It is my honor to present the Sarasota County Fire Department Annual Report for the calendar year of 2022. It has been an incredible year and the purpose of this report is to recap our performance and recognize our major accomplishments.
First, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the men and women, commissioned and civilian, who serve our community and carry out our mission. It is because of the great work that each of you do every single day that we are able to serve, protect, and build community. Every SCFD member plays a critical role to support our mission and the success of our organization from the warehouse and maintenance staff who ensure all the apparatus, equipment, and supplies are in good working order, to the life safety inspectors that ensure buildings are built to code and safe for occupancy, all of our frontline personnel that save lives and protect property, and the administrative support personnel that make sure operations have what they need to do their jobs well none of this would be possible without each and every one of you. THANK YOU for all that you do!
Next, I would like to recognize and thank our leaders in county administration, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners, and our Director of Emergency Services, Richard Collins, for their unwavering support. Thank you for championing our goals and objectives and providing the resources we need to keep operations running.
Finally, I would like to thank all of our community members. Thank you for trusting us to keep you safe. We are committed to serving our community with PRIDE professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication, and excellence.
As we look at this year’s annual report, we see there was an 8% increase in SCFD’s dispatched incidents. This reflects the remarkable growth and increase in demand for service within Sarasota County. As a metro-sized fire department with over 600 personnel, we serve more than 400,000 permanent and seasonal residents combined.
In 2022, we published a five-year strategic plan that identified strategic initiatives, goals, and objectives. Following a major reorganization of the fire department in early 2022, we increased the number of administrative chief officers to improve span of control and enhance oversight of operations. We also completed an initiative to add a third person on all of our ladder trucks. We continued the integration of the lifeguard program into the fire department and added a new assistant chief position to oversee special programs, which includes lifeguards, marine operations, special operations, and wildfire mitigation. Our department continues to grow and expand the types of services and programs offered to meet the needs of our community.
In 2022, we celebrated the opening of a new Fire Station 9 and worked toward completion of a renovation of Fire Station 21. We also identified and acquired property for construction of a new Fire Station 27 to maintain and improve levels of service in south Sarasota County. In 2023, we will complete a rebuild of Fire Station 23, as well as begin construction on a new fire department administration building and complete design on a state-of-the-art regional fire training academy.
We are excited to publish a comprehensive community risk assessment and standards of cover document in 2023. This document will be critical to support the continued growth of our department as we evaluate current service delivery and plan for future service demands. We will continue progress toward our goal of becoming an internationally accredited fire department by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. On this journey, we will continually improve and engage our stakeholders in the process, while also welcoming new SCFD members who are just beginning their careers. In 2023, we plan to host five new recruit classes to keep vacancies filled due to attrition.
After joining the Sarasota County Fire Department as the Fire Chief in November 2022, I could not be prouder and more impressed by the stellar team of individuals dedicated to leading this department forward. It is evident that 2022 was a successful year with many accomplishments thanks to this talented team of individuals. I look forward to all that will be accomplished in 2023 to support our community, and all the men and women who serve.
David A. Rathbun, MPA, CFO Fire Chief
SCFD RESPONDED TO 67,827 INCIDENTS IN CALENDAR YEAR 2022
This map shows our station locations and the boundaries of our four battalions, as well as a breakdown of urban and rural population densities within each battalion as determined by emergency service zone (ESZ).
This graph shows the total number of dispatched incidents whether single or multiple unit response that was initiated from the 911 Dispatch Center.
Note: Rescues 36 and 30 are reserve rescues and represent the ambulance strike team deployment for Hurricane Ian.
Units Arrived on Scene
94,399
Number represents units arrived on scene and excludes ‘cancelled in route’ and Medic 4.
17,804
o Provided medically dependent transport as needed to safely evacuate residents to area resource hospitals or medically dependent shelters.
o Responded to calls, provided EMS coverage at evacuation centers, and coordinated needed resources. Kenneth Bailey acted as logistics chief until end of December.
o SCFP Special Operations Team partnered with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams from Ohio Task Force 1 and Indiana Task Force 1 to perform assessments and documentation of the heavily impacted South County and North Port area.
o Ambulance strike team completed an 11-day deployment to Fort Myers.
o Dave Cavanaugh (Wildland Mitigation) responded to Lee County Emergency Operations Center and completed a two-week deployment.
o Special Operations Type II Hazmat Team completed a 15-day deployment to Fort Myers Beach. They aided in searching areas that were heavily impacted to identify potentially hazardous materials an mitigate issues.
Sarasota County Fire Department is a metro sized department with over 530 professionals providing Fire and EMS emergency services. Personnel operate from 25 county-owned fire stations (4 having shared agreements with other agencies).
Apparatus includes 24 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Rescues, 22 ALS Engines, 1 Basic Life Support (BLS) Engine, 3 Ladder trucks, 2 Tankers, 1 Squad and 5 Brush trucks. SCFD has access to the services of two Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Bell 407 helicopters (Air 1 and Air 2) which can be fitted with a 210-gallon water bucket for wildland fire suppression.
The Operations Section is led by Deputy Fire Chief Michael
Online and Offline Medical Control
Quality Assurance
Lead Paramedic and Field Training Officer Programs
The EMS Operations Division is led by Assistant Chief Brian Kehoe with medical direction by Dr. Marshall Frank, DO, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS. SCFD leads a rigorous CQI (continuous quality improvement) program using consistent, trusted, and accurate data to ensure pre-hospital delivery of care will stand out in the area as a leading agency that provides a service dedicated to the community’s evolving needs.
Most Common EMS Call Type - Primary Impression
Supported Hurricane Ian Recovery with an Ambulance Strike Team for 11 days.
Engine 10 ALS (All first due engines now equipped as ALS)
Using Stroke Stickers to obtain and relay pertinent patient information to prevent any delay in definitive stroke care
SCFD’s CQI Program - pending research study publications
Pre-hospital Esmolol use for refractory ventricular fibrillation (Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) partner)
The use of red lights and sirens for sepsis alert patients (SMH partner)
Pre-hospital oral steroid use for pediatrics (University of Florida partner)
The Bridge Program – Successfully promoted 14 certified paramedics to paramedics in charge (PICs)
Submitted for 2022 Mission Lifeline Award, 6th year in a row.
100% STEMI (ST elevation Myocardial Infarction or “heart attack”) patients transported to STEMI receiving hospital.
100% Stroke patients transported to stroke receiving facility.
This graph shows a four-year trend of the number of pre-hospital alerts for illness specific calls.
SCFD reports to the CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry for Enhanced Survival) database, a national registry where the average is set by those states with agencies who currently report. Florida is one of the 30 states to use CARES.
Bystander CPR includes dispatch advising CPR on scene and includes layperson, family, or layperson health-care worker. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
SCFD is at 44.7% for bystander CPR exceeding the state and national averages.
Sustained ROSC (%) Overall Survival to Hospital Discharge With Good or Moderate cerebral performance
Sustained ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) – pulse sustained through transport.
Overall Survival to hospital discharge evaluates the percentage of patients successfully discharged from the hospital. This includes home, rehab, assisted-living facility, skilled-nursing facility, and hospice. Neurological status is not incorporated into this data set.
Survival to hospital discharge with good or moderate cerebral performance tells us the patient made a positive neurological outcome after having an out- of-hospital cardiac arrest
SCFD is at 8.8% and exceeds the state and national average of 6.4%
Led by Assistant Chiefs Derek Boyer, William Schreiner, and Travis Dagenais, Fire Operations prioritizes a safe, effective, and efficient fire suppression program to protect the community from injury or death and to reduce property loss.
All ladder trucks staffed with three persons.
Operational staff realigned to improve coverage and balance across all three shifts
Promoted three assistant chiefs to improve span of control and management oversight.
Tiller Truck was added to increase access to downtown areas
Mutual or automatic aid provided 3,444 times.
Data was reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) – world’s largest, national, annual database of fire incident information.
Building Fires - Four Year Trend
Contained to building of origin, 23%
Contained to floor of origin, 6%
Beyond building of origin, 4%
Not reported, 1%
Contained to object of origin, 14%
Contained to room of origin, 51%
111 - Building fire - Structure involved
111F - Fire in a building not involving the structure (regardless of size) or out on arrival
121 - Fire in mobile home used as fixed residence
Total Fire Loss - Four Year Trend
Total Fire Loss (combines property and content). Building and mobile home fires within Sarasota County Fire Department jurisdiction. Excludes mutual and automatic aid given.
The Special Programs Division is led by Assistant Chief Timothy Dorsey and includes Hazmat/Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, Lifeguards, Wildland Mitigation, Tactical Paramedic Programs, and Domestic Preparedness. SCFD operates an all-hazards preparedness program that includes coordinating a multiagency response to threats or attacks, major disasters, and other large-scale emergencies.
Completed Incident Command System (ICS) training requirements for all employees.
Added Truck 11 and 3 additional personnel to Special Operations Team.
Conducted FLUSAR Technician Level Courses in Rope, Trench, and Vehicle/Machinery Rescue.
Completed annual hurricane exercise.
Initiated Marine Rescue Program Evaluation
Collaboration with outside agencies for Disaster Drills
o North Port Fire – Explosion MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) Drill
o Sarasota Sherriff’s SWAT – Active Shooter MCI Drill
Hired Assistant Chief to oversee Special Programs Division.
Effectively integrated into the Fire Department.
Successfully using electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) software
6 lifeguards currently enrolled in EMT course.
Promotion of 5 leadership positions (1 chief, 1 captain, 3 lieutenants).
30 students attended Junior Lifeguard Program Summer Camp.
66,096 preventative measures (PMTs) taken. **PMTs include notifying public of any changes in beach conditions or ordinance enforcements
55 successful water rescues and 3,180 shoreline assists.
77,936 patron contacts made (includes PMTs, rescues, assists, minor/major first aids, and marine life incidents).
All lifeguards FEMA prepared with ICS 100 class.
Every shift, a minimum of 1-hour rigorous physical training completed (running, swimming, paddling, mock rescues).
The Wildland Fire Group falls under the Special Programs Division and is led by Officer Kenneth “Jay” Bailey through permitting under the Florida Forest Service. Wildfire mitigation reduces the impacts of wildfires by maintaining a healthy ecosystem to protect the community from injury or death and to reduce property loss.
Zero monetary damage or loss to structures from wildfires
Conducted 66 prescribed burns on 6,721 acres.
Wildfires were kept under 45 acres, with most under 1 acre.
Maximum containment time was under three hours.
Participated in more than two dozen outreach events, including media interview about prescribed burning, wildfire threats and how residents can protect their homes.
Co-hosted the Sarasota County Fire Fest January 2022.
Remembering those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Several SCFD Personnel participated in stair climbs, scaling the equivalent of 100 floors, in memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day.
We will never forget.
Sarasota County Fire Department's Administration
Section consists of fire and EMS training, logistics, capital projects, maintenance, the office of the fire marshal and fire prevention, community outreach, public education, administrative support, budget and assessment services, and safety and wellness.
A new fire department administration building is currently in the design phase, with plans for construction to begin in 2023. A new state-of-theart regional training facility is being designed to support the training needs of the SCFD and other fire and emergency services agencies. The Administration Section is led by Deputy Fire Chief Darin Wallentine, who plans to expand this section to include a directed focus on firefighter safety and wellness.
Fire & EMS Continued Education
Journeyman Firefighter
Recruit Class
The training division led by Assistant Chief William ‘Bill’ Costello, prioritizes an innovative continual learning cycle for crews to be the most well-qualified, well-trained, and physically able public servants to protect and serve the community.
The Training Division led by Assistant Chief William “Bill” Costello, prioritizes an innovative continual learning cycle for crews to be the most well-qualified, well-trained, and physically able public servants to protect and serve the community.
Promoted 40-hour full-time EMS Training Captain
Documented participation in the Air Consumption Rate (ACR) drill for all line personnel in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1404 standards (480 personnel).
Initial driver training for new tractor drawn aerial (TDA) Truck 1 complete, including instructors.
Trained all personnel on new selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment.
Trained 21 new recruits in classes 921 and 422 through a 10-week orientation.
55 personnel enrolled in Apprenticeship program.
18 apprentices promoted to journeyman firefighter.
16 structures acquired for training drills.
Broke ground on new state-of-the-art regional training facility.
The Logistics Division led by Assistant Chief Stephen Cantu, ensures the front-line first responders have all the necessary apparatus, equipment, and gear needed to keep them safe to provide immediate life-saving measures.
Provide station and EMS supplies, uniforms, and PPE (personal protective equipment)
Design, construction and maintenance of all fire and EMS facilities
Purchase and maintenance of vehicles, small tools, and equipment
Fire Station 9 tear down and rebuild completed.
Fire Station 21 completed renovation and hardening.
Land purchase complete for the future Fire Station 27 – Zoning is in Progress.
Initiated the design process for Sarasota County Regional Fire Training Center.
Renderings completed for Emergency Services (ES) Administration Building – 28,000 sq.ft.
The Fire Prevention Group is led by Fire Marshal Anita Black with a comprehensive approach in prevention and mitigation strategies focused on elimination of fire and life safety hazards in buildings through fire code enforcement, fire and life safety inspections, public education, plans review for site and development for new developments, and the review of building plans for new and existing construction.
Created and implemented a Fire Inspector Trainee position as a pilot program to recruit, develop, and equip Fire Instructors.
Re-established and reassigned the coverage area of each Fire Inspector.
Upgraded Fire Inspector hardware from Tough Books to Surface Pros.
Inspected all facilities and businesses that requested an annual inspection to renew their operational or business licenses.
3,773 plans reviewed (12% increase from the previous year).
1,382 construction inspections performed (86.6% did not require a reinspection).
687 life safety inspections performed at existing businesses (Total of 55,419,691 square feet)
2,119 false alarms with official follow up.
Sarasota High
Booker High
Venice High
Pine View School
North Port High
Riverview High
Sarasota County Fire Department leads the community each Spring in the Public High School hands only CPR program and partners with North Port Fire and Venice Fire This initiative has a direct impact on patient’s survival and remaining quality of life after a cardiac arrest.
Local homeowners’ associations and communities receive Hands-Only CPR and AED training.
Dolphin Bay Club, Siesta
2478 High school juniors and 104 citizens received Hands Only CPR and AED training for Spring 2022.
Added 174 AEDs to the PulsePoint Application. (363 Registered)
Reinstated the youth fire setter program.
Implemented the Fire Safety Inspector Program.
Re-established Home Safety Inspection, Smoke Alarm Installation, and Fire Extinguisher program post COVID.
26 fire safety school visits and 130 contact hours completed.
183 Public Education events staffed.
Tatum Ridge Elementary
Fire Fest
In 2022, the Administrative Staff experienced a few changes as a result of the SCFD reorganization. The administrative support for the fire department was aligned to best meet the needs of a growing organization. The areas of responsibility for administrative staff included personnel services, payroll, records requests, privacy officer responsibilities, and a variety of other critical support functions.
FY22 Fire/EMS Adopted Budget was $101,536,431.00
Increased annual Fire Assessment rate by 3.5% for an estimated certified revenue of $46.7 million
Re-Org of Financial Services to create a Business Professional IIRevenue/Fiscal Supervisor
Re-Classification of Administrative Specialist II to Business Professional I to create the Operations/Budget
The department’s occupational health, safety and risk management programs protect the organization and personnel from unnecessary injuries, loss, and liability.
The partnership with Life Scan Wellness provides an annual wellness, health and fitness exam focusing on early detection of cancer, heart disease, and behavioral health concerns.
Re-implemented the Safety Committee
Enhanced the peer support and critical incident stress management (CISM) programs and resources
Report Prepared By: Emily Myers, BSN, RN, CEN
EMS Quality/Clinical Coordinator
