual Pierce Sales Meeting held at Disney World.

I attended Fire Service Day at the Capitol and I also was a very unsuccessful runway model at the “For love and honor GALA” I traveled to Tallahassee for Committee week. Each week of session I was there a couple of days each week working with our lobbyist to strengthen relationships and to ensure that the FFCA is recognized.

I took two trips this year to Washington DC - advocating for emissions standards, AFG and SAFER grant programs, FEMA disaster funding, and Florida’s national standing as a leader in fire and emergency services. These visits helped reinforce our influence beyond state lines.

In the legislative sessions, House Bill 929 became a focal point for all of us. At the Forida Association of Special Districts Conference, I met directly with Independent Fire District Chiefs to address their concerns about its implications—from PFAS-free gear mandates to the recommendation of a 42hour workweek. Those meetings were candid, and at times, heated—but absolutely necessary.

A big thanks to the tireless work of our legislative team, our partners at FFMIA, FPF, Florida Forest Service and the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Office, and your input throughout the year, we tried in every way to respond swiftly and effectively with resources and clear messaging.

Most of you probably haven’t read one article in this magazine… nevertheless, I remained committed to the monthly communications, penning articles in this very

magazine to keep you informed on legislation, events, speaking engagements, and association milestones. Through these updates, I’ve sought to keep our membership connected, prepared, and maybe a little inspired.

To the FFCA Board, Executive Director Ngoc Huynh, Immediate Past President Harold Theus, and every member who participated in events, joined committees, or spoke up when it mattered this last year— thank you. Your commitment made this year successful for me.

Though my presidency is ending, my dedication to the association remains. I

sincerely hope that over the past year, under the leadership of our Board and my service as your President, that the association was wellled, purpose-driven, and responsive to all of you, our members. I will continue to support this association and its mission as Immediate Past President. Our future is bright because of the people in this room and those that we all lead every day.

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for this extraordinary opportunity. Together, let’s continue forward for the betterment of the Florida fire service.

Stay safe, lead boldly, and always keep others in mind.

During this year’s Executive Development Conference, the Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation hosted its annual Friends of the Foundation event—an evening dedicated to supporting the future of Florida’s fire and emergency services.

We extend our sincere thanks to Motorola Solutions, who generously matched all cash donations made during the event. Their commitment amplified the impact of every contribution and helped further the Foundation’s mission.

The Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation is dedicated to advancing the fire service through education and outreach. Its work includes providing scholarships to current and aspiring fire and emergency service

professionals, developing public awareness initiatives, and supporting public education programs across the state. These efforts ensure there are opportunities to encourage future generations to join the fire service for a life-long career but also support and prepare current personnel in their professional development to become leaders within the industry.

Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

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Turtle on a Fence Post

By Rick Spence

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told a story at my retirement party several years back about a turtle on a fence post. If you see a turtle on a fence post, obviously he did not get there on his own, he had to have had help. I was the turtle in that story. During my time working at Reedy Creek FD (now The District FD), I had many people along the way who mentored me, encouraged me, guided me, corrected me and did all the things necessary for me to successfully complete a 30 year career in the fire service. While my body had endured its fair share of abuse because of the nature of the job, I emerged relatively healthy, both physically and mentally. (my family may disagree with the mentally healthy statement).

The reason I flashed back to my retirement was because everyone that is reading this article is that same turtle. Each of you would not be where we are now if it was not for the help of others. During your career in the fire service, there have been many people who have taken an interest in your career. More importantly, they have taken an interest in helping you succeed in your career. These people have taken their own time to pass along wisdom and knowledge they have gathered over the years, from both inside and outside of the fire service.

They have shared first-hand accounts of how they handled and addressed similar situations and issues. They have encouraged you to continue down the path you are going and at times, to switch directions and cut your losses.

You have been told to keep doing the next right thing even if the next right thing is difficult or not popular. Someone has stood beside you when you had to make those decisions and reassured you that it WAS the right thing to do. There have been people throughout your career that knew when you needed someone

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to put their arm around you in comfort and reassurance. Many times, it was that same person that knew when you needed a kick in the seat of your pants to get you moving in the right direction.

We all have gotten to where we are today with the help of other people. Everyone has mentors, teachers and leaders that have helped us get where we are today. Someone along the way saw something in us that led them to share their wisdom and knowledge with us. At some point, someone decided to pay it forward for us. Now that we are in a position of leadership, it is our turn to pay it forward. There are people who we work alongside on a regular basis that have qualities in them that, if enhanced, will improve the fire service, something we all want. These are people who can use a little nudge in the right direction.

We all have people who work with us that show the heart and desire to make things better.

They could benefit from our experience and how we handled certain situations and even better, how not to handle these situations. We have an opportunity to leave our mark on the fire service, just as our mentors did with us.

Look for that person that needs encouragement, that needs direction, that needs your input. You can easily tell who these people are by their willingness to accept and heed your assistance. Your mentee will be an even better leader and will be grateful for your wisdom. Often without realizing it, you will become a blessing to those who receive your

guidance. But the really amazing part in this scenario is that you will be the one who receives the bigger blessing. You would not think that it would mean more to you than to the person you are guiding, but that is almost always the case when we help others.

Should you choose to accept this mission (shameless Mission Impossible plug), you will be following in line with a long list of Biblical heroes. These are some leaders who have mentored people throughout the Bible; Moses, Joshua, Paul and even Jesus Himself. Jesus spent a large part of His ministry teaching others about a better way of life. Paul also spent part of his ministry mentoring a young pastor named Timothy. Paul even encouraged this in his writings. In the book of Hebrews 10:24, “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out,…but spurring each other on…” (The Message).

Now it is our turn to put these words into action.

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

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Palm Beach Gardens Launches Girls on Fire Camp to Inspire Future Leaders

By Nikki McRostie, Fire Administration Executive Assistant, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue

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alm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue proudly hosted its inaugural Girls on Fire Camp, a dynamic, weeklong program designed to empower young women, build confidence, and introduce them to careers in the fire service. Open to teens ages 13 to 17, the camp offered participants hands-on firefighting experience, leadership development, and the opportunity to envision themselves as future leaders — both in public safety and beyond.

The program is part of the department’s broader effort to promote diversity in the fire service and inspire more young women to explore careers in traditionally maledominated fields. Through realistic training scenarios and leadershipbuilding activities, Girls on Fire Camp breaks down barriers, challenges outdated stereotypes, and helps participants discover their strength, potential, and ability to lead.

Throughout the week, campers suited up in firefighting gear, practiced search and rescue, rolled and connected hoses, opened hydrants, worked with extrication tools, and even experienced riding in a bucket truck. Alongside physical skills, the camp emphasized confidence, teamwork, and communication — qualities essential for both emergency response and everyday life.

The impact of the program reaches far beyond the fire station.

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By encouraging young women to challenge themselves and support one another, Girls on Fire Camp strengthens the community by fostering future leaders, mentors, and role models. It also serves as a natural pathway to the department’s Fire Explorer Program, which provides continued training and mentorship for teens interested in pursuing fire service careers.

More than a one-time experience, Girls on Fire Camp offers young women a place to grow — from curious participants to confident Explorers, and eventually, to future

firefighters or leaders in their communities.

Many return to leadership roles, mentoring new participants and building on their own skills. Even for those who choose a different career path, the confidence, resilience, and teamwork gained through the program will serve them for life.

Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue is committed to building on the success of this inaugural camp, with plans to continue the program in the coming years and provide ongoing leadership opportunities for young women in the community.

South Walton Firefighters Medal at World Police and Fire Games

By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer, South Walton Fire District

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hey’re used to carrying a hose line or a Halligan, and now, they’re carrying a few medals to match. South Walton Fire District Firefighter/EMT David Shepherd and Firefighter/Paramedic John Dowd competed in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals for their outstanding showings.

Firefighter Dowd competed in two Jiu Jitsu events, landing a silver and a bronze medal

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for his work after several days of competition.

Firefighter Shepherd competed later in the Pole Vault event and came out on top with a gold medal, as well as the Games record for his age group with a vault of 4.62 meters (15.16 feet).

South Walton Fire District wants to congratulate both Dowd and Shepherd on their standout performances. These two firefighters demonstrated their dedication to

their physical fitness and represented the United States among athletes from dozens of other countries.

The World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) are an Olympic-style competition with thousands of athletes who are first responders, hailing from different countries around the world. This event is held every two years and typically includes more than 60 sporting events.

The Value of the Benchwarmers

By Michael DeStefano

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t’s the bottom of the ninth inning and your team is up by one. You are one game away from the playoffs and need this to clinch the spot. Bases are loaded with two outs; the pitch count is 3-2 and your pitcher just left the game with a shoulder injury. The entire season comes down to this game, this last inning, the last pitch. The crowd is silent as you spit out the last of your sunflower seeds and call up the bullpen. No one is left; your bench is empty. Now what?

You know it’s funny when we explain a situation like the one above using sports, almost every person immediately understands it and will yell back, “Why don’t they have anyone in the bullpen?” Yet, when we talk about bench strength in the fire service it becomes a foreign concept. When I talk to chiefs and leaders, many times I hear a similar response regarding succession planning. The response is typically about command staff being young and not needing a succession plan yet, or worse they tell me the specific person who will fill the spot when it vacates. This is NOT bench strength.

So, what is bench strength? Bench strength is ensuring that multiple people are trained and ready to fill a position should the need arise. These benchwarmers are not all at the

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same level and competency as each other or the person that is currently in the seat.

Rather, they are in the different portions of the process of learning the position, skills, and attributes needed for the next rank. It is important to note that your bench for a specific position may have some of the same people as the bench for another position.

This is because while the specific skills may be different, many times the attributes and characteristics that we look for in the next formal leader and the same.

Building bench strength should be one of the most critical and intentional processes planned out by leadership. We operate in the emergency response industry in which we constantly plan for worse case scenarios so that we can better respond and mitigate those emergencies when they occur. Staffing and leadership transition is no different and must be planned for accordingly. Going back to our response above we see a critical failure point when a chief thinks they have a succession plan, but it hinges on a single person. What if that person were to leave the organization for family reasons, better opportunity, injury, or death? The entire succession plan has now dissolved with potentially months or years of training the

next person in-line. If that same chief had a bench of multiple people available and being prepared to fill the seat, the solution would be smooth and seamless.

Let’s talk about morale for a second. When department leadership has a single person in the bullpen to take over a position and everyone is aware of it, what happens to the effort and morale of the organization? It begins to tank because anyone who may have been interested now feels defeated that no matter how hard their efforts are, they are not going to get the spot, so they don’t try.

This single flaw in succession planning trickles down to each position below and the perception is that the organization is a merely a “boy’s club”. The field begins to create rumors people are being picked and “groomed” due to being friends or for political reasons and the entire department begins to spiral. We can combat this by ensuring there are multiple people being trained for a position so that when the time comes, they can all be interviewed and assessed to select the best candidate for the job.

Lastly, I would like to speak directly to the benchwarmers. This is a difficult position to be in, especially if you have been on the

bench for an extended period while others around you are called up to the big leagues.

The benchwarmer is a critical position and place to be that requires not only an extremely high level of motivation, but also a high level of integrity. The person on the bench must be motivated to continue improving and working hard to not only someday fill the role they are on the bench for, but also to train others that are on the bench with them. This requires an abundance mindset that the stronger the bench is, the stronger the organization is rather than using a scarcity mindset that if there are more on the bench then there is less chance of that person getting called up.

Integrity is another critical attribute as trust is key for the success of the bench.

There will be many times that opportunities arise to sabotage or slow the progress of others below you in the rank structure to help better your chances at being called up.

This requires a high level of integrity to focus on raising others up around you and not being intimidated by their successes. We have all seen the person that takes advantage of opportunities provided by a department only to change the policy to eliminate that opportunity for those below them. This creates less opposition and challenges for their own continued growth while stifling the growth of those below them on the mountain. Similar to motivation, integrity is required to look back and help others up the mountain even if they may then climb it faster than you.

Every single person in an organization is a bench warmer for the next position, even the fire chief is being trained and sitting on the bench for the next higher governmental administrative spot whether they want it or not. The quicker we realize that as soon as we are called up the big leagues, we are just moving to a new bench, the better our perspective will be while we are waiting on that bench. Continue to train, continue to grow, continue to progress, and most importantly continue to help others along the way. Get to work!

Deputy Chief Michael DeStefano, Jupiter Fire Rescue Department, Town of Jupiter Florida. He has been in the fire service since 2004 and has held the ranks of firefighter/paramedic, Lieutenant, District Chief, Training Chief, Assistant Chief of Professional Development and now Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. He holds a Doctorate degree from Liberty University in Strategic Leadership.

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Change of Command at Orange County Fire Rescue

By Elyssa Walterson, Communications Assistant, Orange County Fire Rescue

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n June 27, 2025, Orange County Fire Rescue welcomed a new chapter during its Change of Command Ceremony. This day marked the end of an over four-decade career from former Fire Chief James Fitzgerald, and welcomed Anthony Rios as the new Fire Chief.

Appointed by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Chief Rios is a 24-year veteran of the department, from beginning his career as a Firefighter/Paramedic, to most recently serving as the Deputy Chief of Administration, assisting former Fire Chief Fitzgerald in managing and overseeing the department’s 1,600 personnel and an annual budget exceeding $450 million.

Chief Rios has also served as a sworn Corrections Officer and as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff/Sergeant. He holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Public Affairs, Public Administration

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Policy, as well as a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. He also has a Certificate in Executive Leadership in Public Policy from Harvard University’s J.F. Kennedy School of Government.

Former Fire Chief James Fitzgerald has been with this department since before its inception,

beginning his career at Killarney Fire Department before it was consolidated with 14 other fire districts into Orange County Fire Rescue. OCFRD wishes him the best in his wellearned retirement, and looks forward to the future of the department under Fire Chief Anthony Rios.

Sarasota County Fire Department Opens New Administration Building

By Sara Nealeigh, Media Relations Officer, Sarasota County Emergency Services

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he Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new administration building on June 30, welcoming more than 100 past and present fire department and Sarasota County Emergency Services staff, local partners, construction, design crews and members of the media.

The 28,000-square-foot facility represents SCFD’s ongoing investment in enhancing fire and EMS service delivery across a growing community. Strategically located at Sarasota County’s Public Safety Complex near Interstate 75, the site also houses the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and 911 Dispatch Center in addition to housing the new Fire Administration building. This location will enhance coordination during emergencies and day-to-day operations.

Built to withstand a Category 4 hurricane, the building enables staff to maintain continuous operations in support of Sarasota County emergency response during storm activations. It also serves as SCFD’s department operations center (DOC) during EOC activations.

The new 28,000 -square-foot facility consolidates the Sarasota County Fire Administration, the Sarasota County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Public Safety Communications team into one building.

Together, they support more than 560 certified firefighters, EMTs and paramedics who respond to over 67,000 calls annually.

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Elevator bricks: The new Sarasota County Fire Department Administration building features bricks salvaged from former Fire Station 13 on worldfamous Siesta Key Beach. The salvaged bricks are also featured in the new Fire Station 13, which was rebuilt in 2022.

Just five years ago, SCFD’s administrative staff consisted of a Fire Chief, EMS Operations Chief, Fire Operations Chief, Logistics Chief and 10 administrative support personnel, operated from a 3,789-square-foot area in the Sarasota County Administration Building in downtown Sarasota. They supported operations for hundreds of firefighters assigned to 25 stations across the county.

Over the past five years, population growth in SCFD’s service has contributed to an 11.4% increase in call volume. Today, SCFD serves 440,389 residents. As the population continues to rise, so does the demand for emergency services. The Sarasota County Fire Department plans to expand staffing not only at existing fire stations but also in administrative and support roles to continue to meet future needs.

The Fire Administration building supports a departmental reorganization that added two deputy chiefs, seven assistant chiefs, several administrative battalion chief roles and beach lifeguard leadership division to better meet the increasing demand.

In the next 10 years, SCFD’s service area is projected to grow by another 40,000 residents, exceeding 480,000, along with a rise in seasonal visitors.

This building gives the department the capacity and flexibility to grow alongside the community. Plans for a second-floor expansion are already under consideration.

While looking ahead, SCFD also honors its history. The building

includes bricks salvaged from the former Fire Station 13 on world-famous Siesta Key and features a restored 1938 Mack fire engine in the lobby. A push-in ceremony for the antique engine during the ribbon-cutting event connected the department’s legacy with its future.

The 1938 engine symbolizes the roots of fire service in Sarasota County, where for more than 100 years, firefighters have sacrificed for the community. The first formally organized fire department in Sarasota County formed in 1911, followed by the county’s first motorized fire truck in 1915 and its first aerial ladder truck 10 years later. History, combined with a state-of-the-art facility, brings SCFD to the forefront of fire and emergency medical service.

The new administrative building is a visible testament to Sarasota County’s commitment to public safety, striving to expand and improve the level of fire and emergency medical services for the residents and visitors to the county while protecting and serving the community with professionalism and pride.

Exterior Building: The new building houses the administration of Sarasota County Fire Department, an internationally accredited, ISO Class 2 fire department with 629 personnel, and growing, serving the community of unincorporated Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota with PrideProfessionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.

Push-in: This 1938 Mack fire engine served the Sarasota community from 1938 to the late 1950s. It spent decades in storage before being restored by Sarasota County Fire Department. It is now prominently on display in the lobby of the new Fire Administration building, reminding firefighters of the importance of never forgetting fire service tradition.

Hose Uncoupling: Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners, County Administration, Emergency Services and Fire Department leadership uncouple the hose on the new fire station on June 30, 2025.

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Escambia County Graduates Two from National Honor Guard Academy

By Joel Richardson, Training and Safety Captain, Escambia County Fire Rescue

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n Friday, June 27, two members of the Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Honor Guard graduated from a week-long program designed to improve skills in drill and ceremony. Lt. Dale Dirks (right) and Lt. Adam Edwards (left) began on Sunday with an evaluation of their skills, and throughout the week, rain or shine, continued to refine their existing skills.

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Both have been members of the Honor Guard for many years, but continuing their education adds to the team’s capabilities.

Another outstanding note is the issuance of the “Commanders Award for Excellence” coin. Only these Lieutenants received this award in a class of 30 over students. This is another example of their

leadership and skills in the silence and reverence of the Honor Guard.

The National Honor Guard Academy teaches this course nationwide and was hosted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The Honor Guard has no rank, as it represents the department. This team performs duties in Color Guard, Memorials, and Funerals.

Titusville Fire Department Recognizes Accomplishments

By Gregory G. Sutton, Battalion Chief of Administration, PIO, Titusville Fire Department

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he Titusville Fire Department proudly celebrated the dedication and achievements of its team members during a special “Pinning Ceremony” held today in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The ceremony recognized the professional accomplishments of a recently promoted officer and welcomed new members to the department’s growing family.

Promotion Recipients: Lieutenant Promotion: Roman Lane New Hire Firefighters: Logan Smith-Catlett Joshua Wayner Kyle Young New Hire Fire Inspector: Linda Osorio “Today’s ceremony reflects the strength and growth of our department,” said Chief John Hustoles. “Welcoming four new team members and celebrating a promotion reminds us of the dedication and passion it takes to protect and serve the City of Titusville with excellence,” added Hustoles.

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Tampa Fire Rescue Celebrates 130 Years of Service with Open House

By Vivian Shedd, Public Information Officer, Tampa Fire Rescue

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n Saturday, May 10, 2025, Tampa Fire Rescue hosted an unforgettable 130th Anniversary Open House, welcoming over 250 visitors to its Training Grounds. The event was a heartfelt celebration of the department's incredible history and its ongoing commitment to the safety of the Tampa Bay community.

From live demonstrations to family-friendly activities, it was a day to remember.

Guests were greeted by local vendors, including the Tampa Firefighters Museum. The Touch-A-Truck exhibit features the newest apparatus in Tampa Fire’s fleet. However, the unmistakable sight of a beautifully restored 1925 Seagrave fire truck stood proudly as the centerpiece of the Touch-A-Truck section.

Visitors, both young and old, eagerly gathered

around to capture photos and admire the craftsmanship of the vintage fire engine, a reminder of the long legacy of firefighting in the city of Tampa. The truck, a true piece of history, was a fitting tribute to the department's enduring service.

The event wasn’t just about celebrating the past – it was also about highlighting the innovative work of today’s Tampa Fire Rescue team. Throughout the day, guests were treated to a variety of live demonstrations, each showcasing the department’s skills and readiness in responding to emergencies. One of the most popular attractions was the Search & Rescue K9 Demonstration, where attendees watched as the department’s K9 team demonstrated their incredible search and

rescue abilities. The K9s, trained to locate missing persons and assist in rescue operations, wowed the crowd with their impressive skills, making it clear why these loyal companions are

See 130 YEARS page 26

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130 YEARS continued from page 25 an invaluable part of Tampa Fire Rescue.

In addition to the K9 demonstration, several other live presentations captured the audience's attention. The CERT Fire Extinguisher Demonstration hosted by our CERT volunteers

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was an educational experience for all, teaching attendees the critical skills needed to use fire extinguishers properly. Similarly, our HAZMAT team’s demonstration of an offloading torch gave visitors a firsthand look at the expertise required to handle dangerous materials safely. The Vehicle Extrication demonstration showcased the department’s ability to safely rescue individuals trapped in vehicles, with firefighters expertly cutting through wrecked cars to extricate simulated victims.

Beyond the demonstrations, the event offered plenty of fun and interactive activities for families. Two Fire station-themed bounce houses, generously provided by Rockin' Bouncies, were a hit with the kids. Families enjoyed the opportunity to let their children play and explore while learning more about fire safety and emergency response.

As part of the celebration, the Tampa Fire Rescue team also offered raffles, with prizes generously donated by community partners.

Guests had the chance to win exciting items,

including tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays, courtesy of the team, and three scooters with helmets from Tampa General Hospital. These raffles added an extra element of excitement to the day and were greatly appreciated by the visitors.

Throughout the event, Fire Chief Barbara Tripp was on hand to meet with the public and

share her pride in the department's legacy.

Chief Tripp spoke about the incredible work that Tampa Fire Rescue has done over the past 130 years, emphasizing the hard work and dedication of both current and past personnel.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to

reflect on our rich history, honor the hard work of our firefighters, and engage with the community we serve," she said. “It's a true honor to celebrate this milestone with the residents of Tampa."

The anniversary celebration was not just about reflecting on the past – it was also an opportunity for the department to look ahead.

With the continued expansion of Tampa, ensuring the department’s readiness to respond to emergencies has never been more important.

The open house allowed the public to see how Tampa Fire Rescue is embracing new technologies, training techniques,

and community engagement to ensure it remains at the forefront of public safety.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Chief Tripp, who expressed her gratitude to the community for its ongoing support of Tampa Fire Rescue. She thanked everyone who attended and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong community ties. "We look forward to another 130 years of service to the residents of Tampa.”

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The Firefighter Behavioral Health Mindset: How Courage, Connection and Culture Save Lives

By Lexipol Team

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ental health has long been the silent crisis in public safety — a hidden weight carried by countless first responders who are trained to be strong but rarely trained to be vulnerable. In the Lexipol webinar, “The Firefighter Mindshift: Leading the Behavioral Health Reset,” a group of fire service leaders and behavioral health experts provides a roadmap for cultural transformation in the fire and emergency medical services.

The panel includes: • Battalion Chief (Ret.) Bruce Bjorge, Director at First Arriving & Founder of OG Society • Dr. Jaime Brower, Vice President of Peer Support & Clinician Training & Certification, Lexipol • Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser, City Administrator, City of Kiel (WI) • Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, LovelandSymmes (OH) Fire Department • Deputy Fire Chief Darin Wallentine, Sarasota County (FL) Fire Department In this article, we’ll examine key themes from the discussion, structured around the 2025 Firefighter Safety Stand Down campaign’s RESET model: Recognize, Educate, Strategies, Empower and Training. While there have been recent improvements in the overall fire culture in how behavioral health is viewed and treated, there’s still plenty of room to make

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improvements to save lives and elevate wellbeing.

The 2025 Safety Stand Down: A Behavioral Health Reset Held during the third week of June, Safety Stand Down is an initiative backed by organizations such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

This year’s theme, “Break the Stigma: A Behavioral Health Reset,” invites fire and EMS agencies to focus daily training efforts on the five RESET pillars.

As Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine explains, “Ultimately, the goal of Safety Stand Down is to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths in the fire and emergency services.” By taking a direct approach to confronting the stigma against seeking help for mental health in the fire service, leaders can begin to save lives from the inside out.

Recognize: Know Your People and Watch for Deviations Recognition starts with something deceptively simple: paying attention. Dr. Brower stresses that behavioral warning signs are often subtle and easy to miss if you don’t first know what “normal” looks like.

“It’s critical that you know and care about your people,” she says. “And then … you can

notice the deviations from baseline behavior.”

Whether it's a shift in humor, withdrawal from coworkers or changes in sleep, early recognition depends on knowing your team deeply and caring enough to act.

Equally important is having a response plan.

“You don’t want to brush them off … you don’t want to leave them hanging,” Brower notes. ‘You want to get them attached to the right people and a soft handoff” to available wellness resources.

Educate: Mental Health as Performance Science Education on behavioral health must be treated with the same seriousness as operational readiness. Dr. Brower encourages a paradigm shift: Think of behavioral health as performance science. When we know our tactical performance is lacking, we naturally understand we have to work to get better. But when it comes to not sleeping well or feeling depressed, we rarely see that as an opportunity to improve.

By reframing behavioral health as an aspect of human performance — grounded in neuroscience, sleep science and stress physiology — leaders can help shift attitudes from skepticism to science-based support.

Strategies: Normalize Help-Seeking Behavior When Chief (Ret.) Funkhouser retired, a conversation with fellow retirees warned him about the emotional aftershocks that can hit months later. “After about six months, all that stuff you’ve been isolating in your mind slowly starts coming up,” they told him.

And it did.

“Thankfully, I was humble enough to recognize and realize that therapy is cool,” Funkhouser says. “If I’m not okay after 30 years of doing this job…. I can guarantee you guys need help too.”

His brutal honesty highlights a critical strategy: Leaders must model vulnerability.

Organizations must go beyond lip service and actively support behavioral health resources like professional counseling and peer support — ensuring everyone involved is well trained, accessible and judgment free.

Empower: Lead by Example, Regardless of Rank Empowerment isn't just a top-down thing. As Brower puts it, “You can be a leader and not have the rank.” The culture begins to shift when people at all levels speak openly about

using mental health resources.

She recalls a chief who casually mentioned after a tough call that he had a therapy appointment coming up. “It is perfectly okay to go and have a conversation with somebody … I do it too,” he tells his team. That admission created a ripple effect in the fire house, as others on his crew recognized the need and followed his example.

One caveat: “Leaders need to know what their resources are. And … use the resources themselves,” Brower says. “Not just, ‘I’m sure it’s good. I’ve never used it.’ It’s great when you know the resource yourself.”

Empowerment means creating space for conversations, offering real support instead of threats of reassignment, and continually checking in with those who ask for help.

Training: Beyond Checkboxes It’s not enough to say “we have a peer support team” or offer a one-time seminar. As Brower points out, “You can tank your own program if it’s not culturally competent.”

Effective behavioral health training requires: • Regular, updated education for peer support teams.

• Clinicians who understand the fire service culture.

• Leaders who understand when and how to deploy resources.

• Follow-up protocols to ensure continued support.

Brower explains: “Lots of people think we have these tools and they just pop out of the box and heal people. It doesn’t work like that.

You’ve got to know how to use them.”

Have the Courage to Care Above all, the panelists reinforce a truth that research has long supported: Connection is the most powerful tool we have for suicide prevention. “Social connection is the hands down most effective thing that we can do to protect mental health and prevent suicide,” Brower adds.

That connection doesn’t require perfect words — just willingness. Sit down. Share coffee. Ask real questions. “Start somewhere.

You don’t have to have all the right words. In fact, you can be a disaster,” Brower advises. “Just know where you’re going to refer them to after you start. You’ll make a world of difference.”

Bruce Bjorge echoes this sentiment with a reminder of what’s at stake: “In the absence of initiating that action, having that courage to care could result in you having a lot of regret because you saw something and you didn’t act.”

Resetting the Culture — It Starts with You The “behavioral health reset” called for during the 2025 Safety Stand Down is not a fad

or gimmick — it’s a long-overdue cultural shift that can redefine what it means to serve in fire and EMS. For too long, behavioral health has been treated as an individual burden, something to manage quietly, often in isolation.

This panel discussion reminds us it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, it can’t be that way if we want to protect those who protect others.

The journey to cultural change is not easy, and it is never complete. But it starts today, and it starts with each of us. Whether you are a recruit or a chief, a dispatcher or a field medic, you have a role to play in making behavioral health a permanent, high-priority part of the fire service mission.

As Bjorge says, “It takes courage to initiate that outreach,” but failing to act when something feels wrong can leave a lasting mark of regret. “Having that courage to care” is the kind of leadership every firefighter, every EMT, every dispatcher deserves—from their officers, from their peers, and from themselves.

So, as we close out another Safety Stand Down, let’s do more than just talk about mental health. Let’s lead with it. Let’s listen, share, educate, train and support one another — not just for a week, but as a way of life. Let’s have the courage to care and the strength to act. Because nothing less will truly keep our people safe.

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Training Center Grand Opening

By Elyssa Walterson, Communications Assistant, Orange County Fire Rescue

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n June 18, 2025, Orange County Fire Rescue officially opened the doors of its brand new, state-of-the-art training facility. This facility includes a 30,000 square foot Education Center with classrooms, office space, a fitness center, and an Incident Command Simulation Lab. Featured also are two five-story drill towers, a three-story burn building, several covered pavilions for training, a Multi-Purpose Building designed for Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT), pump operations area, a half-acre of paved space to practice extrications, and a prop field with everything needed to be credentialed as a state certified fire training center. These props include but are not limited to a car fire prop, pressure

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vessel prop, open fuel fire prop, structural collapse building, a trench collapse and confined space prop, and a leak tree prop for hazardous fluid leaks.

This project has been years in the making, and Orange County Fire Rescue is honored to be able to showcase this incredible achievement in public safety training. The new training facility will not only benefit the Orange County community by ensuring firefighters are operationally ready to

respond to any emergency, but will also serve as a vital regional asset, enabling both local and regional collaborative training with other jurisdictions, including fire departments and law enforcement.

Escambia County Participates in Showcase

By Davis Wood, Public Information and Education Officer – Public Safety On Thursday, June 26, Escambia County Fire Rescue participated in C. A. Weis Elementary’s Project-Based Showcase. The kindergarten class showcased community helpers, which included firefighters, police officers, teachers, construction workers, nurses, doctors, veterinarians and mail carriers. Parents were given fire safety materials and the opportunity to schedule a smoke alarm installation if they did not already have functioning smoke alarms.

Dixie County Expands Lifesaving Capabilities

By Matthew Ferguson, Administrative Chief In a major step forward for emergency medical services in rural North Florida, Dixie County Fire Rescue has completed a department-wide upgrade to its cardiac monitoring equipment, further advancing its mission to deliver high-quality, life-saving care to the community. As of June, the department has successfully replaced all of its cardiac monitors with state-ofthe-art LIFEPAK 35 units.

The new monitors will be deployed across all of the department’s ambulances, fire apparatus, and community paramedicine vehicles. These advanced devices are designed to meet the unique and demanding needs of first responders in the field. The LIFEPAK 35 offers critical features such as trend monitoring, configurable event tracking, and connected capabilities that allow for seamless integration of patient data, empowering providers to make faster, better-informed clinical decisions. .

Escambia County Fire Station Dedicated

By Davis Wood, Public Information and Education Officer – Public Safety On Tuesday, June 17, Escambia County District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler, along with ECFR Fire Chief Adam Harrison, the crew of Engine 16, and board members of the Warrington Volunteer Fire Department, gathered at Station #16 in Warrington to dedicate a plaque and proclamation to the Warrington Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors.

In September 2024, the WVFD board officially donated the property that houses Engine 16 to Escambia County Fire Rescue. As mentioned in the proclamation, “this building was donated to serve as a foundation for enhanced emergency services and as a beacon of hope and protection for all.”

Escambia County Fire Rescue extends its gratitude to the WVFD board for their gracious donation and for their constant dedication to the safety and well-being of the Warrington community.

Escambia County Fire Rescue Fixes Bike

By Davis Wood, Public Information and Education Officer – Public Safety Following a building dedication ceremony at ECFR-Station #16, two residents stopped by the station to see if our firefighters could inflate the tires of the young girl’s bicycle. Without hesitation, Firefighters Ewing and Lemmon assisted the young girl by putting air in her bike’s tires.

While it may seem minor, it’s little moments like these that establish our place within the communities we serve. Whether you need a helping hand or simply need air in your bike’s tires, we’re proud to serve our fellow neighbors and are always here when called upon.

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Broward Sheriff’s Office Responds to Residential Fire

By Joseph Dorsette, Assistant Chief of Specialized Services The Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue units from the Station 28 – Cooper City responded to a single-family, single-story home and arrived with heavy smoke and flames showing from a corner bedroom window. The first arriving units established command, directed incoming units of their assignments, and began an offensive strategy and quickly brought the fire under control.

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By Davis Wood, Public Information and Education Officer, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners

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ith a total of 8,582 pounds of food and a monetary donation total of $3,835.93 collected, Escambia County Fire Rescue is excited to announce that we finished in 1st place in the #DonutStrike4Manna challenge for Manna Food Pantries.

Overall, thanks to the generous food and monetary donations from those who visited us at three Pensacola-area grocery stores from June 25-27, approximately 12,445 healthy meals will be provided to 4,148 Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents experiencing food insecurity.

Nine area first responder agencies participated in the annual food drive competition. In total, the 2025 Donut Strike raised enough food and monetary donations to feed 15,875 people for the day. That’s the equivalent of 47,626 healthy meals for our neighbors in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

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