FFS October 2024

THE PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

October 2024 • VOLUME 32 NUMBER 10

OCTOBER • 2024

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 Denise Holley - Office Manager Greta Hall - Marketing Communications Manager

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

6 FEATURES Firefighters Are Our Friends . . . . . .8

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How to Create Certainty . . . . . . .10 Warning Light — Preparing Your Department for the Next Crisis . . .

FFCA Board of Directors Michael Choate - President Trip Barrs - 1st Vice President Ryan H. Crawford - 2nd Vice President Harold Theus - Immediate Past President Carlos Aviles - Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Wagner - 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 Cindy Morgan - Foundation Chair Jeffrey Money - Senior Member

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in Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . . .18 A PIO’s Navigation Through the Crisis of Two Hurricanes . . . . . .20

FURTHERMORE Taking Charge During Hurricane Milton . . . . . . . . . . .12 Meet the PIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sarasota County Fire Department

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Responds to Debby . . . . . . . . .16 Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180 Advertising Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org (386) 717-0055

Subscription rate for members is $36, which is included in member dues. Archived electronic monthly editions of Florida Fire Service magazine are available at www.ffca.org. Log in as a member and click on the Publications tab.

Florida Fire Service October 2024, Volume 32, Number 10 USPS # 016-759 Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Florida Fire Service, 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303.

Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of FFCA. Copyright 2024 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.

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

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South Walton Crews Knock Down Carriage House Fire . . . . . . . . .22 Palm Coast City Council Recognizes Fire Prevention Week . . . . . . . .23 Coral Gables Recues Woman . . .24 Brevard County Lifeguards Carry and Administer Nasal Narcan . . . . .26 Greater Naples Bids “Farewell” to Alan McLaughlin . . . . . . . . . . .26 FFCA New Members . . . . . . . . .26 Longwood Holds Change of . . . . . .

Command Ceremony . . . . . . . .28 In brief . . . news from around the state . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Palm Coast Fire Department Breaks Ground on Fire Station 26 . . . .32 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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Michael J. Choate, Fire Chief FFCA President

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he Forrest Gump quote, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,” serves as a fitting metaphor for the unpredictable challenges that have recently came our way. Many of us can relate to this sentiment, especially in our departments, where our job every day presents new and unexpected situations.

So why start this month’s article with this quote? As your president, my primary focus has always been on the betterment of the Florida fire service. But in focusing on so many different crucial goals, I hadn’t fully anticipated the power of an unpredictable force like mother nature.

The recent back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, have devastated an enormous portion of our state, leaving widespread damage and uncertainty for all of us in their wake. I have made it a priority to reach out to many of the fire chiefs from the most heavily impacted areas. In every conversation, I’ve seen a remarkable level of concern for their

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communities and citizens, as well as deep gratitude for the resources and assistance that have been deployed to help them.

These fire chiefs have been working tirelessly not only managing their emergency responses but also dealing with the emotional and physical toll that these hurricanes have taken on all their crews. Listening to them, letting them tell me their stories of impact have been nothing short of inspiring.

At the same time, the cooperation and support from statewide resources have been instrumental. The deployment of additional personnel, equipment, and relief efforts hasn’t surprised me at all. This is what we do. Florida has become a model for other states to follow in terms of a State’s Emergency Response Plan (SERP).

I want to extend a huge thank you to the Division of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Director Rice and her entire team have been nothing but amazing throughout these storms.

Their leadership and commitment to our state’s fire service have been pivotal in coordinating an enormous amount of response efforts.

I’d also like to express my deep appreciation to our partners at FFMIA and to Chief Butcher for the vital support provided through the First Responder Benevolence Program, which has made a significant difference for our brothers and sisters on the frontlines.

A big thank you goes out to all our FFCA section chairs, (our workhorses) including the teams from FASAR – FLTF 1 - 8, Hazmat, PIO,

EVT, and Safety and Health (Mental Wellness).

The top-down leadership and coordination demonstrated across these sections have been absolutely jaw dropping.

Hurricane Helene ESF 4 & 9 response was coordinated by your northwest region director, Fire Chief Jeff Wagner. The following is just a snapshot of our deployment efforts: • Five Engine Strike Teams – Regions 1, 5 and 6 • MARC Units from all regions • Seven EVT’s – Region 1 and 5 • Two Water Tender Strike Teams – Region 5 and 6 • Four Structural Task Force Teams – Regions 1, 3 and 6 (Thank you Chief Aviles) • 14 Fire Inspectors • 9 Teams of 2, Mental Wellness Teams • State EOC staffed by Region 1 Hurricane Milton ESF 4 and 9 response was coordinated by FFCA Second Vice President, Fire Chief, Ryan Crawford. The following is a snapshot of this deployment: • Five Engine Strike Teams under EMAC mutual aid (three from Illinois, one from Louisiana, and one from Mississippi) staged at FSFC (tactical reserve) • All state MARC communications units alerted or mobilized • UAS1 - an unmanned aerial system (drone team) from Alachua County Fire • One Ambu Bus from Alachua County to facilitate patient transport for health care facility evacuation

Photo’s courtesy of Trip Barrs, are from the Treasure Island area

• Three EVT’s from Region 1 (South Walton Fire District, Walton County Fire Rescue, and Madison County) one was attached to the ESTs and the other two supporting logistics at the IST at Orange County Convention Center • Two Engine Strike Teams from Region 1 (Panama City, Panama City Beach, Avalon, Niceville, Destin Fire District, Okaloosa Island Fire District, Walton County Fire, South Walton Fire District, Crestview, Holley Navarre Fire District, Pensacola, and Pace Fire District) all assigned to Pinellas County primarily supported the barrier island communities of Treasure Island, St Pete Beach, and Pasadena augmenting fire response capacity • Two Water Tender Strike Teams - one WTST from Region 3 (Putnam and Clay County) assigned to Pinellas County and one WTST from Region 6 (assigned to Sarasota) • One single resource Tender from Desoto County and one single resource Brush from South Trail (Region 6) deployed to Boca Grande • One Engine and a Leader from Suwannee County Fire assigned to support Cedar Key • 25 Fire Inspectors • Two mental wellness teams • State EOC Staffed by Region 1 As I write this and reflect on all of these resources, I realize there are countless more thank yous that deserve to be said. But perhaps the best way to close is to acknowledge that this road to recovery will be a long one for many departments across the

state. The loss of life and devastation we’ve seen should serve as a sobering reminder of just how fragile life can be. These hurricanes have reminded us all over again of the unpredictable nature of life itself.

To each of you, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have shown the strength of the

Florida Fire Service. As we move forward, know that we are here for one another. If you need anything—resources, support, or simply a listening ear—please don't hesitate to ask.

I wish you all strength, safety, and peace as we navigate the recovery process together.

God bless you all.

Be Safe, With Other in Mind.

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By Rick Spence Proverbs 18:24 states, “… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This verse is not to diminish your family relationships, but to state there are other people that we develop deep relationships with that are outside our family. Due to the long hours and intense nature of the job, very often other firefighters become a friend that is closer than some of our closest relatives. You can’t help but grow close to people that you eat side by side and work alongside over a long period of time through some of the most gruesome, intense and critical incidents throughout your career. Working around the clock shifts allow many of our personal facades to fall and our true personality is seen by those we work the closest with.

For me, that 2AM friend is another firefighter. After my parents’ death, the second phone call (after my real brother) was to another firefighter.

When my children were born and all my immediate family were already at the hospital, the first phone call was to another firefighter. When I was struggling with my relationship with my son, it was another close firefighter friend that worked to restore that relationship. I have been very blessed to have strong relationships with quite a few firefighters throughout my career. Most of those relationships have continued to grow after retirement. I also have been on the receiving end of these type of calls.

God has a way of knowing WHAT and WHO we need to be surrounded with. Many 8

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times, it is not who we expect to be there. I knew other people (some outside the fire department) who were more spiritual, more knowledgeable and more compassionate, but they were not the ones who showed up in my time of need. But I know the ones who walked beside me during these times were appointed by God to be there. God wants you to be available and He will make you capable. One of the strong and reoccurring themes in the Bible is where God shows us that He is a help in our time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

But just as much as we provide help to those who work alongside us, we also provide the same care and compassion to the people we encounter because of our job. I believe that God has orchestrated each of our steps so that we may positively impact people in need almost on a daily basis. Very often, people that call 911 are in some of the worst places of their lives. The 911 operator who is able to gather information in a cool and collected manner and send the proper units with the appropriate skill to the right location; the company officer who is able to lead a team of highly skilled professionals that work as a team to produce a positive outcome from some of the most difficult incidents; the driver operator who is skilled in maneuvering fire apparatus through heavy traffic and tight spots to ensure the crews arrive safely to help citizens in need; and the paramedics (many of whom are also the company officer or driver operator) who

provides a level of patient care that previously was only available in a hospital emergency room. Each one of the firefighters are there to serve and help the citizens of their community and each of them are trained to operate under difficult circumstances. When we see citizens in their worst moments, we are at our best. Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and there is one who is born for adversity.” Firefighters have been trained to overcome adversity to help others overcome their own adverse situations. More often than we realize, firefighters are acting as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ and what we do to help others is nothing short of Biblical. Jesus brought 12 men together to support each other and to take care of the needs within His community. They were not firefighters, but they had a lot of the same traits and skills.

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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How to Create Certainty

By Michael Tucker, Fire Rescue Chief, Flagler County Fire Rescue

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ncertainty is a permanent part of the leadership landscape. It never goes away.

Uncertainty is not an indication of poor leadership; it underscores the need for leadership. It is the environment in which good leadership is most easily identified.”

Andy Stanley author: Next Generation Leader Reality!

You can certainly expect a high degree of uncertainty as a leader. When you are out front and leading, the path forward is often uncharted and unknown. You will constantly be operating in an environment in which you’ve never been before. More often than not, those who choose to follow you will not have been there before either. You’re out front! Get used to it!!

However, just because you are operating in an area that is new to you and as a result has a high degree of uncertainty doesn’t mean that those who follow you need to feel the uncertainty. Your job as a leader is to create as much clarity and certainty as possible for those following you.

Fear and Anxiety When uncertainty is allowed to run rampant in an organization it has a debilitating effect on the people in it. As humans, we crave safety. One of the reasons humans have formed into communities and tribes is because of the need for safety. Simply put, there’s safety in numbers. However, when people feel unclear and uncertain about the environment they are in feelings of fear and anxiety begin to take root.

In 2012, Google conducted a research project called “Aristotle” in which they surveyed 50,000 employees in an attempt to gain better understanding of what makes teams successful. What the survey respondents indicated as being highly important to them was psychological safety, dependability, clarity/structure, meaning, and impact. All five of these are a direct result of your leadership ability to create clarity.

The obvious question becomes “how do you create clarity and minimize uncertainty”. On one hand the reality is that the presence of uncertainty is certain. There will always be some degree of it, but the goal is to intentionally do whatever you possibly can to create as much clarity as possible.

Uncertainty Next Steps According to Andy Buck, author of Leadership Matters: How Leaders at all Levels Create Great Schools, the following six techniques are useful in helping you create

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clarity as much as possible: 1. Provide reassurance: model certainty.

2. Foster connection: create a shared sense of purpose.

3. Build relationships: use your heart and not just your head.

4. Communicate adnauseum.

5. Be decisive: Don’t wobble.

6. Be agile: Organizational resilience.

Followers who are clear in the mission, vision, values, as well as the challenges facing the team have a higher propensity to feeling safe. As a result, they are more inclined to take risks, challenge the status quo, and break from organizational or team paradigms. Team members who lack clarity will not feel safe, and as a result they will pull back into their proverbial shells to protect themselves.

Perspective Without clarity, your team will flounder and be unsuccessful. In turn, you will be unsuccessful. When there’s a lack of clarity its not their fault, its your’s. You have the responsibility to create as much clarity as possible and navigate any uncertainty in ways that helps them succeed. You are the one out front! You have the best viewpoint to see what’s ahead and the perspective to understand tactical and strategic steps that need to be taken to help the team succeed.

As Andy Stanley indicates, the presence of uncertainty is not in and of itself an indicator of poor leadership. However, allowing uncertainty to become commonplace is an indicator of poor leadership.

Strong leaders will tell you that they didn’t always have all of the answers when faced with challenges.

However, they will more than likely tell you that in those uncertain times they took the next right step.

The Next Right Thing Even as a leader you will have many instances in which you don’t’ have answers. This can be quite unnerving, but putting on a false pretense that you do have the answers is certain disaster.

Honesty in these moments is key. In the middle of turbulent times you have to give those following you clear and concise information.

You have to ensure they have solid things on which to focus.

This doesn’t mean denial of the challenges, and it certainly doesn’t mean flowery speeches.

It is analogous to a ship’s captain in the middle of the storm focusing on the lighthouse. The captain certainly isn’t denying that the ship is in turbulent waters, but being focused on the lighthouse provides a high degree of certainty.

Uncertainty is certain! You can take that to the bank, but allowing it to go unchecked is a recipe for disaster. This means disaster for the organization, disaster for the people you lead, and disaster for your leadership legacy. While uncertain times are not fun to go through, they can be the times that you can shine and leave a strong leadership legacy. Find that lighthouse and use it to create as much certainty as possible.

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” Tony Schwartz

Taking Charge During Hurricane Milton

By Lisa McDonald, Communications Manager, City of Oviedo

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hat a week Hurricane Milton brought to Central Florida. On October 5, 2024, what was supposed to be a rainmaker heading towards Florida, turned into something far more dangerous. In a matter of days, the unnamed storm quickly turned into a Category 5 hurricane named Milton. As the path barreled towards the west coast of Florida, all eyes in the City of Oviedo watched the track of the storm that was forecast to hit Tampa Bay and move directly over Central Florida.

Fire Chief Michael Woodward, the designated Emergency Manager for the city, took charge of establishing clear commands and mobilizing not only the fire department but the City as a whole. The Emergency Management plan was activated, as was the City’s EOC under Woodward’s command.

Working closely with City Manager Bryan Cobb, the pair made clear, concise decisions that would be quickly communicated to the public.

Department directors gathered daily to participate in Seminole County Emergency Management briefings in the morning before moving into round table preparations, led

by Woodward. The messaging to the public had started early, the weekend Milton formed into a Tropical Storm with predictions of it becoming a hurricane. The communications team, who were well-versed in hurricane preparedness, immediately started utilizing the city’s website

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and social media for the placement of messaging that was key to making sure the residents were prepared.

Woodward wanted to make sure departments were prepared for major power outages, having generators tested and fueled up with the assistance from the public works department.

Even when one of the firehouses lost power during the event, the firefighters were prepared to answer any calls after the storm.

“All departments came together as a team to see our city through the storm,” said Chief Woodward. “Our residents took this seriously and were prepared for this Hurricane.”

Woodward and Cobb along with the other operational departments consisting of the Police Department, Public Works and Recreation and Parks staff stayed in the EOC, night and day, watching the progression of the storm as decisions were made from the nerve center of the city. With reports of road blockages coming into the Oviedo Police

Department, who were able to quickly mobilize and shut down roads due to flooding, power lines and tree branches down, the Fire Department could easily navigate to assist any residents in urgent need through the streamlined communication systems.

After the storm had passed, units were deployed to assess the city and find areas that may have experienced flooding or damage. The Public Works Department and Oviedo Fire Department had chainsaw capabilities that could easily remove trees and branches that may have been impeding the roadways.

Thankfully, the City of Oviedo fared well through the storm with little to no damage to homes or businesses and no reports of injuries or death. Residents heeded the Fire Department’s call for safety with generator use during the power outages and personnel were able to stand down after the storm had passed.

The City demobilized the EOC and resumed normal operations Friday afternoon.

Meet

the

PIO Davis Wood Public Information and Education Officer Escambia County Public Safety

Describe your PIO philosophy.

Be present, prepared, helpful and honest.

What is the most challenging issue facing the public information function today?

Misinformation. While social media is a wonderful tool for PIOs, others choose to use social media to share a false narrative, meaning the PIO must remain active and vigilant.

Unfortunately, misinformation will never go away during critical moments, so it’s important to stay active, responsive and educated on pressing matters.

How has public information changed?

As social media grows, the ability to share information has become instantaneous. Media

partners and members of the public demand answers quickly, and social media allows for that information to get distributed to a large audience.

What skills do you feel a PIO should possess?

A PIO needs to understand and befriend the media, specifically, your local media. In the world of misinformation or “fake news”, and the perception of media bias, your local media’s #1 job is the report what’s important to your local community. As a PIO, you possess that information and knowledge that needs to be shared. Developing a trusting relationship with your local media partners ensures your message is getting out there with the assistance of your local media partners.

Also, remember that when an incident becomes national, your local media partners must remain first.

Second, a PIO needs to understand social media. A strong social media presence leads to continual support from the community and can attract potential firefighters to your department.

What are some unique aspects of your PIO function?

Escambia County Fire Rescue has over 20 fire stations spread out throughout the county that cover both the beach and rural communities. One moment, I’m discussing a water rescue occurring at Pensacola Beach while also discussing how our firefighters rescued a horse at a local farm.

What do you think is the most challenging issue facing the Fire Service?

From a PIO standpoint, recruitment is always challenging when other departments nearby are recruiting the same people.

What changes do you think are coming to the Fire Service?

There will be higher demands for service as communities continue to grow as we’ve seen in Escambia County. With more people, there will be a higher need for more services and specialized training in focuses such as hazmat, special operations, USAR, swift water rescue and more.

What’s the future for PIOs? As technology evolves, so too must the PIO. AI could be a useful tool in preparing statements or crafting a strong social media post.

However, no technology or person is perfect.

The PIO must stay on top of AP-style grammar and learn new social media tools and applications.

Regardless of the technological advancements in our modern world, the PIO will always remain a vital asset to any organization.

PIO Davis Wood briefing the media during a recent wildfire

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

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By Sara Nealeigh, Media Relations Officer, Sarasota County Fire Department

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he week of July 29, 2024, then-Tropical Storm Debby threatened the west coast of Florida. In preparation of potential impacts, Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) initiated contingency plans and communicated with our operational groups and firefighters.

Forecasts indicated the area could see six to eight inches of rain with a slight to marginal chance of excessive rainfall; but what became Hurricane Debby brought more than 17 inches of rain in the Sarasota area between Aug. 4 and Aug. 5.

The Sarasota County area was already saturated, after over 14 inches of rain fell in the span of just a few hours in June, which commenced SCFD’s yearly Tropical Storm organizational refamiliarization. The rainfall introduced widespread urban flooding on Siesta Key, Lido Key, and in downtown Sarasota.

On the morning of Aug., 4, Command staff at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center activated to a Level 2, monitored and augmented operational assets in the county and increased our stance of preparation. On-duty SCFD crews staffed high water vehicles and rescue boats.

Sarasota County began to see the severe weather and torrential rain of the outer bands of Debby during the evening hours and after midnight, urban flooding began to impact sections on the county on Philippi Creek. Highwater were dispatched to the most impacted areas to rescue residents whose homes were flooded by the deluge.

In 24 hours, SCFD had 590 Fire/EMS calls, a more than 200% increase in call volume from a typical day. As water continued to rise along

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Bahia Vista Street, throughout the early hours of the next morning, additional resources were requested, including Florida US&R Task Force 6 (FLTF-6) with an imbedded type 1 Swiftwater Rescue Team to assist in responding to calls.

Preparations and discussions on potential impacts with FLTF-6 leadership were already in motion and the Florida US&R Incident Support Team (IST) staged FLTF-6 in Lee County.

Thanks to their strategic positioning, they were nearby to assist Sarasota County.

The Sarasota County Fire Department, City of Sarasota Police Department, and Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office created a Unified Incident Command (UIC) in the affected Bahia Vista St. Division rescued and evacuated residents. These rescues were based on 911 calls for assistance and the level of flood inundation.

Shortly after activation, FLTF-6 arrived in Sarasota County and deployed into the most impacted areas with water rescues and searches.

FLTF-6 implemented the Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform SARCOP for continuity and to assure all residences were evaluated and citizens could be rescued or evacuated.

As fire department responses reached critical mass, and units assigned to the Bahia Vista area worked to complete their rescues, other areas of Sarasota County started to flood with the rising water levels.

SCFD leadership requested three additional US&R task forces with embedded Type 1 Swiftwater Rescue Teams to assist with searches, rescues, evacuations, and documentation in all of the flooded areas of the county. FLTF-3, FLTF-4, FLTF-5 arrived the next day and immediately began assisting residents in our community.

By Aug. 8, all the US&R teams demobilized.

Throughout the time of the incident, there were more than 500 assists with flooding, 33 people rescued and 620 residents remained sheltered in place. Over 1000 structures were assessed and documented identifying 291 with major impacts and 116 that were destroyed.

Over 3,227 track miles were travelled assessing damage and local flooding with 7,671 waypoints plotted and nearly 300 public interactions. This large-scale incident brought on by unprecedented area rainfall levels from what became Hurricane Debby showed how agencies from across the county and state come together in emergencies. This teamwork and relationship-building allowed all involved to better serve our community and make lessons learned into operational change to improve future response.

Sarasota County would like to wholeheartedly thank every responder from the approximately 50 agencies at the local and state levels that contributed to help our community.

Warning Light — Preparing Your Department for the Next Crisis

By Sam DiGiovanna with www.lexipol.com

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hen a car has engine problems, a warning light comes on. Similarly, when something goes wrong with an airplane’s engine, control systems or landing gear, a visual alert notifies the crew. There is no such thing as a good time for a warning light to signal a problem. Having a trip interrupted by dashboard warning lights is an inconvenience at best and a downright emergency at worst. But at least the lights are there to help signal that action should be taken.

I consider myself a very optimistic person, but I will say this: There is a warning light on.

Most everyone I speak to feels like something seems wrong or out of place—locally, nationally and globally. Many find it hard to put their finger on it, but their instincts are telling them “WARNING.” You don’t have to look far to see how upsidedown we have become. We are on the verge of a tumultuous time, and that feeling in your gut is telling you to get prepared, both professionally and personally.

Just in the past few years, we’ve experienced crises ranging from COVID to political strife, war to assassination attempts, cyber breakdowns to power grabs. Unless you are completely oblivious, it should be very apparent that a warning light is on. It might even be blinking.

Preparing for Impact Imagine yourself for a moment, sitting in a cramped airline seat with your tiny bag of pretzels when the pilot announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, return to your seats and fasten your seat belts. We have some turbulence ahead.” If this happened, you’d prepare for a crash landing, stowing your belongings and reviewing the emergency procedures card. You’d do whatever you could to maximize your chances of surviving.

Brothers and sisters in the fire service, we’ve got turbulence ahead. Please consider this your captain’s warning.

Assuming you haven’t been living under a rock, you know there’s a heated election coming up. We’re seeing people taking sides, 18

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lines being drawn. Extremists from all aspects of the political spectrum are making plans, behaving badly. And of course, when one group acts uncivil, that serves as a green light for others to ratchet up the rhetoric and violence.

In many of our cities, we’re seeing spikes in crime, assaults and even murder.

We’re also seeing an increase in violence toward firefighters and other public safety personnel. It’s getting bad, folks, and it’s likely to get worse.

Maintaining Civility As a fire service leader, it’s up to you to set the tone of discourse in your firehouse(s). First, don’t assume everyone in your crew thinks and believes the same things you do. In some cases, a simple warning to “tone it down” or “keep it civil” might be enough. In other situations, you may need to instruct the members of your crew to avoid overtly political discussions in the workplace. You know your people best, so use your best judgment regarding what the message from the top needs to be.

Disrespectful behavior from others can be unnerving and upsetting. Before you witness behavior or hear discussions that are over the line in terms of propriety, decide right now how you will handle that. Similarly, if someone has been disrespectful to you, you may be left wondering how to respond—or if you should respond at all. Take some time to assess what happened and figure out if the other person really intended to be disrespectful.

When you feel the need to address uncivil behavior, first take some time to calm down and think about how to react. Be empathetic, but don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or others if you need to. As a leader in the fire service, you have the responsibility to calm the turbulence if and help everyone act respectfully and courteously.

Getting Your House in Order It’s almost impossible to look into the near future and not see the very real possibility of civil unrest, international conflict, a follow-on pandemic or other unthinkable crises. The time

is now to prepare. Talk to your command staff about scenarios that are within the realm of possibility in your area. Review your agency’s policies regarding the best way to respond to those situations, with contingencies for both the likely and unlikely. Make a plan to train your teams so everyone knows what to do if a worstcase scenario actually plays out.

Remember the supply chain difficulties of 2020 and 2021? They caught a lot of agencies off guard, leaving many shorthanded. Also, there’s no reason to think they can’t happen again. Take time now to inventory your equipment and supplies so you have what you need as we head deeper into the second half of the year. Prepare now to have extra food, water, medical supplies and other items on hand. I’m not saying to buy up stocks of hand sanitizer and toilet paper, but following the old adage that “two is one and one is none” can ensure you won’t be caught off guard.

As you prepare your agency for these possibilities, it’s a good idea to do the same at home. You’ll probably want to counsel the members of your crew to do the same.

Keep the Faith During the first year of the Revolutionary War, Washington’s army shrank from 23,000 soldiers in August 1776 to fewer than 5,000 in December. Men were losing faith in the cause of freedom, abandoning their units and fleeing back to the comforts of home. With the hopes of the struggling nation in very real danger, Thomas Paine penned his famous pamphlet, “The American Crisis,” in which he warned: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

Friends, in the coming months and years you will likely face times that test your faith. These tests may come in many forms. Some may be profoundly personal — like sickness, loss or difficult decisions. Some will be professional, as you find yourself dealing with situations you never thought you’d encounter when you started your firefighting career.

Regardless of your belief system, this is a great time to strengthen your relationships with

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family, friends and community. Get to know your neighbors. Get active in organizations that promote good. Be a better citizen.

During challenges like these, many people turn to their faith to help see them through.

Regardless of what religious practices you follow, lean on past experiences when you felt someone or something guiding you. Personally, I look for God’s intervention in my life. I find that reflecting on these moments can build trust and renew my faith, especially when it seems as if everything is going wrong. It’s important to focus on the things you can influence or control. Doing so reminds you that while you are a small force in a big world, living your life in an honorable manner does make a difference, and staying true to your values can help you move through tough situations.

Certainty in Uncertainty Friends in the fire service, I could be completely wrong about what lies ahead. I hope I am. But I suspect I’m not. And there are many who agree with me.

I’m not saying these things to spark fear and anxiety, but rather to call attention to the worries many of us are already feeling. Though some degree of anxiety is normal and even necessary, anxiety signals us that something is awry or might need our attention. It’s another kind of warning light, and the best way to deal with it is to be prepared.

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is also a Senior Consultant for Lexipol and the Cordico wellness solution.

The Nehf family has been on the job for three generations.

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19

A PIO’s Navigation Through the Crisis of Two Hurricanes

By Jason Beisel

B

eing the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the city of Treasure Island, Treasure Island Fire Rescue (TIFR), and the Treasure Island Police Department (TIPD) is a rewarding experience, filled with the day-to-day communications of a small beach community.

But in late September, that vibe was shattered as Hurricane Helene approached, a storm forecasted to brush past us with potentially devastating consequences.

As the storm intensified in the Gulf, the city swiftly transitioned to emergency management mode, bracing for impact. On September 25, I joined first responders and senior city officials in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate plans for the worst-case scenario.

As I delivered critical, potentially life-saving storm preparedness information to the community, a reality weighed heavily on me: I couldn’t be at home, securing my own house for the hurricane. My partner was left to handle the preparations, care for our dog, and to make sure they were in a safe place as the storm approached. The thought of not being with them during such an uncertain time started to hit me emotionally. There were moments when I had to step away from the main EOC room, find a quiet space, and release the emotions building up inside. Yet, I held onto faith through it all, knowing it would see me through. Prayer is a powerful thing.

Back in the EOC, our fears began to materialize by mid-afternoon: video footage from police and fire personnel still on the island showed storm surges pouring into streets and homes.

Throughout the night, we all anxiously monitored the storm, unable to initiate rescue operations until it passed. Calls for help flooded in from residents who hadn’t evacuated despite warnings. Seeing TIFR’s Fire Chief, Deputy Chief and other first responders struggling with the heartbreaking reality that they couldn't

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respond to emergency calls due to the extreme conditions was heart-wrenching. First responders are trained to save lives no matter the risk, but on this night, even they had to wait.

In the days before the storm, I focused on communicating preparedness tips and evacuation notices. But as the hurricane bore down, the message became simple: evacuate.

The storm surge forecast warned of devastation, and that warning became a reality. Residents were trapped in their homes, without power, surrounded by rising waters.

Once the storm passed and the waters receded, our work in the EOC shifted to recovery. My mind raced about how best to reach residents with crucial information. In the days that followed, we deployed every method available, from digital alerts to good oldfashioned paper notices.

Barely a week after Helene, another storm – Hurricane Milton – was coming. I returned to the EOC and resumed the steady drumbeat of life-saving messaging. During times like this, being a one-man-band PIO is physically and emotionally draining. Long days turned into weeks without seeing my partner or even my dog. Round-the-clock updates and briefings replaced my early-morning CrossFit workouts and the calm drive to work. But none of that mattered at this moment because I knew the people of Treasure Island were looking at complete devastation in the face for the first time, scared and not knowing what to do.

I had planned to surprise my mom in Indianapolis for her 75th birthday in early October. The tickets were booked and the gathering arranged, but Helene changed everything. I canceled the trip,

unable to be there to celebrate with my mom, family, and friends.

Between fielding media interviews on TV, radio, and print, I often felt like I was in a nightmare. Each morning, I hoped it would end, but the reality of the devastation continued to unfold around us. Returning to City Hall brought a flood of emotions. Driving through the city I love, the community I've worked to protect and represent, I couldn’t ignore all the destruction surrounding our beautiful beach community.

Now, 31 days later, with just one day off since Helene hit, the recovery effort remains allconsuming. But soon, I'll have time to reconnect with family and friends and, hopefully, reschedule that trip to see my mom. I am grateful for my home in St. Petersburg, which was spared from the worst, and thankful my partner and dog are safe and sound. I am also blessed to serve a resilient community alongside TIFR and TIPD – teams that consistently go above and beyond.

This experience has been beyond a rollercoaster of emotion, yet my hardship pales in comparison to what Treasure Island’s residents and businesses have endured.

Treasure Island is strong and resilient; we will come back stronger. This is our paradise, and no storm can take that away. have a professional headshot yet)

Jason Beisel is an experienced communications professional with a background in both journalism and public information. His career began in Evansville, Indiana, where he studied broadcast journalism in college and started working behind the scenes at local broadcast stations.

After graduating, he moved into a bigger journalism role, becoming one of the first "one-man-band" reporters in the market. This path eventually brought him back to his hometown of Indianapolis and then to the Tampa Bay area.

After more than 15 years in journalism, Jason shifted his career toward public

Photo by Mackenzie McClintock

communications, joining the City of Clearwater as a Senior Public Information Coordinator. In Clearwater, he managed communications for the Parks and Recreation Department, including Clearwater Beach, while supporting emergency management and occasionally assisting the police and fire departments' public information officer.

Under the leadership of an accomplished director, Beisel was encouraged to further his training by attending conferences and classes, which helped him pursue his goal of becoming a Public Information Officer.

In his current role, Beisel serves as the first-ever Public Information Officer for the City of Treasure Island, Treasure Island Fire Rescue, and the Treasure Island Police Department. Over the past three years, he has led all communication efforts for the city and its emergency management, establishing a public information program that balances tourism, public safety, and everyday communications.

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21

South Walton Crews Knock Down Carriage House Fire

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

R

ight before shift change on October 16, South Walton Fire District A-Shift firefighters responded to a working structure fire at large residence in Santa Rosa Beach.

The incident originated around 6:30 a.m. when SWFD Dispatchers received the 911 call reporting smoke and flames were visible from a home on Casa Grande Lane.

Firefighters arrived on-scene and encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from a large, two-story home. The bulk of the fire was located within the front of the structure, which was classified as a carriage house.

The fire was spreading through the carriage house attic spaces and

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posing an immediate threat to the attached primary residence. Crews worked to extinguish the flames and contain the fire to limit the damage.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The carriage house suffered heavy damage, but fortunately the primary residence received minor damage.

The SWFD Fire Marshal as well as the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and determined the fire likely originated around the carriage house’s garage area. The specific cause of the fire was not able to be determined.

SWFD thanks the responding Walton County Sheriff’s Office and mutual aid partners for their assistance throughout the duration of the incident. The District also extends its support to the impacted property owners.

Palm Coast City Council Recognizes Fire Prevention Week

By Patrick Juliano, Fire Lieutenant Paramedic, Palm Coast Fire Department

T

he Palm Coast City Council recognized the Palm Coast Fire Department for Fire Prevention Week 2024. Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Agency had sponsored Fire Prevention Week during the week of October 9, which commemorated the Great Chicago Fire.

The theme for that year was: “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you.”

Driver Engineer Katelyn Baller led the Fire Prevention public outreach for the Fire Department. “Our department had established a Key Performance Indicator to keep fires contained to the room of origin 75% of the time,” Driver Engineer Baller said. “Through

education, we helped prevent fires and provided our residents with the skills and knowledge on how to keep a fire confined.”

Throughout October, the Palm Coast Fire Department visited all the elementary, Pre-K, and VPK schools within the city. Nearly 10,000 students learned the importance of fire safety throughout the month. Fire safety education wasn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly were also at risk of fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understood how to stay safe in case of a fire.

The department recorded several fire prevention successes.

In 2015, a 7-year-old student at the Imagine School at Town Center used what he had recently learned to help him, and his brother escape from a residential fire in western Flagler County. In 2020, a student at Rymfire Elementary used what she had learned during Fire Prevention Week to extinguish a fire in her home and call 911.

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23

Coral Gables Recues Woman

By Xavier L. Jones, CFO, MPA, Division Chief, Coral Gables Fire Department

I

n September, the Coral Gables Fire Department successfully rescued a woman whose car was left precariously dangling from the fourth floor of a parking garage.

Emergency responders, including Coral Gables Police and fire rescue crews, arrived quickly at the scene. A white Porsche was seen hanging off the edge, supported only by a tree below.

According to Coral Gables Fire Rescue Division Chief Xavier Jones, it appears the driver may have accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing her vehicle to break through the garage wall.

In a coordinated effort, firefighters deployed a lift to perform a high-angle rescue. Video footage captured a firefighter being lowered to the driver’s side to assist her. The woman was subsequently placed on a stretcher and, fortunately, sustained only minor injuries.

“Thanks to our dedicated firefighters, we were able to safely bring her to safety without any serious injuries reported,” Chief Jones stated.

Witnesses nearby described hearing a loud noise before witnessing the scene unfold. Valeria Marsal, who works in an office building across the street, recounted, “I heard a big smack and rushed outside to see a mother and child directly below the dangling car. If that tree hadn’t been there, it could have been a much worse situation.”

Debris from the incident landed on a vehicle parked on the street, though it remains unclear if anyone was inside at the time.

After the rescue, the car was safely pulled back into the garage and subsequently towed away. Crews are now focused on repairing the damaged portion of the parking garage wall.

The Coral Gables Fire Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community and appreciates the swift actions of all responders involved.

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Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

25

Brevard County Lifeguards Carry and Administer Nasal Narcan

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

W

ith the increase of Substance Use Disorder across the country, Brevard County Fire/Ocean Rescue (BCFR/OR) lifeguards were the first in Florida to

implement and are equipped to administer the use of nasal Narcan in early 2023. After experiencing several encounters of opiate emergencies along the beaches, dunes, and

restrooms in Brevard County, Ocean Rescue lifeguards have taken preventative action to assist beachgoers while an overdose is occurring. Working closely with BCFR’s Community Paramedic (CP) Jonathan Weiss, CP Weiss is able to maintain/inventory and supply Narcan as needed for the lifeguards in case of emergent situation.

The increase in overdose fatalities seen

by Ocean Rescue increased by 20% from 2022 to 2023 prior to dispensing nasal Narcan. Ocean Rescue lifeguards are now trained to recognize the symptoms and administer nasal Narcan if needed. Their primary focus is to take immediate action and prevent the untimely demise of a seaside visitor in Brevard County. Also, did you know not only are BCFR/OR lifeguards equipped to administer nasal Narcan they are also certified EMT’s and EMR’s, attended ALS for Basic Providers course and are able to provide ALS assistance to paramedics while on scene.

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District Bids “Farewell” to Alan McLaughlin

By Tiffany Wood, Public Information Officer/Public Educator, Greater Naples Fire Rescue District

O

n September 27, 2024. Assistant Chief Alan McLaughlin retired after 47 years of fire rescue experience. He worked his way through the ranks with the City of Naples Fire Rescue, achieving the rank of Chief of Administration. He has served as an Assistant Chief in three fire departments:

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Burningtown-Itola Fire Rescue, Golden Gate Fire Rescue District, and Isles of Capri Fire Rescue. He served nine years as the Fire Chief of the Ochopee Fire Control and Rescue District. He was the project manager for I.S.O. schedule reduction, taking Isles of Capri and Ochopee Fire from a rating of seven to four. McLaughlin also served as an instructor for the Naples Fire Training Center from 1993 to 2004. He also served as

a Fire Service Consultant from 1999 to 2002.

As a Logistic Section Chief, he was responsible for facilities, small tools & equipment, information technology, research & development, and quartermaster.

We appreciate his hard work and dedication to the firefighting profession. On behalf of everyone at Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, we would like to wish Alan a happy and healthy retirement.

Krys Banker.......................................................................InUnison Kyle Biles .......................................................................Verisk/ISO Andrew Camacho ...............................................................InUnison Felice Dennison ........................................................................UKG Rochelle Goldberg.....................Medical Career Academy, Inc. (MCA) Kenneth Kurth .......................................Alachua County Fire Rescue Russell Lee ...............................Medical Career Academy, Inc. (MCA) Felecio McDowell ..............Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services Talen McElyea...............................Walton County Fire Rescue Cadets

Frank Melillo.................................................Crystal River Fire Dept Tina Palermo ............................Medical Career Academy, Inc. (MCA) Dale Reisen.................Florida Youth Firesetter Intervention Network Richard Schuessler .............Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Mark Stirns .................................Greater Naples Fire Rescue District Ellis Stone..........................................................................InUnison Bryce Thomas .................................................Florida Forest Service Michael Wallis ....................................Orange Park Fire Department Tiffany Wood...............................Greater Naples Fire Rescue District

Longwood Fire Department Holds Change of Command Ceremony

By Longwood Fire Department

O

n September 30, 2024 the City of Longwood celebrated a significant milestone with a Change of Command ceremony at the Longwood Community Building. The event, attended by community members, city officials, and firefighters, marked the retirement of former Fire Chief Michael Peters and the swearing-in of his successor, Chief Troy Feist.

The ceremony paid tribute to Chief Peters’ 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Longwood. Under his leadership, the Longwood Fire Department achieved numerous milestones, enhancing community safety and fostering strong relationships with local organizations. His commitment to excellence and innovation in firefighting practices has left a lasting legacy, making a profound impact on both the department and the community.

The Change of Command tradition, which dates back to the Roman army, represents a

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formal transfer of authority and responsibility.

This ceremonial event included the passing of the department’s colors, a poignant symbol of continuity and the unwavering dedication of the fire department to its mission. Such traditions not only honor the outgoing leader but also formally introduce the new chief, reinforcing the community’s trust in its public safety officials.

As the ceremony progressed, Chief Peters reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the support he received from his team and the community. Troy Feist, who has a distinguished career in firefighting, was then sworn in as the new Fire Chief. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service, Feist expressed

enthusiasm about his new role. “I am honored to take on this responsibility and to lead such a talented group of professionals. Together, we will continue to build on the legacy of excellence that Chief Peters established,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor.

The ceremony concluded with breakfast, allowing attendees to personally congratulate both chiefs and share in the excitement of this new chapter for the Longwood Fire Department. As Chief Feist steps into his role, the community looks forward to his leadership and vision, confident that the fire department will continue to serve with commitment and pride.

This Change of Command ceremony not only marked a significant transition in leadership but also reaffirmed the Longwood Fire Department’s dedication to safeguarding the community and upholding its cherished values.

Pastor Rick Spence invocation and prayer

Chief Troy Feist speech

City Manager Clint Gioielli presenting Chief Peters retirement plaque

Longwood City Commission with LPD Chief Dowda, LFD Chief Feist and LFD Chief Peters

Seminole County Executive Fire Chiefs group presentation of badges

Longwood Police Chief David Dowda speaks on Chief Peters

Presentation of retirement axe to Chief Peters

Chief Peters (outgoing Chief) and Chief Feist (incoming Chief)

29

Alligator Point/Saint Teresa Open House North Port Fire Rescue Earns CAAS Accreditation

By Caleb Harper, Fire Chief

By Dave Ingalls, District Chief/PIO

On October 12, the Alligator Point / Saint Teresa Volunteer Fire Department proudly hosted its first-ever Fire Prevention Open House, a landmark event aimed at fostering community awareness and safety. The day kicked off with excitement as families gathered to connect with local firefighters and learn essential fire safety tips.

The open house featured interactive demonstrations. Children were thrilled to explore the fire trucks, climbing aboard and asking questions about the equipment that protects their community. Informational booths provided valuable resources and giveaways on creating fire escape plans and the importance of smoke detectors. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter and learning, as community members enjoyed refreshments provided by the fire department.

As the event ended, participants left with a deeper understanding of fire prevention and a sense of pride in their community. The Alligator Point / Saint Teresa Volunteer Fire Department successfully laid the groundwork for future events, emphasizing that safety is a shared responsibility. This inaugural open house not only educated but also strengthened the bond between the fire department and the community, ensuring that everyone is better prepared for emergencies.

After a comprehensive two-year process, North Port Fire Rescue has achieved a significant milestone by receiving accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). This prestigious accreditation recognizes the department’s compliance with rigorous national standards of excellence in emergency medical services (EMS).

North Port Fire Rescue now joins an elite group of just over 180 ambulance services nationwide to successfully complete this voluntary review process.

The CAAS accreditation process involved an in-depth application and a thorough on-site review by national EMS experts. The independent evaluation validates that accredited agencies adhere to the highest standards in the industry. With this achievement, North Port Fire Rescue becomes only the 26th ambulance service in Florida to receive CAAS accreditation.

Designed to enhance organizational performance, efficiency, and clinical quality, CAAS accreditation helps EMS agencies reduce risk and liability while improving overall service delivery. For North Port Fire Rescue, this certification underscores the department’s dedication to providing outstanding medical care and operational excellence.

Fire Chief Scott Titus emphasized the importance of this accomplishment, stating, “Accreditation represents our firm commitment to our patients and community. We continuously strive to do our best, and we viewed accreditation as validation to our community of continual progress in the delivery of exceptional service.”

Chief Titus also highlighted the pivotal role of the department’s staff in achieving this success. “Our staff has been key to our successful completion of the process. It gives a sense of prestige and pride to work in an accredited ambulance service, surrounded by exceptional professionals,” he said. “Everyone here played a valuable role in our ability to meet the Commission’s high standards, and I believe it serves as a stimulus for continued improvement.”

With this accreditation, North Port Fire Rescue solidifies its position as a leader in emergency medical services, committed to upholding the highest standards of care for its community.

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Holy Trinity Holds Safety Day for Students

By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, crews from Brevard County Fire Rescue, Rescue 67 C-Shift; Lt. Daniel Monahan, FM Peter Lukianov and PM Student Bryce Dalrymple were invited to Holy Trinity’s Safety Day offering insight to students on the day-to-day service BCFR crews provide to the community. Students were given a tour of the rescue, educated on patients care and the devices used to provide treatment. A Holy Trinity representative stated: “Your team did an amazing job today with our students.

Thank you so much! You were such a nice addition to our Safety Day, and we hope you will be able to join us next year.” Great Job R67!

Escambia County Horse Rescue

By Davis Wood, Public Information and Education Officer Escambia County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a special operations rescue involving a horse on Monday, Sept. 2. ECFR’s Engine One was first on-scene to a 1,400-pound horse on the ground wedged up against a wall in the barn. The horse, named “Raleigh,” was in clear distress but remained calm as ECFR utilized a sling around his torso to carefully maneuver him away from the wall and back on his feet.

Raleigh experienced a laceration on one of his front legs and a scratch on his face as a result of the incident, but he was able to walk on his own power and has since been treated by his veterinarian. Overall, the horse rescue operation required seven ECFR units and a total of 40 minutes. Assistance was provided by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Panhandle Equine Rescue and a local cowboy.

As a bonus, the crew of ECFR’s Ladder 129 was able to spend time with their company mascot, a donkey, while at the farm.

Due to the diverse nature of the county, it’s critical that Escambia County Fire Rescue remains committed and prepared for every possible scenario.

Almost daily, ECFR firefighters train on several rescues that could occur within the county, ranging from water rescues to horse rescues.

Flagler County’s Andrew Shook Awarded

By Julie Murphy On September 6, Members of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded Flagler County Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Shook with the Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal during the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

Flagler Chapter Secretary Randall Morris spoke of the tradition of presenting the award as “descendants of our great nation’s very first public servants.” Regional Vice President Charlie Hayes presented the award to Shook, who has worked for Flagler County Fire Rescue for ten years.

“He is an outstanding Firefighter Paramedic,” Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker said of Shook. “I look forward to seeing him take on some leadership roles here in Flagler County.”

The medal is presented for accomplishments or an outstanding contribution in the emergency medical services field. Shook was nominated for the award for a 2023 water rescue in which he was part of a team that rescued three people who were being pulled out to sea by an ocean rip current.

Commission Chair Andy Dance asked whether Shook had ever been a lifeguard to which he answered no.

South Walton Fire District Hires Six Firefighters

By Mackenzie McClintock, Public Information Officer South Walton Fire District welcomed six new firefighters in October 2024.

Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Baker, Firefighter/Paramedic Travis Brady, Firefighter/EMT Braxton Dickerson, Firefighter/Paramedic Ethan Evans, Firefighter/EMT Dawson Howard, and Firefighter/EMT Kaylynn Kuester began their new hire orientation with administrative meetings and then rolled into hands-on training.

Their initial training consists of multiple days of fireground and emergency medical services sessions with senior personnel in South Walton Fire District’s Operations Division.

Over the next year, the probationary firefighters will handle dozens of tasks within their Probationary Task Book, which include demonstrating knowledge of SWFD’s jurisdiction and competency in all tasks on the fireground.

New Recruits Bolster Sarasota County Fire Department

By Sara Nealeigh, Media Relations Officer The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) is proud to announce the addition of seven new firefighters to its ranks. The department welcomed these new firefighters in a badge-pinning and swearing-in ceremony on August 16, 2024. The ceremony was officiated by Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith, who administered the oath of service to the recruits.

These firefighters began their journey with SCFD on June 10, 2024, starting with a comprehensive new employee orientation. Over the next ten weeks, they underwent intensive training led by the SCFD Training Division, designed to prepare them for firefighting and emergency response challenges.

Upon completing this rigorous training program, the seven new firefighters were quickly integrated into the department, being assigned to one of three operational shifts. They now stand ready to serve and protect the Sarasota County community, bringing fresh energy and commitment to the SCFD team.

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31

Palm Coast Fire Department Breaks Ground on Fire Station 26

By Patrick Juliano, Fire Lieutenant Paramedic, Palm Coast Fire Department

T

he Palm Coast Fire Department is excited to have formally broken ground on future Fire Station 26 at 72 Airport Commerce Center Way. Mayor David Alfin and the Palm Coast City Council joined the fire department for the ceremony on Thursday.

The groundbreaking of Fire Station 26 represents a key milestone for Palm Coast, as it will be the first fire station constructed in nearly two decades and the first dedicated solely to the Seminole Woods and Quail Hollow areas. The

station will serve approximately 7,010 households and handle an estimated 2,900 calls for service annually. Since June 2023, the fire department has been providing primary fire protection to these neighborhoods, operating temporarily out of Flagler County Fire Station 92 on Airport Road.

Currently, response times from the airport range between 7 to 15 minutes, depending on the call’s location, with longer times for calls more resounding into Seminole Woods. With the addition of Fire Station 26, response times will drop significantly to six minutes or less for over 90% of the area, offering a much faster emergency response.

Additionally, residents will benefit from a reduction in their fire insurance ratings, with the area’s rating expected to improve from 3/3x to 2.0, matching Palm Coast’s overall 2.0 ISO rating.

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the construction of the 10,000-square-foot station, which will include living quarters and a six-bay apparatus bay. The project’s guaranteed maximum price of $10,496,824 will take approximately 12 months to complete. Funding for Fire Station 26 comes from fire impact fees and a $5 million state appropriation, sponsored

by State Representative Adam Bontana and Speaker Paul Renner.

Once complete, Fire Station 26 will be staffed by three full-time firefighters providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical care and will have the capacity to house two additional full-time firefighters from Flagler County Fire Rescue on an ALS transport unit.

Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said, “Fire Station 26 positions us strategically to deliver the best service to our community by reducing response times and strengthening our fire protection systems. We are thankful to Speaker Paul Renner and Governor DeSantis for supporting our vision and helping bring it to life.”

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin added, “Public safety has always been one of our highest priorities in Palm Coast. Our fire department serves as the backbone of that safety, and Fire Station 26 will further strengthen that backbone. Together, we are building a stronger future for Palm Coast.”