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Florida Fire Service
September 2025, Volume 33, Number 9
USPS # 016-759
Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices.
FROM THE SECTIONS
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. Fort Myers Celebrates Opening of
Strengthening the Fire Family: Hillsborough County’s Spouse
Palm Coast Honors 9/11
Escambia County Recruits Test Physical
Bradford County Honors 9/11
County Hosts
Over the past month, the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association has been engaged in the work that continues to advance fire and emergency services in our state through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. As we transition into the fall, our priorities have been focused on policy preparation for the 2026 legislative session and ensuring our members have the tools and support needed to protect their communities and themselves.
FFCA staff and board members have partnered with the State Fire Marshal’s Office this past month to support the ongoing implementation of the firefighter cancer prevention decontamination grant program. This initiative, funded through the leadership
of Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, is helping departments large and small acquire the gear, equipment, and training to reduce cancer risks for our firefighters. These grants assist fire departments in their ability to provide secondary sets of turnout gear, onscene gross decon tools and PPE extraction equipment for the station. This program represents the kind of partnership between state government and local departments that the FFCA will always champion.
In addition, FFCA leadership has been active in rulemaking sessions with the Division of State Fire Marshal regarding the implementation of HB 929, Firefighter Safety and Health. This new legislation requires the establishment of statewide rules and standards aimed at improving firefighter health, wellness, and risk reduction practices. Through these sessions, we have been able to provide direct input on issues such as minimum safety program requirements, cancer prevention protocols, and PPE standards. Our involvement ensures that the rules being developed are both practical and achievable for departments of all sizes, while still meeting the legislative intent of enhancing firefighter safety across Florida.
We continue to advance leadership development opportunities with our Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI) classes, ensuring that company officers and chief officers alike have pathways to grow their leadership capacity. While ESLI is comprised of six courses, each individual course is designed to stand alone as a specific educational experience, with the six courses offered on a two-year revolving basis. A participant can start and finish with any course and courses can be taken in any sequence, as your schedule allows.
As we prepare for the 2026 legislative session, your legislative committee is sharpening its focus on several critical issues that will shape the future of the fire service in Florida. Through member outreach and by
Trip Barrs, Fire Chief FFCA President
working alongside our regional directors and contract lobbyist, we have identified a few key priorities that members should be aware of:
First, firefighter cancer prevention and health initiatives remain front and center. While significant progress has been made in securing presumptive cancer coverage and grant funding, there is more work to be done in ensuring these benefits are accessible, funded, and equitable across all jurisdictions—large and small, career and volunteer alike.
Second, the association is closely watching proposed legislation related to emergency medical services. With more than 80% of our call volume in many communities being EMSrelated, any statutor y changes that affect transport, reimbursement, or scope of practice have direct implications on our departments. We will continue to advocate for policies that ensure sustainable funding for EMS and recognize the critical role that firebased EMS plays in Florida’s healthcare system.
Third, workforce issues, including recruitment, retention, and mental health— are expected to surface again this year. Departments across the state are experiencing challenges in attracting and keeping firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers. The FFCA will support initiatives that expand firefighter apprenticeship programs, create new pathways into the profession, and enhance mental wellness benefits for first responders.
Finally, the association is monitoring proposals for ad valorem property tax cuts, which could have a significant impact on local government revenues—and therefore, fire department budgets. While tax relief for homeowners is an important policy discussion, reductions in property tax collections often translate directly into fewer resources for fire and EMS agencies. The FFCA will be a strong voice in these discussions, ensuring lawmakers understand
that sustainable funding for first responders is not optional—it is a matter of public safety.
While policy and advocacy are essential parts of our mission, equally important is the health and safety of our members. That is why I want to strongly encourage every department to send representation to the FFCA Safety and Health Conference, scheduled for October 20–23 in Kissimmee.
This conference has become one of our signature events, offering attendees the latest research, case studies, and best practices on topics that directly affect firefighter survival and wellness. Sessions this year will cover a wide range of issues, from cancer prevention and mental health resiliency to apparatus design and emerging PPE technologies. We will also have nationally recognized keynote speakers, breakout sessions led by Florida chiefs, and hands-on demonstrations.
One highlight will be the vendor showcase, where participants can connect directly with companies providing the latest safety
equipment and services tailored for the fire service. For many attendees, the most valuable part of the conference is the networking. Chiefs, officers, and safety officers from across the state come together to share ideas and build relationships that last long after the event is over. In our profession, no one agency has all the answers, and the Safety and Health Conference is an opportunity to learn from each other in a focused, supportive environment.
As we look back on the past month, I am proud of the energy, collaboration, and commitment shown by our members and partners. The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association is not just an organization—it is a network of leaders working every day to improve the fire service for our communities and for the men and women who protect them. With a legislative session on the horizon, continued support for firefighter health initiatives, and a strong calendar of training and conferences, the FFCA remains at the forefront of shaping
the future of our profession in Florida.
I look forward to seeing many of you in October at the Safety and Health Conference and to working together in the months ahead to advance the fire service in our great state. Stay safe, stay healthy, and thank you for your leadership.
G Giivveerrs s a annd d T Taakkeerrs s
By Rick Spence
Recently, there was an incident that occurred at a Florida Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies baseball game. A Phillies player hit a home run into the left field bleachers. It landed a row or two below a woman, who has since become known as “Phillies Karen.” I have learned that when a woman is called ‘a Karen,’ it is not a flattering thing to say about someone. When the ball landed a man came over and picked up the ball and gave it to his son, who was at the game to celebrate his birthday. This woman started to yell at the man, screaming, “I saw it first,” but did not try to retrieve the ball. To make things worse, she followed the man back to his seat, yelling at him to give her the ball. The boy’s father gave his son the ball and he placed it into his glove. This woman stood next to him and continued to yell at him to give her the ball. After about a minute or two, the father took the ball out of his son’s glove, gave it to the woman and told her to get away from them. The father later stated he was starting to get concerned about his family’s safety, which is why he gave the ball away. The “Karen” then took the ball and returned to her seat. All of this was caught on video and quickly went viral. She has yet to be correctly identified but has most likely become the most disliked woman in America. Clearly, this woman is a taker and the boy’s father is a giver Takers consistently take, regardless of the damage they may cause, and givers continue to give, often at a high cost.
I tell this story to remind us all of the great sacrifices that were made 24 years ago in New York City.
343 FDNY firefighters, including their fire chief and first deputy. There were also 23 NYPD officers, 37 port authority police officers, 8 paramedics and 1 US Fish and Wildlife officer Each of these men were givers and spent the length of their careers giving back to the citizens of New York. They willingly chose to go
into those towers, knowing it was going to be an extremely difficult task to evacuate the innocent victims of the terrorist attack. The lives of the men and women on the four planes, in the World Trade Center towers, and at the Pentagon (over 3300 total) were taken by evil men. Their lives were TAKEN by people who only knew how to take. They had no regard or respect for human decency, much less, the rules of war, which require combatants to avoid civilian casualties.
On the other hand, the men who went into the Twin Towers did so to save thousands of innocent people from having their lives taken. They went into the buildings carrying 25-50 pounds of gear and equipment with them. Since there was no power to the WTC, they had to use stairwells and battery powered flashlights. Several of the trapped occupants were in wheelchairs and had to be manually carried down the stairs. Another obstacle was the fact that their portable radios did not work effectively once they got above 15-20 floors. Against monumental odds, a little over 400 men were able to safely evacuate 16-20,000 people who were in the towers at that time. Each of these firefighters and law enforcement officers GAVE everything that they were able to GIVE, even to the point where they GAVE their lives. Their lives were not taken on that fateful day; they were given to save many others.
The American people and the world were able to see how serious firefighters take their job and the extent they are willing to go to to save others. The world saw the extremely highlevel firefighters are trained to and what firefighters are capable of doing. Almost all firefighters I know are GIVERS and do not leave an incident without knowing that they did everything humanly possible to safely mitigate the effects of the incident. Jesus Christ may have had firefighters in mind when He said, “The greatest love you can show is to GIVE your life for your friends.” John 15:13 Good News translation. That was from someone who also GAVE His life for others.
Rick Spence retired as Assistant Chief from the Reedy Creek Fire Department after 30 years. Heis 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 ser ves asSergeant 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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Fort Myers Fire Department Celebrates Opening of New Training Facility
By Andrea Guerrero, Multimedia Specialist, Office of Communications & Public Affairs, City of Fort Myers
The Fort Myers Fire Department has officially opened its new fire training facility, marking a significant milestone in firefighter readiness and public safety. The $2.6 million complex, located on nearly three acres, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by media, City officials, community members, and personnel from neighboring fire departments.
The state-of-the-art facility includes singlestory residential-style buildings, two-story mixeduse structures, and five-story towers designed to replicate the diverse range of structures found throughout the City of Fort Myers. These realistic environments allow firefighters to
practice essential skills and prepare for the full spectrum of emergency scenarios they may encounter.
“This new training facility is a game-changer for our department and our City,” said Fire Chief Tracy McMillion. “It gives our firefighters the ability to train in realistic environments that mirror the challenges they face on calls every day. This investment strengthens our preparedness, enhances public safety, and ultimately helps us better protect the community we serve.”
The opening of the facility represents a longterm commitment to ensuring that Fort Myers
firefighters remain well-trained, adaptable, and ready to respond to the community’s needs.
New Smyrna Beach Fire Department Push-In Ceremony
By Adam Sarwi, Lieutenant/Paramedic, PIO, City of New Smyrna Beach
Station 53 here in New Smyrna Beach sits adjacent to our municipal airport. Over the years this station has housed an ARFF truck, Brush Attack, Ambulance, and of course, Engine 53. The Pierce Arrow pumper was brought to the front line in 2011. After 10 years of faithful ser vice, plans began to replace the aging apparatus. An order for a Sutphen engine was placed in the works. The worldwide supply chain issue gave us significant delays, but our new E53 was delivered to us in July 2025.
A team traveled to Dublin, Ohio to spec out the truck. The engine was fitted with several upgrades and features requested to make work more fluid and with a bent
towards safety. Features include clean cab elements with dedicated compartments for turnout gear, updated and lighted grab handles and steps, and a growler among many others.
A pumper push-in ceremony was held at Station 53 on July 2. The event was also used an opportunity to celebrate the recent promotions of Battalion Chief Cody Curren, Lt. Jake Davies, Lt. Cory Hames, DE Nick D’Aurio, and DE Danielle Morales.
The event, open to the public, included
city council members, along with Mayor Fred Cleveland. Events like this serve as a time to mark significant moments in the department’s history. A brand-new apparatus like this brings a sense of pride and ownership among line members. We are proud to have it.
Technical Rescue in Dania Beach
By Joseph Dorsette, Assistant Chief of Specialized Services, Broward Sheriff’s Office
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team responded to an adult male trauma alert in the city of Dania Beach that fell thru a scuttle hole on the 13th floor down to the 12th floor stairs.
TRT secured the patient in a stokes basket and utilized a high point lowering system. The patient was lowered safely and transferred to a rescue unit for transport. The building was under construction with no elevators.
Strengthening the Fire Family: Hillsborough County’s Spouse Academy
By Kimberle Owens (Rogers), Division Chief of Health and Safety, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
Firefighting has always been more than a career — it is a calling that demands resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering support. While firefighters stand on the frontlines, their families stand firmly behind them, navigating the challenges and uncertainties that come with life in the fire service. Recognizing the critical role families play, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) launched an innovative initiative: the Spouse Academy. Seasons of the Fire Service
Firefighters experience many “seasons” intheir careers — from academy days and promotions to deployments, contract negotiations, and ultimately, retirement. Each season impacts not just the firefighter, but also their spouse and family. HCFR identified the need for a program that could bridge the gap between the demands of the job and the families who share in its challenges.
The Birth of the Spouse Academy
The Spouse Academy grew out of the department’s commitment to wellness and family integration. Building on successful programs like Fire Fit IQ, Well4Life, Family
Fun Day, and community partnerships with local gyms, vendors, and cancer screening providers, HCFR took the next step: creating an immersive, hands-on academy designed exclusively for spouses.
The goal was simple yet powerful: help spouses understand the realities of the fire service, strengthen empathy, and deepen family resilience.
Building the Program
The Academy was carefully designed around several pillars:
The Right Instructors: Credible trainers, peer support team members, and veteran spouses to lead the day
Relevant Topics: Fire service culture, mental health, benefits, stress management, and wellness.
Hands-On Scenarios: Spouses suit up, conduct a search and rescue, and experience the physical and emotional intensity of firefighting.
Ground Rules: Firefighters do not attend the Academy sessions, giving spouses the space to experience the day alongside fellow spouses, build their own network, and later share their stories just as they hope their firefighter shares about a shift.
To add a special touch, the Fire Chief personally addresses the spouses, and each participant receives a token of appreciation, from T-shirts to challenge coins or a simple note of appreciation from their firefighter, symbolizing their vital role in the fire family.
Powerful Impact
The testimonials speak for themselves:
“It gave me more insight and a greater appreciation for what my spouse does every day.”
– 21-year firefighter’s spouse
“This was a moment to stop, think, and be truly empathetic to my husband.”
– 23-year firefighter’s spouse
“I now understand my husband’s career and the benefits available to us as a family.”
– 11-year firefighter’s spouse
The Spouse Academy has become more than a program; it’s a lifeline of understanding, empathy, and connection that strengthens not only marriages but the department as a whole.
A Model for Others
As fire departments across Florida search for ways to support their members beyond the station walls, HCFR’s Spouse Academy offers a proven model. By investing in the well-being of families, departments are not only caring for their personnel but ensuring the long-term strength and resilience of the fire service itself.
Because when families are strong, firefighters are stronger -and the whole community benefits.
Leadership in the Fire Service: Building for Today and Tomorrow
By Christopher Davis-Partridge
Leadership in the fire service is a dynamic responsibility that extends far beyond commanding incidents or managing day-to-day operations. It is about shaping culture, setting standards, and ensuring the sustainability of the organization for years to come. In an era where fire departments face evolving community risks, rising service demands, and increasing workforce challenges, effective leadership becomes the cornerstone of long-term success. Two critical elements that modern leaders must embrace are succession planning and recruiting; both of which ensure that fire service organizations remain prepared, resilient, and capable of serving their communities.
The Foundation of Fire Service Leadership
Fire service leadership has traditionally been rooted in mentorship and hands-on experience. Senior firefighters guided new recruits through the culture of the station, while company officers instilled discipline, technical proficiency, and commitment to teamwork. This model remains essential, but the role of leaders today also requires broader competencies; strategic thinking, communication, community engagement, and the ability to foster innovation.
True leadership in the fire service is not about rank; it is about influence. A firefighter can demonstrate
leadership by mentoring a probationary member, just as a chief officer demonstrates leadership by charting the department’s strategic direction. Regardless of position, the central question remains: how are we preparing those who follow us?
Succession Planning: Preparing the Next Generation
Succession planning is often misunderstood as something that happens only when a senior officer announces retirement. In reality, it should be an ongoing process embedded into the culture of the organization. Fire service leaders must continually identify, develop, and prepare personnel who can assume greater responsibilities when the need arises.
You should start with your own crew. Whether you are a Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain or Chief Officer you want to always be preparing the person behind you that is next in line to take over your job. When I was a Captain, I would have days where I was riding in the back as a firefighter, my firefighter was mentoring to drive and my Driver was sitting in the Captain’s seat. It was always important to me that everyone knew what everyone else’s job was.
As the Coordinator of our department’s Hazardous Materials Team, it can be challenging to find individuals who are both interested in chemistry and willing to take on
the heightened risks associated with HazMat operations. To address this, I make it a priority to actively engage in every officer development course and new hire academy our department conducts, presenting on behalf of the team. This consistent presence has sparked strong interest and has proven effective in supporting recruitment efforts.
Why Succession Planning Matters
• Continuity of operations: Emergencies do not wait for transitions in leadership. Having trained and prepared individuals ready to step into roles ensures seamless operations.
• Preservation of culture: A strong succession plan reinforces the values, mission, and traditions of the department, preventing sudden shifts in organizational identity.
• Employee development: Succession planning provides clear pathways for advancement, motivating firefighters to invest in their professional growth.
1. Identify potential leaders early. Officers must look beyond technical skills and recognize traits such as integrity, resilience, and the ability to inspire others.
2. Provide developmental opportunities. Assigning acting officer roles, involving firefighters in projects, or supporting advanced
education helps broaden skill sets.
3. Formalize task books and mentoring. Structured programs ensure that key competencies are documented and assessed consistently.
4. Encourage feedback. Honest evaluation helps individuals understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Recruiting: Attracting the Right People
Recruiting in the fire service has become increasingly complex. In many regions, fewer candidates are applying, and those who do often represent a smaller cross-section of the community. Yet diversity of thought, background, and experience is essential to building a strong workforce capable of serving diverse populations.
Modern Challenges in Recruiting
• Competition with other professions: Fire service careers must compete with private sector opportunities that may offer higher pay, flexible schedules, or remote work.
• Changing workforce expectations: Younger generations often seek balance, career growth, and purpose, all of which must be addressed in recruitment efforts.
• Physical and emotional demands: The inherent risks and stresses of the profession require departments to be transparent yet supportive in their messaging.
Strategies for Effective Recruitment
1. Community engagement: Recruiting should start long before applications open. Participation in schools, community events, and youth programs fosters interest and builds trust.
2. Highlighting purpose and opportunity:
Departments must showcase the fulfillment of serving others, opportunities for advancement, and specialized fields such as EMS, HazMat, or technical rescue.
3 Diversity and inclusion efforts: A workforce that reflects the community strengthens relationships and improves service delivery. Leaders should ensure recruitment campaigns reach underrepresented groups.
4. Streamlining the process: Prolonged hiring processes discourage candidates. Clear communication and efficient timelines help maintain interest.
Linking Leadership, Succession, and Recruitment
Leadership, succession planning, and recruiting are interconnected. Without strong leadership, succession planning lacks vision. Without succession planning, leadership gaps form, leaving the organization vulnerable. Without effective recruiting, the pipeline for future leaders shrinks.
Fire service leaders must adopt a holistic approach:
• Lead by example, inspiring current members to pursue growth.
• Develop the bench, ensuring that the next generation is ready for the challenges ahead.
• Attract new talent, bringing in individuals who share the department’s values and are eager to serve.
Conclusion
Leadership in the fire service is both a privilege and a responsibility It requires balancing tradition with progress, meeting today’s operational needs while preparing for
tomorrow’s uncertainties. Succession planning ensures continuity and stability, while effective recruiting ensures a steady flow of dedicated, capable individuals ready to join the ranks. Together, these efforts sustain the mission of the fire service: to protect lives, property, and communities.
As the fire service moves forward, leaders must continually ask themselves: Who will carry the torch after us, and how are we preparing them to succeed? The answer lies in strong leadership, deliberate succession planning, and thoughtful recruiting; each working together to secure the future of the profession.
Christopher Davis-Partridge is a Battalion Chief for Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Fire-Rescue.
Christopher has been with the department for 20 years and is currently the Battalion Chief of Emergency Medical Services and the Hazardous Materials Team Coordinator for the department. Christopher was previously the Captain of the Hazardous Materials team and has also served in the department’s Training Bureau. Christopher was the recipient of the 2019 Elizabeth Jordan Instructor of the Year presented by the Broward County Fire Chief’s Association and has also been a lead instructor for various Hazmat Courses at the International Fire Chief ’ s Association Hazardous Materials symposium and the Florida Hazmat Symposium. He is also a member of the Fire Chief ’ s Association of Broward County’s Special Operations and EMS subcommittees.
By PatrickJuliano, BattalionChief, Palm Coast Fire Department
Palm Coast residents gathered at Heroes Memorial Park on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for a Candlelight Memorial Service honoring the victims and heroes of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The community came together to reflect, remember, and honor the sacrifices made that day.
Deputy Fire Chief Bradd Clark served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the program. The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard opened with the presentation of colors, followed by the National Anthem sung by Commander Kenny Goncalvez of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Rabbi Karen Tashman of Temple Beth Shalom gave the invocation, setting a solemn tone.
Chief Berryhill spoke about the continuing impact of September 11, reminding the
audience that the loss did not end on that day “As we gather today, I’ve been reflecting on the best way for us to truly never forget the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001. Among them were 480 first responders—firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and active-duty military. And even today, nearly 10,000 of our brothers and sisters continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses. The loss continues. The sacrifice continues. So how do we remember? One way is through ceremonies like this one… Being intentional about remembering is not optional—it is our duty. We owe it to those who gave their lives that day.”
The ceremony continued with traditions honoring the fallen. Fire Department Chaplain Chris Cottle read the Fireman’s Prayer, followed by the Honor Guard’s solemn ringing of the Bell Toll of 5-5-5-5. Memorial wreaths were placed at both the September 11th Memorial Stone and the 9/11 Survivors Tree in remembrance. The candlelight tribute was then led by Chief Kyle Berryhill, Sheriff Rick Staly,
and Mayor Mike Norris.
Reverend Rob Trujillo of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church offered the benediction, after which the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard Pipe and Drum per formed Amazing Grace. The moving performance brought the evening to a close.
“May these candles continue to shine as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope, reminding us to cherish each precious moment and to support one another through times of darkness and light,” said Deputy Fire Chief Bradd Clark.
The annual Candlelight Memorial remains a cornerstone of the City’s commitment to honoring the memory of September 11th, ensuring that the sacrifices of the victims, first responders, and heroes are never forgotten.
‘Lead by Heart’ Leadership: Why Face-to-Face Still Matters in Public Safety
Let’s face it — your phone can tell you when to hydrate, when to eat, and when Mercury is in retrograde. But no app in the world can tell you how your crew is really doing. That’s still on you. Technology can track numbers, generate alerts, and even predict trends, but it can’t notice when one of your firefighters hasn’t slept for two days or when your paramedic is quietly carrying the weight of a tough call. That kind of insight doesn’t come from notifications — it comes from presence.
In leadership, presence means stepping away from your monitor’s gentle glow and walking into the human mess of real life. It means checking in, noticing the details and asking questions that no algorithm would ever think to ask.
Lead by Heart — Connect by Choice
I can honestly say I have found myself both intrigued and overwhelmed by today’s modern devices and dashboards. Between smartphones that buzz like angry hornets and dashboards that track everything from turnout times to toilet schedules (OK, maybe not yet, but give them time), technology is ubiquitous. However, technology can’t replace presence.
Reports give you information, your crew gives you insight. Leadership is built face-to-face, not screen-to-screen. It’s impossible to “read the
By Chief Sam DiGiovanna
room” from your phone. And trust me, emojis aren’t particularly effective as leadership tools.
Not All Connections Are Equal
Real public safety leadership demands emotional presence, gut-level decision-making and a willingness to walk through the fire with your people — figuratively and sometimes literally. It’s about honoring tradition without becoming overly mechanical. It’s also about recognizing that every call carries human weight, whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual.
In today’s world, leaders are surrounded by digital tools. These can be powerful aids for making decisions and tracking progress, but they come with a cost — distraction from people. When your crew thinks everything you know about their morale is based on the department’s latest Net Promoter Score survey, it’s time to get out of the office and among your people.
“Lead by heart” implies listening, mentoring, showing compassion when the job wears someone down, and showing courage when truth needs defending. It goes well beyond policy and procedure. It’s philosophy, legacy, and identity — the stuff you won’t find in an app store.
With all the technology buzzing around us, it’s easy to mistake connections for compassion,
information for wisdom. Advice may be just a click or tap away, but that doesn’t mean it’s coming from a place of understanding or shared humanity. If leadership were as simple as a notification, we’d all just subscribe to the “Chief’s Channel” on YouTube and call it a day.
Electronics Manage Data, Leaders Manage People
When we lean too heavily on devices, we risk sidelining the value of experience, empathy and human nuance. Sometimes the best answers are the ones we arrive at slowly through conversation, community, and care. Firefighters don’t need leaders who can generate spreadsheets at lightning speed — they need leaders who show up when the tones drop and stand with them in the chaos.
The greatest leaders use data to inform, but they also lead with heart to inspire. A dashboard can tell you if response times are up. Only your crew can tell you why.
Reclaiming the Human Heart in a
Wired World
I’m really not sure how we got here, but here we are. We consult apps before elders, and online forums before family. How often do we substitute the warmth of a hug with the cold glow of a screen ? How often do we scroll past the human in front of us in favor of the virtual “expert” online?
Across cultures, family traditions once provided emotional grounding. Wisdom was passed down through rituals such as prayers at dinner, bedtime stories, morning talks, and evening walks. In the workplace, mentorship came not through onboarding videos but shared coffee breaks and candid conversations with our supervisors. The truth is, though, some of the best firehouse lessons have been taught with a day-old donut in one hand and a cup of burnt coffee in the other.
These moments weren’t particularly efficient, but they were effective. They taught judgment, resilience, and belonging. And they made space for the heart to speak first. Efficiency is for machines; belonging is for people.
First Responders - Empathy Beyond the Badge
Even in high-stakes professions like firefighting, EMS, law enforcement or corrections, the best decisions aren’t made just by training or tech, they’re made by instinct, compassion and shared humanity. For example, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has endless standards, but they don’t have a checklist for when to put a hand on a grieving widow’s shoulder. There is no blackand-white procedure for how to deal with a death you simply couldn’t prevent.
Sure, a paramedic might assess vitals quickly but they also notice the child hiding behind the door. That’s not data, that’s empathy. And that empathy is what turns responders from technicians into guardians.
How to
Reconnect
So how do we reclaim humanity in the era of dashboards, push notifications, and endless alerts? By being intentional.
Reconnect intentionally. Whether in homes or workplaces, prioritize eye contact over emojis and tough questions over emails. If you can’t remember the last time you looked your crew in the eye instead of looking at your phone, that’s your red flag.
Honor human wisdom. Seek advice from those with experience, not just online ratings. Your seasoned veterans probably know more about just about everything that goes on in the firehouse than that guy on Instagram with 30,000 followers. Listen to them.
Lead with your heart. In leadership (and honestly, in everything you do), be open, be vulnerable, listen deeply, and check in often, face-to-face. The question shouldn’t be just “How’s your shift?” but “How are you?”
Technology isn’t the enemy. It has its place, but compassion must remain your compass. Use the dashboard, but don’t let it replace the
dashboard conversation — the one that happens while you’re driving back from a call, talking through the hard feels and reminding your crew they matter.
Apps Can’t Hug You Back
At the end of the day, no text alert, data graph, or email thread will ever replace presence. Leadership is about people, not pixels.
We live in a world where we can binge-watch training videos on 1.5x speed, text our entire crew with one swipe, and get food for the whole firehouse delivered in 15 minutes. But when the fire bell rings, leadership is still judged the old-fashioned way, based on trust, connection, and courage.
So, put down that device and walk the floor. Connect by choice. Lead by heart. And remember: No push notification in the world can replace a leader who shows up when it matters most.
Chief Sam DiGiovanna is a 40year 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 is also a Senior Consultant for Lexipol’s Cordico wellness solution.
Escambia County Fire Rescue Recruits Test Physical Abilities
By Kaycee Lagarde, Escambia County Strategic Communications Director
Thirty-six applicants participated in the ECFR physical abilities test (PAT), which is the challenging first step toward becoming a career firefighter with Escambia County Fire Rescue.
The PAT puts applicants to the test through a set of timed drills including pushups, sit-ups, a one and a half mile run, charged hose pull, Keiser sled, and tower evolution. The test is designed to simulate real-life fire response and rescue scenarios, ensuring applicants are physically prepared
for what it takes to become a firefighter.
Several volunteer members with ECFR also tested, which demonstrates another pathway to a career in fire service. We were honored to have so many applicants interested in joining ECFR. Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to those who passed the PAT and will now move on to interviews.
Those selected from the interviews may enter the three-month ECFR Fire Academy and become career firefighters.
Bradford County Honors 9/11 Heroes with 5th Annual Stair Climb
By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist
The Bradford County Fire Rescue held its 5th annual 9/11 Stair Climb in Bradford County.
At 9:00 A.M., a moment of silence was obser ved, followed by the opening speech from Fire Chief Ben Carter of the Bradford County Fire Rescue.
The event took place at the Bradford County High School football bleachers. Each of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers had approximately 110 flights of stairs, totaling about 2,071 steps. The stair climb symbolizes the challenges firefighters face while heading out to save lives.
A complete set was counted as one row up and down. Ever yone continued climbing until the last person finished. It was a team effort, and true to their motto, no one was left behind.
The event brought together a father and daughter, both firefighters, who participated together It was an exceptional bonding moment for them.
The strong representation of firefighters, family members, county commissioners, law enforcement, J.R.O.T.C., and militar y personnel gathered to support Patriots Day showed the significance of the value of these true heroes.
“We had a really good turnout. A lot of the community came out and supported the event. We do this to honor the fallen, to remember everyone who was taken from us that day, and the sacrifice that the men and women, the first responders, made that day also.”
“The point of doing this climb is to give us
a small sample of what they may have gone through, obviously nowhere in comparison to what they did and the incredible acts that were performed that day,” said Fire Chief Ben Carter, Bradford County Fire Rescue.
Towards the end of the event, one of the J.R.O.T.C. cadets presented a speech in the stadium.
“24 years ago, 2,977 men, women, and children lost their lives. 441 responders lost their lives tr ying to save people. Thousands more were injured, scarred, or traumatized, and instead of honoring them through respect, people make dark humor jokes. Think before you speak; you never know if
someone lost a loved one in that tragedy 9-11 can remember this day,” said Rhylee Schaffer, J.R.O.T.C. Cadet of Bradford High School.
“The event went fantastically. For those who don’t know, I spent 25 years on the Jacksonville fire department. As a retired Jacksonville firefighter, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on 9/11. It’s amazing to see that 24 years later, we still never forget. I have gratitude for these firefighters.”
“We just passed the fire assessment here in Bradford County, and now we can pay for the ser vice, the outstanding ser vice that we deliver to the citizens of Bradford County,”
said County Manager Scott Kornegay
“We made a promise 24 years ago that we’d never forget, and that’s our way of paying that back, making sure we never forget. Thank y’all for being here,” said Chief Carter
Common Sense Resiliency in Fire Station Design
By David Pacheco, AIA – Senior Vice President and Director of Operations at H2M architects + engineers
Resiliency is a critical component of fire station planning for sustained operations. It’s often when the continuity of emergency services is most threatened, the greatest demand for first responders arises. Guarding against every possible threat that exists may sound like a good idea at first, but that approach quickly becomes a cost prohibitive exercise in speculation of the increasingly improbable. Anyway, how likely is it really that a meteor will make a direct impact on the fire station? Ultimately, what is needed is a common-sense approach to resiliency that maximizes protections tailored for each unique facility using the finite resources available. In Florida, there are effective resiliency techniques that should be considered when upgrading or planning any new fire station.These resiliency measures support uninterrupted operations and can extend the building’s lifespan, increase firefighter safety, and provide long-term economic benefits all while mitigating environmental and human-driven risks.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan categorizes the state’s Natural Hazards and Human-Caused and Technological Hazards along with significant supporting data.
Natural Hazards include floods, tropical cyclones, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, sinkholes, extreme heat, erosion, winter weather, drought, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Human-Caused and Technological Hazards include hazardous materials incidents, transportation incidents, agricultural disruptions, human health incidents, cyber incidents, harmful algal blooms, domestic security incidents, mass migrations, civil disturbances, dam failures, space weather, and radiological incidents.
FDEM also provides the anticipated impact of each hazard to first responders as well as an overall vulnerability score using the formula:
Overall Vulnerability = Frequency + Probability + Magnitude*
*Injuries, Infrastructure/Economy, Environment
In Florida, earthquakes and tsunamis score low, while flooding and tropical cyclones score high. What may be surprising is that agricultural disruptions score high and civil disturbance scores medium. This is where the commonsense aspect begins to emerge. If you’re a community reliant on strawberry farms, agricultural disruption may indeed be a high hazard, but it’s likely a minimal impact on the fire station itself. Likewise, medium-hazard civil
disturbances are riskier for first responders since responders, their vehicles, and their buildings are often targeted during civil unrest (especially for shared law enforcement facilities). This is also a lesson in reassessing and adapting to change. FDEM’s scoring in this category is from 2023 and does not reflect recent incidents including the ambush killing of firefighters in 2025 near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, or other civil unrest incidents targeting public safety facilities nationwide.
FLOODS
Significant portions of Florida’s land area are in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) along coastal regions and river systems. The best common-sense strategy is to keep the station outside the flood zone and choose sites that minimize flood impacts to the building and response. This isn’t always possible. In such cases, the lowest floor of the facility is generally required to be above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). “Freeboard” is the specific amount above the required BFE, and varies for ‘A’ and ‘V’ flood zones based on Florida Building Code (FBC), local regulations, and storm surge maps. For many ordinary buildings, FBC freeboard is one foot, but fire stations are Risk Category IV “Essential Facilities” with higher freeboard requirements. For a pair of recent Florida fire station projects, different resiliency solutions were needed to accommodate the same BFE+3 minimum within the same community. In one of the stations, the lowest floor was raised above the required elevation. Raising the other station, located on a small urban site, to this height was not feasible due to surrounding roads and grades and the need for apparatus to access the street. There, only the apparatus
Glazing optimization and hardening glass windows complements the building's aesthetic design.
bays, PPE storage, firematic storage, and building access were placed in the BFE+1 elevation, with the remainder of the station at BFE+3. This takes advantage of a special exception that allows storage and access areas to be within the floodplain if wet floodproofing, a flood protection method that allows water to enter and exit portions of the building, is provided. This solution requires automatic flood vents and special attention to foundation design as well as careful consideration of materials, including optimal choices such as concrete block, concrete, epoxy and tile.
Consider elevating all mechanical and electrical systems to a mezzanine or second floor to minimize impact in the event of flooding for facilities located in a designated flood zone. Think about it. If the on-site generator or power systems are inundated, even if other portions of the building are dry, functionality is greatly reduced or nonexistent.
Finally, don’t forget access when designing for flood resiliency An isolated fire station, even if individually safe from flooding, will have little functional value if responders cannot respond from it. Elevated access roads, nearby alternate staging areas and site flood protection measures can help maintain the effectiveness of the site itself.
WIND
Tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms necessitate designing for wind resistance. In Southeast Florida, within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), there are already stringent requirements for exterior systems to meet elevated wind speeds. A special Notice of Acceptance for walls, doors, roofing, skylights, windows, shutters and structural components are common. However, even for those outside the HVHZ, wind resiliency is critical.
Harden your building. Walls, roofs, doors, and windows need to be resistant to wind. All Florida fire stations should consider using impact-resistant windows. This laminated glazing eliminates the need for installing/uninstalling storm shutters and helps protect against more common threats in the region such as wind from severe thunderstorms. Additionally, laminated glazing can protect against civil disturbance incidents involving thrown projectiles.
Hardening can include different levels of resistance within the same building. On a recent project, we designed a super-reinforced concrete core around dispatch and the Emergency Operations Center meant to resist
an F3 tornado strike. One statistic from Florida State University Climate Center notes that “Florida has the dubious distinction of having a higher frequency of tornadoes per 10,000 square miles than any other state, including Oklahoma!”
Roof edge fascias and parapet copings that can withstand extreme wind are often overlooked. Cost-effective systems that resist up to 215-MPH winds are essential, as failure of the roof edge generally leads to failure of the roof.
Wherever possible, locate generators within storm enclosures or inside the hardened building. Similarly, mechanical units should be in protected enclosures or mechanical rooms to shield from damaging winds. Windborne debris causes most damage as winds increase. Make sure adjacent nonhardened structures, utility poles, on-site training props, and other site elements are not located where their failure could damage the hardened building during a wind event. Wind and flooding events often cause power outages. Having the entire building on a protected emergency generator with adequate fuel supply should be the default. In 2024, Hurricane Milton knocked out power to over three million Floridians, some for over a week. Consider fuel sources carefully; after hurricanes, diesel can become scarce, and
delivery systems can take days to be fully reestablished. Natural gas generators are often a good choice for Florida, since the distribution system is largely underground and resilient to most common hazards. At one facility, we provided two separate generators, one diesel and the other natural gas. The diesel unit powered the entire building, while the gas generator would activate only in the event of main generator failure or lack of fuel. It powered critical systems only, allowing for redundancy without completely duplicating cost.
Hardening has costs, but it can also save money long-term. A 2021 study in the Journal of Structural Engineering showed that building hardening and resiliency measures reduce repairs and reconstruction and extend a building’s functional lifetime.
DOMESTIC SECURITY/CIVIL DISTURBANCE
While the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ranks this as probability “Likely,” these events, by nature, are random and unpredictable. Fortunately, many of the aforementioned hardening strategies help to make stations more resilient to this threat. Beyond hardening, consider careful separation of the station’s public and secure areas, sight lines, cameras, security access systems, and safe areas. On one specific
shared facility, ballistic protection in the public lobby was prioritized due to previous active shooter incidents.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is an invaluable tool. Concepts of natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, and property maintenance using lighting, fencing, plantings and path management can make fire stations far more resilient to civil disturbances.
CONSULT A SPECIALIST
These are just a few considerations for Florida fire stations. Common sense resiliency must start with each department’s individual needs. Consider the FDEM hazard formula approach for determining your specific resiliency requirements and factor in your budget restraints. The ideal consultant has experience understanding and addressing the needs of firefighters, the facilities they use, the communities they protect, and the most costeffective resiliency strategies. According to studies by FEMA and the National Institute of Building Sciences, by implementing preventative resiliency measures in fire station designs, fire departments can save $4-6 for every $1 spent on mitigation above the building code baseline standards.That’s a return on investment that’s real common sense.
Clay Count y Hosts Touch-a-Truck Event
By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist
Lights, sirens, beeping, and blaring horns were the sounds for the Touch-A-Truck event held at the Clay County Fairgrounds, which attracted over 3,300 participants in Green Cove Springs, Clay County.
“It’s a well-attended event where this usually is something I think grandparents and parents look for every year, and we’re happy to be here with them and show the kids the vehicles,” said Clay County Fire Rescue Fire Chief, Lorin Mock.
The event showcases a variety of vehicles, including fire trucks, rescue vehicles, police cruisers, helicopters, boats, construction equipment, buses, commercial trucks, and
heavy machinery. It provided hands-on opportunities for people of all ages to explore these machines up close. Additionally, the event aimed to educate Clay County residents about the various services and resources available to them.
“It’s a growing event each year, lots of vehicles, lots of trucks, school buses, two helicopters, garbage trucks, graders, fire equipment, you can imagine, and the kids love it, the parents love coming out here. It’s absolutely wonder ful and hopefully some of these young kids will want to grow up one day to be a firefighter, cop,” said Clay County County Manager, Howard Wanamaker
“We’re really appreciative of all the corporate sponsors, all of our first responders from Clay County Fire Rescue and Clay County Sheriff’s Office that are out here showcasing the awesome vehicles that they use every single day to protect our community, and we’re really grateful for our sponsors. It looks like a record turnout this year. Thank you to the community for coming out and enjoying such a great event. We already can’t wait for next year,” said Clay County District 1 Commissioner John Sgromolo
According to Mr. Wanamaker, there were over 3,300 participants, making it one of the largest turnouts.
Green Cove Springs Celebrates Opening of Fire Station 20
By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist
Green Cove Springs introduces Station 20, a state-of-the-art fire station designed to meet the community’s growing needs.
To mark the occasion, the traditional sixalarm bell rang as dispatch welcomed the new fire station, located in Green Cove Springs, Clay County.
The bay was filled with firefighters, chiefs, police officers, and officials from the state, county, and city, along with their families and friends.
The event began with a welcoming speech from District 4 Commissioner Betsy Condon, who paid tribute to the occasion.
Remarks from several other county and state representatives followed this.
“We are honored to have you with us today as we celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art facility and our commitment to public safety This new facility represents more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a critical investment in the safety, resilience, and the future of our growing community Station 20 will help us meet those demands, improving coverage and enhancing our ability to protect lives and
property,” she said.
Clay County Fire Rescue, Fire Chief Lorin Mock began the ceremony with a heartfelt tribute of gratitude. Father Andrew Merrick from Sacred Heart Catholic Church gave a blessing for the Station.
“With everyone in this room that came together to make this possible and to celebrate and support this day tells you how important that is to both the community, to the department, to the leadership of the community. Thank you to
everyone,” said CCFR, Chief Mock.
“I’m proud to say that Clay County continues to have a growing need for public safety, which will stay in our facility This is an example of the professional men and women who answered the call. But I want to really extend my thanks to the county commission and the county manager, for they are the ones that brought this Station to fruition,” he said.
Instead of holding a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, county and state officials, along with the firefighter crew and chiefs, uncoupled two ends of fire hoses to mark the occasion.
Chief Mock shared an inspiring history of the alarm bell’s significance, signaling the honor guard to ring the six-alarm bell, a powerful moment marked the dispatch station as officially ready for service.
“We’re going to strike the sixes to place new stations into service, and as we do so, we’re going to recall our past while reverently remembering all those who came before us responding to the bell, answering that call to duty. So, I will direct them to raise the flag on the Station, and then I’m going to be joined by Captain Jeffrey Vlasin, the station captain, who will formally place the Station into service,” he said.
Station 20 has replaced the old fire station, expanding from a 2,560 sq. ft. facility to a new building of 19,122 sq. ft.
According Clay County Fire Rescue, the new Station includes 5 bays, a large kitchen, multiple living quarters which can hold up to 15 personnel, offices with over flow, bathrooms, and all the necessary facilities for firefighters such as the Purvis notification and alerting system, meeting / teaching room with AV equipment for virtual meeting, Contaminant and Decontamination compartmentation room, Vehicle exhaust removal system, Full building
generator and a Training tower.
The site also features a stormwater management system and a memorial plaza dedicated to honoring the 9/11 tragedy, which includes artifacts from the 9/11 sites. The estimated cost of the new facility is approximately $11.6 million.
After the ceremony, a presentation was made about the Heroes Walk, a community initiative that honors the
courageous men and women who serve as first responders.
This program allows individuals and families to make donations for personalized bricks, which can be engraved and placed in Clay County’s memorial.
“Each brick tells a story of courage, service, and sacrifice. Whether you’re honoring a firefighter, an officer, paramedic, or a loved one who’s dedicated their life to public safety, your tribute becomes a lasting part of a place built for remembrance and reflection,” said Clay County County Manager, Howard Wanamaker.
All proceeds from the Heroes Walk are dedicated to preserving and maintaining the 9/11 Memorial.
“Fire Station 20 stands at the intersection of tradition and progress, honoring the proud legacy of today’s firefighters, while embracing the technology and innovation of 2025,” said Commissioner Condon.
Dixie Count y’s Grand Opening of Station 1 in Cross City
By Matt Ferguson, Administrative Chief, Dixie County Fire Rescue
Dixie County Fire Rescue proudly celebrated another major step forward in public safety with the grand opening of Station 1, a newly renovated and fully equipped facility located in Cross City, Florida. This event marks the second fire station to open in Dixie County this year, following the successful launch of Station 4 in Old Town earlier in 2025.
Station 1 strengthens the county’s emergency response capabilities and reinforces DCFR’s
commitment to serving the growing needs of the community The facility is equipped with an Advanced Life Support (ALS) engine, ALS rescue unit, ALS squad, and additional apparatus to support both urban and rural emergency operations.
“This isn’t just a building, it’s a promise kept,” said the leadership at DCFR. “With Station 1 fully operational, we’re ensuring that residents in and around Cross City receive
faster, more efficient, and more reliable emergency services. It’s about being there when it matters most.”
In addition to upgraded response capabilities, Station 1 will serve as a central hub for emergency management, helping to deepen DCFR’s commitment to public safety, whether it be fire or natural disasters.
The successful opening of both Station 1 and Station 4 this year was made possible through the support of state appropriations, dedicated leadership within DCFR, and the hard work of Dixie County crew members. Dixie County Fire Rescue extends its sincere appreciation to Representatives Chuck Clemons and Jason Shoaf, Senators Jennifer Bradley and Corey Simon, the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners, and the Florida Fire Marshal’s Office.
The opening of Station 1 is more than just a ribbon-cutting; it’s a commitment to a safer, more resilient Dixie County.
Boots and Badges Charity Basketball Tournament
By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist
The 8th Annual Boots and Badges Charity Basketball Tournament took place in Lake City, Columbia County.
It was an intense match as all the teams competed fiercely on the basketball court, ultimately leading the Courthouse to victory. The participants included the Florida Highway Patrol, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Lake City Fire Department, Columbia County Fire Rescue, and the Columbia County Clerk of Court.
"We are proud to take part in this event, to assist the youth of Lake City, and to connect with our community We desire to have a relationship and help community members anyway possible, from responding to emergency situations, to taking part in events like this," said Assistant Chief at Lake City Fire Department, Ret Tompkins.
A total of five games were played, concluding with the Sheriff's Office scoring 30 points and the Courthouse winning with 45 points.
The event aimed to raise funds for the Columbia Tigers High School boys' basketball program, and it was a success, with a total of $2,755 raised.
"Thank you to everyone who supported us and attended the game. We greatly appreciate it," said Chris Craft, Founder of Boots and Badges.
Escambia County Gathers to Remember September 11
By Kaycee Lagarde, Strategic Communications Director
Escambia County Fire Rescue gathered to remember the many lives tragically lost 24 years on September 11, 2001.
Fire Chief Adam Harrison, members of the ECFR Honor Guard, and Public Safety staff joined for a moment of silence, reflection and prayer in remembrance of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history.
May we never forget the sacrifices of the first responders on that tragic day, the thousands of lives lost, and the families who are still affected by this tragedy today.
Oviedo Secures State Funding for Wildfire Truck
By Lisa McDonald, Communications Manager
At the City Council Workshop on Monday, August 25, 2025, Rep. David Smith presented the City of Oviedo with a $275,000 check from the State of Florida to fund the purchase of a new wildfire truck, that was manufactured by Skeeter Emergency Vehicles, a leading brand in fire apparatus vehicles.
The specialized vehicle will serve a critical role in protecting Oviedo’s residents and natural areas. With portions of the community bordered by brush and woodlands, the risk of lightning strikes sparking wildfires is always present. The brush truck will give the Fire Department the ability to respond quickly and effectively to these types of emergencies.
The truck is also designed to be multi-functional.It can be converted into a high-water rescue apparatus during the wet season. This flexibility is especially significant for Oviedo, which experienced historic flooding during Hurricane Ian. The brush truck’s capabilities will allow firefighters to safely navigate flooded neighborhoods and assist in evacuating residents when conditions become dangerous.
“This apparatus is going to be a tremendous asset to our department and community,” said Oviedo Fire Chief Michael Woodward. “Not only will it strengthen our wildfire response, but it will also enhance our ability to search and evacuated citizens in the event of a flood. Our firefighters are eager to begin training on the vehicle as soon as it arrives.”
The addition of this new truck highlights Oviedo’s commitment to proactive public safety, ensuring that both wildfire and flood risks are met with the right tools, training, and resources.
Escambia County’s Promotion Orientation
By Davis Wood, APIO, Public Information and Education Officer
On Tuesday, September 16, the following individuals participated in Escambia County Fire Rescue’s Promotion Orientation: Battalion Chief Dimitri Jansen, Lt. Geric Fatheree, Lt. Connor Wood, Lt. Travis Litchfield and Lt. Geoffrey Carmichael. (Promoted personnel not pictured) Lt. David Carballosa
The ECFR Administrative staff welcomed the promoted personnel for an orientation, designed to prepare them for the increased responsibilities and expectations of their new positions. As an organization, ECFR takes tremendous pride in having an open door for its personnel to build and strengthen its working relationships with its administration. Today’s orientation served as an example of bringing in newly promoted personnel and working together with the administration to continuously build a stronger fire department for those they serve.
Escambia County Fire Rescue is proud of these individuals who are now serving in their new roles within the department. Each of these men started with ECFR as firefighters and serve as leading examples of advancing to new leadership roles within a department.
Palm Coast Celebrates Topping Out of Fire Station 22
By Brittany Kershaw, Director of Communications & Marketing
A major milestone was celebrated on September 3 as the City of Palm Coast, alongside contractor Wharton-Smith and design team Schenkel Shultz, marked the topping out of Fire Station 22. The event, held at the station’s future site at Palm Coast Parkway NE and Colbert Lane, commemorated the placement of the final beam—a symbol of progress, teamwork, and a safer future for Palm Coast.
The ceremony featured remarks from Wharton-Smith and Schenkel Shultz, as well as City Manager Lauren Johnston and Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill.
“What an exciting day for the City of Palm Coast,” Johnston shared. “This fire station, here at Palm Coast Parkway and Colbert Lane, and its sister station in Seminole Woods, represent an investment in lives—because every minute saved can mean the difference between devastation and hope. Just as this structure reaches higher, so does our commitment to our residents. We are building for today, but we are also building for tomorrow—a stronger, safer Palm Coast.”
Chief Berryhill highlighted how these stations will strengthen the department’s ability to serve the community with courage and speed. “Every call we respond to is about protecting lives and property These new stations will give our firefighters the resources they need to do their job even more effectively—and that means a safer Palm Coast for everyone. You’re building the building that’s going to protect the protectors,” he said.
Clay County Conducts First Full-Scale Emergency Drill for Mass Casualty’s
Clay County Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Fire Rescue, and several neighboring partner agencies, successfully conducted their first realistic emergency training exercise at the Clay County Fairgrounds. The drill involved 100 community volunteers, who assisted in various roles to help both law enforcement and fire rescue in the
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By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist
simulated emergency scenarios.
The training consisted of two parts. The first part focused on maintaining peace among protesters using the field force tactical team. The second part addressed active shooter scenarios, where fire rescue teams were required to manage multiple injured individuals. Makeup artists created realistic fake injuries, ranging from non-life-threatening to life-threatening, to enhance the training experience.
“It was critically important that we got to test our two- and three-deeps, something I preach. If the primary person trained is unavailable, you may need to rely on your second or third person. We had the opportunity to test many of those capabilities through extensive training, networking, and the introduction of new players within the region and the County. Networking is a large component of this,” said Timothy Devin, Emergency Management Director for Clay County.
The exercise aimed to analyze the interactions among first responders during large-scale events, such as protests or mass casualty incidents. It not only tested their communication efficiency but also assessed their individual and collective responses to complex, highpressure scenarios. The focus was on examining their decision-making processes, coordination efforts, and adaptability in real-time situations. The exercise identified areas for
improvement.
“Overall, it was a success in that we were able to exercise our capabilities and our equipment. What the exercise yesterday prepared us for is for the people that maybe come in and don’t exercise in a safe and appropriate way,” said Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Michell Cook.
“Our Clay County Fire Rescue and Clay County Sheriff’s Office have an unbelievable opportunity to practice a real-world scenario of a mass incident. The training that they received was valuable in keeping our community safe.
I’m extremely proud of the hard work of our Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue,” said John Sgromolo, Clay County District 1 Commissioner
In 2023, Clay County received the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant and a Homeland Security Grant to support the twoday training exercise.
