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THE PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION

August 2026 • VOLUME 34 NUMBER 8

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Florida Fire Service is the monthly publication of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) members, by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association P.O. Box 15932 Tallahassee, FL 32317 Phone: (850) 900-5180 Email: info@ffca.org • www.ffca.org FFCA Staff Harold Theus - Executive Director Rachel Pardo - Marketing & Member Services Coordinator Savannah Selski - Meeting & Events Coordinator FFCA Board of Directors Ryan Crawford - President Mike Tucker - 1st Vice President Carlos Aviles - 2nd Vice President Trip Barrs - Immediate Past President Ian Kemp - Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Wagner - Northwest Region Director Brady Rigdon - Northeast Region Director Todd Allen - East Central Region Director Chantal Botting - Southeast Region Director Jason Dougherty - West Central Region Director Gregory DeWitt - Southwest Region Director Harold Theus - Executive Director Terry Parris - Foundation Chair Jeffrey Money - Senior Member

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 August 2026, Volume 34, Number 8 USPS # 016-759 Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Florida Fire Service, P.O. Box 15932 Tallahassee, FL 32317. 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 2026 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.

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

6 FEATURES

Collecting and Connecting the Dots: The Importance of Networking in the Fire Service . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Women in the Fire Service: From Firsts to Future Leaders . . .14

FURTHERMORE FFCA’s PEMT Program — A Decade of Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Captain Chris Ayala’s Commitment to Training and Excellence . . . . .10 Greater Naples Enhances Football Injury Training . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 ESLI Brings Emergency Management Module to South Florida . . . . . .18 When Two Lives Depend on One Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Tradition Meets Progress: Titusville Welcomes Tower 11 . . . . . . . .22 Seminole Safe Sitter® Program . . .24 MCFR Is Building the Future of Fire Rescue Through Partnerships . .26 Hillsborough County Welcomes 33 New Firefighters . . . . . . . . . . .28 The Leadership Journey of Assistant Chief Ricardo Legra . . . . . . . . .30 Touch-a-Truck Showcases Vehicles, Honors Community Heroes . . .32 Honoring Jay Sanders . . . . . . . . .33 Seminole County Places New Rescue Squad into Service . . . . . . . . . .34 Clay County Educates Sheriff's Net on Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries .36 Meet the Fire Marshal . . . . . . . .38 Titusville Invests in Advanced Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . .41 Head-On Crash Survivor Thanks Martin County Firefighters . . . . .41 THE JOURNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Martin County Firefighters Perform High-Angle Rescue . . . . . . . . . .43 DeLand Fire Department Tree Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Ryan H. Crawford, Fire Chief FFCA President

s I reflect on the past month, I am reminded of just how broad the work of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association really is. From participating in national discussions about the future of the American fire service to addressing significant policy and regulatory issues here at home, your Association continues to remain engaged wherever the interests of Florida’s fire and emergency services are being shaped. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of traveling to Racine, Wisconsin, to participate in Wingspread VIII. For those unfamiliar with its history, Wingspread holds a unique place in the American fire service. The original conference was convened in 1966, bringing together national fire service leaders to identify the most significant challenges facing the profession and establish priorities for its future. Importantly, Wingspread is also where the ideas that ultimately led to the creation of the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy first took shape. That history is a powerful reminder that the discussions held at Wingspread are not simply academic. For nearly six decades, they have helped influence the strategic direction of the American fire service. Each subsequent Wingspread gathering has brought together a diverse group of leaders to look beyond the immediate challenges facing their individual organizations and focus instead on the future of the profession. Wingspread VIII continued that important work. Over several days, participants engaged in thoughtful and, at times, challenging discussions about the issues that will shape the fire and emergency services in the years ahead. It was an honor to participate and to ensure Florida had a voice in those conversations. The Statements of National Significance developed through Wingspread VIII are now undergoing final edits and will be published 6

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following completion of that process. These statements are intended to identify strategic priorities and help provide a path forward for the American fire service from a longrange planning perspective. I look forward to sharing them with our membership once they are released. Shortly afterward, I traveled to Kansas City, Missouri, for the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire-Rescue International, along with Past President Trip Barrs and East Central Regional Director Todd Allen. FRI remains one of the premier gatherings of fire and emergency service leaders in the country, and this year’s conference was no exception. The educational programs, opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the nation, and an outstanding exhibit hall showcasing the latest equipment, technology, and services made for a very productive few days. It was also another valuable opportunity to represent Florida and strengthen the relationships that connect our Association with the broader national fire service. While those national conversations are important, your Board continues to remain equally engaged in the significant issues affecting Florida’s fire service here at home. One of those issues is Amendment 3 and the continuing discussion surrounding property tax reform. Proposed changes to Florida’s property tax structure have the potential to significantly affect many fire and emergency service organizations, particularly agencies that rely heavily upon ad valorem revenues. Our role as an Association is to ensure our members have accurate, factual information that allows them to educate their communities about what proposed changes could mean for local emergency service delivery. To support that effort, the Board has established a subcommittee of sorts that will work with our Public Information Officer

Section and Mike Jachles as lead to develop a messaging toolkit for you, our members. The intent is to provide fire chiefs and their agencies with consistent information, talking points, and communication resources that can be adapted for local educational efforts. Regardless of the political debate surrounding property tax reform, Florida’s fire chiefs need to be prepared to clearly explain the relationship between local funding decisions and the emergency services our communities expect and depend upon. Your Association has also been actively engaged in the Division of State Fire Marshal’s rulemaking process involving proposed amendments to Rule Chapter 69A62. The proposed amendments address a broad range of firefighter health and safety issues, including protective equipment and chemical exposures, behavioral and mental health, cancer prevention, firefighter work schedules, safety committees, and occupational safety requirements. Members of the Board participated in the August 4th rulemaking hearing, where the FFCA provided verbal comment and subsequently submitted more detailed written comments to the Division. Our comments focused on ensuring that the rules ultimately adopted are clear, practical, consistently applied, and workable for agencies of every size across Florida. Among the issues raised was the need for greater clarity regarding when PFAS-free or low-chemical protective equipment is considered “readily available,” appropriate standards for independent third-party certification, and the need for consistent firefighter notification requirements. We also emphasized the importance of preserving the phased replacement process contemplated within the proposed PPE requirements. The proposed rule allows agencies to use a phased-in approach,

replacing existing gear when it requires replacement or reaches the end of its manufacturer-recommended lifespan. Our comments sought additional clarity to ensure that the proposed employee notification requirements could not inadvertently be interpreted as overriding that phased-in approach or requiring departments to prematurely remove otherwise serviceable equipment simply because qualifying gear becomes available. This type of participation is an important responsibility of the FFCA—bringing the operational perspective of Florida’s fire chiefs into the regulatory process and helping ensure that well-intentioned legislation can ultimately be implemented effectively in the field. I am also pleased to report that the Board recently approved the creation of two new member-driven committees: a Technology Committee and a Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Committee. The Technology Committee will provide a statewide forum for evaluating emerging technologies, exchanging best practices, developing guidance, and helping Florida’s fire service thoughtfully navigate advances such as artificial intelligence, analytics, drones, situational awareness platforms, smart PPE, and other rapidly evolving technologies. Its broader purpose is to ensure that technology-driven innovation remains aligned with operational realities, firefighter safety, interoperability, and community protection. The concept also envisions opportunities for education, technical guidance, collaboration, pilot programs, and the development of future fire service leaders who will increasingly operate in a technology-driven environment. I want to specifically recognize First Vice President Michael Tucker for the inspiration, leadership, and initiative behind the creation of our new Technology Committee. His vision helped move this concept from an identified need to a formal opportunity for our members to collaborate around one of the fastest-changing areas affecting the fire service. The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Committee will provide fire chiefs and senior leaders from Florida’s largest fire-rescue agencies with a dedicated forum to collaborate on the unique challenges associated with managing complex metropolitan systems. These agencies routinely face issues involving largescale emergency response, high-volume EMS delivery, workforce and labor relations, disaster preparedness, technology and data,

organizational development, capital planning, regional interoperability, and other issues unique to large urban and metropolitan organizations. I also want to recognize West Central Regional Director Jason Dougherty for his inspiration and leadership in advancing the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs concept. Jason helped identify the need for a dedicated forum for leaders of Florida’s largest firerescue agencies and played an important role in bringing the proposal forward for Board consideration. Importantly, both committees were created as a direct result of members petitioning the Board and have been established with a longer-term objective in mind. The goal is for these groups to organize, demonstrate sustained member participation, develop appropriate governance structures, and ultimately pursue formal recognition as FFCA Sections in accordance with Association policy. I appreciate the members who recognized these needs, developed concepts, and took the initiative to bring them before the Board. A healthy, member-driven association should continue to evolve with the needs of its membership, and these new committees create additional opportunities for our members to collaborate, lead, and help shape the future direction of the FFCA. Looking ahead, the 2026 FFCA Safety & Health Conference is quickly approaching. This year’s conference will be held October 19–21 at Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. Our Safety and Health Section and our staff have assembled an outstanding lineup of speakers and educational programs addressing some of the most important health, wellness, safety, and operational readiness issues confronting our personnel. I am particularly excited about the speakers who will be headlining this year’s event and the overall quality of this years program. Interest in the Safety and Health Conference has been strong, and our hotel room block is rapidly approaching capacity. If you plan to attend, I strongly encourage you not to wait to complete your registration and secure your hotel accommodations. Staff is evaluating overflow hotel options should they become necessary. Finally, planning for the 2027 Florida Fire and EMS Conference in January is coming together very nicely. Staff and our conference partners continue to work behind the scenes, and we hope to have registration open in early September. This remains our Association’s flagship event and one of the

best opportunities each year to bring Florida’s fire and emergency services community together for education, professional development, networking, and collaboration. I am excited about what is being planned and look forward to sharing more details very soon. Please encourage your members to attend. The past month has reinforced something I believe strongly: while our day-to-day responsibilities require us to focus on the challenges immediately in front of us, leadership also requires us to look beyond them. Whether participating in national strategic discussions at Wingspread, representing Florida at FRI, engaging in state rulemaking, preparing our membership to navigate significant policy discussions, or creating new opportunities for collaboration within the Association, the FFCA must continue looking ahead and preparing for what comes next. Thank you for your continued engagement and support of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. I remain proud to represent you, and I appreciate all that our members continue to do for Florida’s fire service. Stay safe, engaged, and keep leading. Ryan H. Crawford, FFCA President

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FFCA’s PEMT Program — A Decade of Results Public Emergency Medical Transport (PEMT) Program Update By Eric Prutsman, Johnson & Blanton

n 2015, the FFCA Board, conceived (at the recommendation of Fire Chief Darrel Donatto), and secured Florida’s first Public Emergency Medical Transport (PEMT) program through proviso language in Florida’s state budget. That first step was the beginning of a multiple-year effort to gain the necessary approvals from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Washington, D.C., for a program that now returns more dollars to Florida’s fire departments every single year than the entire annual AFG, SAFER, and state fire grant programs combined deliver to Florida – and it does so with recurring dollars, year after year, without competitive application. The first appropriation we sought for the

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program was for $15 million, and now we annually advocate for $242 million in budget authority - $42 million for the fee-for-service certified public expenditure (CPE) program and $200 million for the managed care intergovernmental transfer (IGT) program. To date, PEMT has generated an estimated $800+ million in net new funding for Florida fire and EMS agencies, with gross program payments approaching $1.5 billion. The history of the CPE and IGT portions of the PEMT program has not been without drama as we have had to navigate both state and federal changes to the Medicaid regulations, repeated changes in leadership in both the Florida Legislature and at the Agency for Health Care Administration, as

well as other stakeholders who would like to expand the application of the program to their own interests. And, with the addition of PEMT managed care reimbursement in 20192020 we have seen explosive growth in the program in the last two years and the potential for significant growth in the coming years. Our team at Johnson & Blanton will continue to advocate for expansion of the program to more eligible fire and EMS agencies, an increase to the current budget authority, and an application to reimbursement for “treat and no-transport” service, while defending the program from threats to its existence. We work closely with PCG Consulting that supports the cost reporting, compliance, and provider enrollment, and coordinate our efforts to maximize the reimbursements. If your department is not participating in the PEMT know that that are still millions of dollars available in the PEMT program for eligible fire and EMS agencies – please contact Executive Director Harold Theus to let him know you are interested in finding out more information.

From Recruit to Special Operations Captain: Captain Chris Ayala’s Commitment to Training and Excellence By David Diaz, Lieutenant, Public Information Officer, Coral Gables Fire Department

or Captain Chris Ayala, vehicle extrication training has been more than a specialized skill—it has been a defining part of a fire service career built around preparation, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Ayala began his career with the Coral Gables Fire Department in 2015. During his recruit training, he was introduced to advanced vehicle extrication and soon volunteered to assist the department’s rescue team during training exercises. What began with Ayala serving as a simulated patient quickly developed into a passion for technical rescue and a commitment to mastering the craft. By 2016, Ayala had earned a position on the team as a technician. Over the next several years, he represented Coral Gables in three national rescue challenges and, in 2018, competed internationally at the World Rescue Organization (WRO) World Rescue Challenge in Cape Town, South Africa. His progression continued in 2019 when he assumed the role of Incident Commander for the team. In that position, Ayala became responsible for helping direct complex extrication scenarios where technical ability, communication, patient care, scene management, and rapid decision-making are evaluated under demanding conditions. The results reflected the team’s commitment to training.

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At the 2021 NAVRA Florida Rescue Challenge, the Coral Gables team earned Best Overall Team, while Ayala received Best Incident Commander honors. The team swept all six first-place categories during the competition. Ayala continued to lead the team through additional regional, national, and internationallevel competition. At the 2024 TERC Southeast Invitational, Coral Gables again earned Best Overall Team, with Ayala recognized as Best Incident Commander. Later that year, the team finished second overall at the TERC North American Vehicle Rescue Challenge in Long Island, New York, narrowly missing the top position by two points and finishing just one point behind in the Incident Commander category. But competition represents only one part of Ayala’s impact. Throughout his career, he has helped train multiple Coral Gables recruit classes in vehicle extrication, passing along the same skills and principles that helped shape him as a young firefighter. His professional development within the rescue community also expanded beyond competing. After serving as a NAVRA Shadow Assessor in 2019 and 2024, Ayala became a certified NAVRA Assessor in 2025, allowing him to evaluate other rescue teams and contribute to the advancement of vehicle rescue standards. His commitment to professional growth extended to leadership within the department

as well. Ayala stepped away from competition in 2023 while preparing for the Captain promotional examination. He was promoted that year and continued his progression as both an officer and instructor. Today, Captain Chris Ayala serves in the Coral Gables Fire Department Special Operations Division, where more than a decade of operational experience, competitive rescue training, and leadership now directly supports the development of the department’s personnel. His career represents the full circle of fire service training: first learning the craft, then competing at the highest levels, leading others, and ultimately becoming responsible for preparing the firefighters who follow. For Coral Gables, Ayala’s transition into Special Operations ensures that lessons developed through years of practice and competition remain within the organization. The techniques may begin on the training ground, but their true value is realized when firefighters are called to perform under realworld conditions. Captain Ayala’s journey—from a recruit participating in vehicle extrication training to a Captain helping shape the department’s next generation—demonstrates an enduring principle of the fire service: training is not simply preparation for the job. Training is part of the job.

Collecting and Connecting the Dots: The Importance of Networking in the Fire Service By Michael DeStefano

still remember my early years in the fire service, I was young, excited, and just wanted to be good at the job. As I matured in my skills and knowledge, I began seeking ways to continue my growth in the positions that I operated in. I began to take classes at the local community college, attending conferences, and worked on my graduate classes to pursue advanced degrees. This was extremely fruitful in my career to learn not just how we did things at my department, but to see the ways that other organizations operated both on and off the emergency scene. Now for quick reference this was about eight to ten years into my career that this process began. The first decade was just becoming comfortable in my position as a firefighter. I imagine that many of you reading this magazine are in the same place whether you are starting your careers and looking to be competent, you are growing in your position and seeking to be the best and maybe eyeing the next promotional exam, or you are deep into your career and are looking to give back to those on their way up. No matter what place you are as noted above, questions and opportunities will undoubtedly pop-up. The question that needs to be answered is when they do pop-up, who are you going to call? AI and the internet are amazing places to start, but they don’t offer the direct communication and resources that a real person can provide. Throughout our lives and careers, we have unintentional collisions. I call them collisions because we bump into each other accidentally in a random place. We can just leave them as that, as just a coincidence, or we can look at them as a resource and turn the unintended interaction into an intentional networking

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opportunity. The process of obtaining the information and cataloging the reference in your network is something we affectionately call, collecting dots. Every person we meet on social media, at classes, or training, they all are dots that we are collecting that have unique skills, talents, and connections of their own. When you connect with someone and collect that dot, be intentional about discovering as much as you can about them. The goal is not to explore how you can gain something from them or if they can provide you with some insight now. The goal is to learn as much as possible about their history, career, skills, knowledge, attitude, while also offering yours. When you build a mutual relationship of exploration rather than what am I going to get out this, you establish a potentially transformational exchange rather than a transactional exchange. Now here is the critical part. Once we collect all these dots and have all these unique and amazing people within our network, we must connect the dots. You remember when you were a kid and you would have a sheet of paper with hundreds of dots on the page with a number next to them? You would connect one to two, two to three, three to four, and so on. As the dots connected you would recognize what the picture was and get excited about finishing the connections. The same holds true for our networks. When we have a situation or opportunity arise, we look through our files of dots and begin connecting them together. One resource may connect you to another resource or you may bring in an additional person from your network that has expertise in a specific subject. Take warning though, just like the picture

that you created when you were a kid, there is a desire as you get close to the finish line to just take back control and do it yourself. You see number 99 and draw the line to 100 and think to yourself, “Oh it’s a sailboat, I’ll just finish the picture myself as I know what it should look like.” Next thing you know 105 is connected to 115 and then 115 to 108. Suddenly, you have a lopsided sailboat with half a mast and about ten extra dots randomly floating around on the page. Same holds true for connecting our networking dots. Continue to follow the process and connect those dots all the way through the project, situation, or opportunity. This allows you to grow as well as help others along the way to grow regardless whose project it is. To recap, every person that you meet has information or additional connections that they can provide to you. Equally important is the information and connections that you can provide to them. We should be intentional about collecting these dots and then connecting them when the time arises so that we can all support each other as we navigate difficult situations or explore opportunities that are presented to us. Just like the picture as a kid, the more dots that we have and can connect, the more detailed and in-depth that the picture will be when it is completed. Get to work! Deputy Chief Michael DeStefano, Jupiter Fire Rescue Department, Town of Jupiter Florida. Michael DeStefano has been in the fire service since 2004 and has held the ranks of firefighter/paramedic, Lieutenant, District Chief, Training Chief, Assistant Chief of Professional Development and now Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. He holds a Doctorate degree from Liberty University in Strategic Leadership

Women in the Fire Service: From Firsts to Future Leaders By Captain Brittany Butler

hen I entered the fire academy in 2007 at the age of 20, I understood I was stepping into a profession where women were still underrepresented. Being the first female graduate from the Tallahassee State College Fire Academy carried both pride and pressure. At the time, I was focused on proving I could do the job. Eighteen years later, I’ve realized the conversation is much bigger than that. Throughout my career with the Tallahassee Fire Department, I have seen many women enter the fire service. Some stayed and built successful careers. Others left for a variety of reasons — family responsibilities, difficulty fitting into the culture, opportunities in other departments, or entirely different career paths. It raises an important question for the modern fire service: how do we successfully recruit and retain women in this profession? For me, the answer starts with representation and support. I was fortunate to grow up with a strong female role model. My mother retired from the sheriff’s office as a Lieutenant and spent most of her career as a detective in violent crimes. She was stern, strong, beautiful, and definitely laid down the law at home. She is the reason I knew women could succeed in demanding public safety careers. Ironically, she always told me she did not care what I chose to do in life as long as it was not law enforcement. Going to fire school, truthfully, was my way of rebelling against her. At the time, I was in college and unsure of what direction I wanted my life to take. I had never dreamed of becoming a firefighter growing up. That changed once I entered fire school and discovered how much I loved the work, the challenge, and the purpose behind it. During my Academy State Day, I faced a major setback. I failed a practical portion of the test. That moment changed everything for me. I realized this was no longer about proving myself to others. It was about how much heart and soul I had invested in becoming a firefighter and how badly I wanted it. I refused to let one setback end my career before it even began. I traveled to Ocala, retook the test, and passed. Soon after, I was hired by the Tallahassee Fire Department. At the time, there were women throughout the department in various ranks, but not many close to my age. I did not immediately 14

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have mentorship or guidance from any females early in my career. The culture was more of a “let’s see how she does first” mentality before offering support. Interestingly, one of the women I later became very close friends with was not especially welcoming to me in the beginning either. Looking back now, I understand that many women in the fire service also felt pressure to prove themselves in environments where there were very few of us. Sometimes that creates walls instead of mentorship. Over time, however, we built mutual respect and friendship through shared experiences.

As I progressed in my career, I realized I had both the opportunity and the responsibility to help create a better experience for the next generation of women entering the fire service. My role within the Training Division has allowed me to focus heavily on recruitment, mentorship, and retention efforts. More than anything, I wanted to help create an environment where women knew they belonged in this profession. I wanted to move away from the “mean girl” mentality that can sometimes exist in competitive environments because, truthfully, we need each other. The fire service is challenging enough on its own, and having support, encouragement, and mentorship can make a lasting difference in someone’s career. Alongside several outstanding women in our department, we developed a girls’ fire camp program and recently celebrated our second successful year. One of the campers from our very first year recently graduated from the fire academy, and I had the privilege

of attending her graduation. That moment was incredibly meaningful because it reinforced something someone once told me years ago: “You cannot become what you do not see.” At the time, I did not fully understand what that meant because I had already grown up watching my mother succeed in a traditionally male profession. I had the advantage of believing it was possible before I ever entered the fire service. Not everyone grows up with that example. Recruitment, however, is only part of the challenge. Retention matters just as much. My biggest advice to departments is this: create environments where new firefighters have mentors and role models. Those role models do not necessarily have to be female. Throughout my career, I had officers who treated me like a daughter or younger sister. Not in the sense that they did things for me or lowered standards, because that can be equally damaging. They supported me because they genuinely wanted to see me succeed. I would not be where I am today without the constructive criticism, accountability, and honest leadership from people who invested in my growth. I was also fortunate to be hired under a female Fire Chief, which gave me the opportunity to see a woman serving successfully in a top leadership position within the fire service. Representation matters, but so does culture. Departments must continue maintaining the standards our profession requires while also creating environments where firefighters feel supported and included. If departments foster a work place where women meet the same standards, earn their place through hard work and continued learning opportunities that are safe and professional, then retention becomes far less challenging. Of course, there are realities within the profession that affect everyone, not just women. The fire service schedule can be difficult for families. I entered this profession long before I considered how challenging shift work could become with children and family responsibilities. Fortunately, I have always had strong family support, and I learned to adapt. But many firefighters, both men and women, eventually leave the profession seeking a more stable family life. That is not unique to women in the fire service.

Another challenge that is not always openly discussed is the balance between career advancement and starting a family. For many women in the fire service, those timelines can directly conflict with one another. Pregnancy, light-duty assignments, recovery time, and family responsibilities can unintentionally affect opportunities for acting out of class, gaining operational experience, or participating in promotional testing cycles. Personally, I made the decision to wait to start a family until after I had already been promoted because I was afraid of losing opportunities for promotion. At the time, I did not want to risk falling behind professionally while focusing on my family. Looking back, I know many women in the fire service quietly face similar decisions. This is not about creating exceptions; it is about understanding the realities many women navigate while pursuing both a career in the fire service and raising children. The demands and timing of career progression in the fire service can make balancing advancement and family difficult, but conversations surrounding retention and leadership development should include these realities. Many talented women do not leave the profession because they are incapable of doing the job, but because they struggle to see a realistic path where both career advancement and family life can coexist. The fire service has made tremendous progress over the last two decades, but progress does not happen accidentally. It happens when leaders intentionally create cultures where talented people can succeed. Progress happens through mentorship, accountability, opportunity, and representation. Most importantly, it happens when someone sees potential in the next generation before they fully see it in themselves.

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Greater Naples Enhances Football Injury Training By Tiffany Wood, Public Information Officer/Public Educator, Greater Naples Fire Rescue District

s the start of another high school football season approaches, Greater Naples Fire Rescue District (GNFR) is taking steps to ensure its crews are prepared for the unique medical challenges that can occur on the sidelines. Many GNFR crews provide standby coverage at local high school football games throughout the season. While the hope is that every player walks off the field healthy at the end of the night, firefighters and paramedics know that injuries can happen in an instant. Having the right training before the first whistle is an important part of being ready when those moments occur. Recently, GNFR introduced specialized training focused specifically on football-related injuries. The class was designed to give personnel an opportunity to review common injuries and medical emergencies associated with the sport while reinforcing current assessment and treatment protocols.

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Training covered a variety of situations crews could encounter during a game, including head and neck injuries, fractures, heat-related illnesses and other on-field medical emergencies. Personnel reviewed how to assess injured athletes, identify potentially serious conditions and provide appropriate care while determining the next steps for treatment and transport. For firefighters and paramedics working a football game, the environment can present its own challenges. Crews may be treating a patient surrounded by teammates, coaches, officials and spectators, while working within the confines of a playing field and coordinating with athletic trainers and other medical personnel. Rapid assessment, communication and teamwork are essential. The specialized training also reinforces an important principle at GNFR: preparation doesn’t stop when the station doors close. Whether crews are standing on the sidelines of a Friday night football game, responding to a motor vehicle crash, treating a medical emergency or working at a community event, they must be prepared for whatever comes through the door—or happens in front of them.

Continuous training allows personnel to build on their skills, stay familiar with current practices and remain confident in their ability to provide care when seconds matter. As local teams take the field this season, GNFR is proud to support our student-athletes and the communities they represent. Behind the lights, the crowds and the excitement of Friday night football are firefighters and paramedics ready to respond if needed. Our crews are trained to be ready. Our goal is simple: provide the best possible care when our community needs us most.

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ESLI Brings Emergency Management Module to South Florida By ESLI Emergency Management Instructors, Chief Mock, Chief Napoli, Chief Fair, and Chief McGlynn

SLI founder Bill Bingham, retired Fire Chief of Boynton Beach Fire Rescue, envisioned a program developed by fire service leaders for fire service leaders. His goal was to address critical areas of leadership that are often overlooked or taught separately in traditional fire service training. The result was a six-module series that combines practical instruction, group discussion, and shared experience to prepare officers for the expanding responsibilities of today’s fire and emergency services organizations. The Emergency Management (EM) Module, one of six core courses within the Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI), was conducted July 28 and 29 at the City of Fort Lauderdale Emergency Operations Center. Delivering the course inside an operating EOC places participant in the environment where coordination occurs, information is prioritized, and senior leaders make decisions during real-world incidents. The South Florida offering included 23

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students from across Florida. Nearly half of the class was attending its first module in the six-part ESLI series. The class represented departments ranging from single-station organizations to metrosize departments with over 70 stations. Participating departments included Davie Fire Rescue, Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, Washington County Fire Department, Ocala Fire Rescue, Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, North Fort Myers Fire Department, Miami Beach Fire Department, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, Coral Gables Fire Rescue, MiamiDade Fire Rescue, Flagler County Fire Rescue, North Lauderdale Fire Rescue, Lighthouse Point Fire Rescue, Bradford County Fire Rescue, Coconut Creek Fire Rescue, Volusia County Fire Rescue, and Cocoa Beach Fire Department. Ranks ranged from Captain through Fire Chief, bringing a broad mix of operational and executive-level experience into the classroom. Throughout the two-day program, students

examined the role of emergency management within today’s fire service. Topics included EOC operations, disaster response and recovery, statewide mutual aid, EMAC, the State Emergency Response Plan, and executive decision-making during complex incidents. Claudia Baker and Brian Lee of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) presented alongside Statewide Emergency Response Commission Chair Marcos DeLaRosa and Co-chair Robert Torres. Their presentations provided updates on the State Emergency Response Plan and Emergency Support Functions 4 and 9, with a focus on what today’s fire service leaders need to understand about statewide coordination and operational responsibilities. Special thanks are extended to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief, Emergency Management Captain Seamus Murphy, and Emergency Management Chief St. Fleur for their hospitality, collaboration, and support

in hosting the module at the City of Fort Lauderdale EOC. The course concluded with a group capstone scenario that required students to apply the lessons from both days. Participants worked through the incident while wearing their emergency manager’s hat, balancing policy, coordination, resource needs, public

safety priorities, and executive-level decision making. A special milestone was also recognized during the module. Deputy Chief Justin Busch of Panama City Beach Fire Rescue attended Day Two after missing that portion during the January delivery. His completion of the course fulfilled his remaining ESLI

requirement, and he was presented with his graduate pin in recognition of completing the six-module series. Each ESLI module may be taken independently, allowing participants to begin with any course and complete the series at their own pace. Chief Dave Downey, ESLI Program Coordinator, provided a detailed overview of ESLI and its six modules in the October 2025 issue of Florida Fire Service magazine. For many officers, leadership eventually extends beyond the command post and into an Emergency Operations Center. The EM Module is designed to help prepare them for both.

Emergency Management Instructors, Chief Mock, Chief Napoli, Chief Fair, and Chief McGlynn

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When Two Lives Depend on One Crew By Lindsey Darby, Public Information Officer, Walton County Fire Rescue

The tones drop. “Pregnant female. Active labor.” Every firefighter, EMT, or paramedic knows that call carries a different kind of weight. There are no flames to chase. No mangled vehicles to disentangle. Instead, there are two lives depending on one crew. Obstetric emergencies are among the least frequent calls EMS providers answer, yet they

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are some of the most demanding. They require calm decision-making, clinical precision, and the confidence to act when every second matters. Unlike many other emergencies, these calls don’t come often enough to build experience through repetition. They demand preparation long before the ambulance ever leaves the station. For rural fire departments, that responsibility

is even greater. Longer transport times and limited access to labor and delivery services mean firefighters and paramedics are often called upon to provide advanced maternal and newborn care well before a patient reaches the hospital. In those moments, EMS isn’t simply transporting a patient - it is delivering critical care during one of life’s most important events. Recognizing that reality, Walton County Fire Rescue made a commitment to go beyond the standard. Earlier this year, the department became only the second fire department in Florida to earn Perinatal Readiness Recognition through the Florida Prehospital Perinatal Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP), a statewide initiative designed to strengthen emergency care for expectant mothers, new mothers, and newborns. While the designation is a milestone worth celebrating, department leaders say the recognition itself was never the goal. The goal was readiness. Preparing for the Unpredictable Perinatal emergencies present a unique challenge for EMS providers. Complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, shoulder dystocia, preterm labor, and neonatal resuscitation can develop rapidly, requiring providers to make

critical decisions in an environment far removed from the resources of a hospital. For many agencies, these calls occur infrequently enough that maintaining confidence and competency requires intentional training. The Florida Prehospital Perinatal Readiness Recognition Program was created to address that challenge. Developed through a collaboration between the Florida Department of Health, USF Health, the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, and other state and national partners, the program recognizes EMS agencies that demonstrate advanced education, clinical preparedness, and a department-wide commitment to evidencebased maternal and neonatal care. Achieving recognition required Walton County Fire Rescue to meet rigorous standards that included specialized obstetric emergency training, readiness to manage high-risk maternal and neonatal conditions, and alignment with statewide best practices. More importantly, it required a culture that embraces continuous improvement and recognizes that exceptional patient care begins long before an emergency occurs. “This achievement reflects our team’s dedication to providing exceptional care to every patient we serve,” said Fire Chief Jonathon Davis. “In a rural county, EMS often plays a critical role in perinatal emergencies. Earning this certification reinforces our commitment to ensuring expectant mothers, new mothers, and infants receive the highest level of care when it matters most.” Why It Matters in Rural Florida Across Florida and throughout the country, access to obstetric care has changed dramatically over the past decade. Many rural communities have seen labor and delivery services become increasingly centralized,

leaving expectant mothers with longer travel times to hospitals equipped to provide specialized care. As those distances grow, so does the role of EMS. Firefighters and paramedics are no longer viewed solely as the bridge between a patient and the hospital. They are expected to deliver increasingly advanced medical care in the prehospital environment, often managing complex emergencies for extended periods before arriving at definitive care. For departments serving rural communities, preparation is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Programs like the PRRP help ensure providers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to care for mothers and newborns during some of the most complex medical emergencies they may encounter. They also reinforce an important principle: geography should never determine the quality of care a patient receives. Whether an emergency occurs in a major metropolitan area or along a rural county road, every family deserves the same standard of excellence. More Than a Recognition For Walton County Fire Rescue, becoming only the second fire department in Florida to earn Perinatal Readiness Recognition represents far more than another credential. It reflects a department committed to raising the bar—not because it was required, but because its firefighters and paramedics believe every patient deserves the highest level of care possible. The designation also serves as an example of how rural departments can lead the way in advancing emergency medical services. Innovation in the fire service is often associated with large metropolitan agencies, but Walton

County Fire Rescue’s achievement demonstrates that a commitment to excellence is not defined by size or geography. It is defined by leadership, preparation, and a willingness to invest in the people who answer the call. The certificate recognizing Walton County Fire Rescue’s achievement will eventually find its place on a wall. The true impact of the program, however, won’t be measured by a plaque. It will be measured in the quiet moments that never make headlines—a newborn taking its first breath in the back of an ambulance, a mother arriving safely at the hospital after a complicated delivery, or a crew walking away from one of the most challenging calls of their careers knowing they were ready. Because the next time the tones drop for an expectant mother in need, the recognition won’t matter. The preparation will.

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Tradition Meets Progress: Titusville Fire Department Welcomes Tower 11 By Gregory G. Sutton, Battalion Chief of Administration, Public Information Officer, Titusville Fire Department

he Titusville Fire Department recently celebrated the arrival of Tower 11, a new 2026 Pierce Enforcer 100-foot aerial platform, with a traditional fire service push-in ceremony attended by department members, city leadership, and members of the community. Tower 11 represents an important investment in the department’s ability to serve the citizens and visitors of Titusville and North Brevard. The 100-foot aerial platform provides increased capability for elevated rescue, fire attack, ventilation, and access during incidents involving multi-story buildings, commercial occupancies, and other challenging environments. The apparatus is part of Titusville Fire Department’s ongoing effort to strategically replace aging equipment and maintain a dependable, modern fleet. Ensuring apparatus remains reliable and capable is essential to supporting firefighter safety, operational readiness, and the department’s ability to meet the needs of a growing community. The push-in ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognize the continued support of the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and City administration, whose

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commitment to public safety makes significant investments such as Tower 11 possible. Community members joined firefighters in pushing the apparatus into its new home, continuing a fire service tradition that dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment. Their participation made the occasion

especially meaningful and reflected the strong relationship between the department and the community it serves. For Titusville Fire Department, Tower 11 is more than a new apparatus. It represents an investment in firefighter capability, fleet reliability, and the future of emergency services in Titusville.

THE FUTURE OF THE

FIRE SERVICE STARTS WITH THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ITS PEOPLE

Join fire service professionals from across Florida for three days focused on the challenges impacting firefighters today and the strategies, resources, and conversations building a healthier, safer, Future Ready fire service.

OCTOBER 19-21, 2026

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT ORLANDO | KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

FEATURED KEYNOTES MICHAEL DUGAN

BILLY GOLDFEDER

9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later

Firefighter & Fire Officer 2026-2027 Leadership “Survival”

FUTURE READY STARTS HERE. MENTAL WELLNESS & SUICIDE PREVENTION

OPERATIONAL SAFETY

CANCER PREVENTION & RESEARCH

CAREER LONGEVITY

PHYSICAL READINESS & PERFORMANCE

EMERGING HAZARDS

Plus expert-led sessions, the “Changes in Latitudes” Margaritaville-themed networking reception, a 5K Fun Run, a vendor showcase, and more—all focused on building a healthier, safer, Future Ready fire service.

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION: $200

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Seminole County Empowers Future Caregivers Through Seminole Safe Sitter® Program By Doreen Overstreet, Public Safety Information & Education Officer, Seminole County Fire Department

he Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) is helping prepare the next generation of responsible caregivers through its Seminole Safe Sitter® Course with CPR Certification, a nationally recognized program designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to care for children safely and responsibly. In partnership with Safe Sitter®, SCFD offers a comprehensive one-day course for young people from the ages 11 to 14 that covers everything from childcare basics and behavior management to first aid, choking rescue, and emergency response.

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Participants also earn full Heart Saver CPR Certification through the American Heart Association, providing valuable lifesaving skills

that can be used both while babysitting and in everyday life. “Safe Sitter is one of the many ways we invest in the safety and preparedness of our community,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley of the Seminole County Fire Department. “This program teaches young people practical skills, builds confidence, and prepares them to respond appropriately in emergency situations while caring for children.” “The Safe Sitter program provides young people with knowledge that extends far beyond babysitting,” said Chairman Andria Herr, Seminole County Board of Commissioners. “By teaching responsibility, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness, we are helping build a stronger and safer community for families throughout Seminole County.” Designed primarily for students in grades 6 through 8, the course gives participants the opportunity to gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and become safe and responsible caregivers. Courses are offered two to four times per year.

MCFR Is Building the Future of Fire Rescue Through Partnerships By Samuel Schulze, Multimedia Technician, Fire Rescue, Marion County Board of County Commissioners

or years, fire and emergency services agencies across Florida have faced significant challenges with recruitment and retention. The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association’s 2023 White Paper on Recruitment & Retention in the Florida Fire Service identified labor shortages as a growing concern and called for new approaches to attract and retain the personnel needed to meet the demands of modern fire and EMS service. Against that backdrop, Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) has taken a proactive approach—investing in its people, reached full staffing, and laying the groundwork for continued growth. For the first time in years, MCFR has reached full staffing. This achievement represents far more than filling vacancies—it is the result of a shared commitment between Marion County leadership, the Marion County Commission, the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, and MCFR administration to invest in the people who serve our community every day. A key catalyst for this accomplishment was the department’s new collective bargaining

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agreement. After reaching a tentative agreement on May 12, 2026, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners officially ratified and signed the agreement with the Professional Firefighters of Marion County on June 2, 2026, paving the way for historic investments in firefighter compensation, recruitment, retention, and the future of the department. Less than two months later, those investments were already paying dividends. On August 10, 2026, MCFR officially completed Phase 1 of its hiring initiative, welcoming 57 new firefighters and paramedics into the organization. Phase 1 was specifically designed to fill the department’s existing authorized positions, bringing MCFR to full staffed. With Phase 1 complete, the department can now turn its attention toward Phase 2— expanding the department and adding positions to meet the future needs of a growing Marion County, including the additional staffing needed to establish D-Shift and support the department’s transition to a 24/72 schedule.

Investing in Those Who Serve Behind every emergency response is a firefighter, paramedic, or EMT who has dedicated themselves to protecting the citizens and visitors of Marion County. Recognizing the importance of recruiting and retaining top-tier professionals, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, MCFR Admin, and the Professional Firefighters of Marion County worked collaboratively to develop a landmark labor agreement focused on strengthening the department for years to come. Among the highlights of the new agreement are: A $20,000 pay increase across the board for department personnel. A phased transition to a 24/72 work schedule by October 2029, with personnel working 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off, averaging a 42-hour work week. A continued focus on recruitment and retention to ensure MCFR can attract and retain highly qualified firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. The 24/72 schedule will provide firefighters with additional time to rest, recover, and spend with their families while maintaining the exceptional level of service the community expects. Together, these improvements position Marion County Fire Rescue to be more competitive in recruiting and retaining

experienced firefighters and paramedics while encouraging current employees to build longterm careers within the organization. Building a Stronger Workforce The completion of Phase 1 hiring marks a major milestone in MCFR’s long-term staffing strategy. Phase 1 was about filling the positions MCFR already had. Phase 2 is about expanding the department. The addition of 57 new first responders brought the department to full staffing and provides the foundation needed for the next phase of MCFR’s growth. Reaching full staffing strengthens operational resilience, improves emergency response coverage, and provides the department with a stronger workforce as it prepares for the future implementation of the 24/72 schedule. The department’s success reflects months of

collaboration between county leadership, the union, Human Resources, the Training Division, and recruitment personnel—all working toward the common goal of strengthening public safety through strategic investment in people. But reaching full staffing is not the finish line. It is the foundation for what comes next. The Work Isn’t Finished While Phase 1 hiring is complete, MCFR’s recruitment efforts are far from over. The department’s next application window will open October 15 through November 30, 2026, for both Firefighter/Paramedics and single-certified Paramedics. The next hiring process includes: Application Period: October 15 – November 30, 2026 Physical Ability Testing & Interviews: January 11–13, 2027 MCFR Orientation Begins: March 1, 2027 These additional hires will support the department’s expansion as MCFR moves into Phase 2 of its staffing strategy and continues working toward the full implementation of the 24/72 schedule by October 2029. A Commitment to the Community For the residents and visitors of Marion County, reaching full staffing means more than simply filling positions.

It means having well-trained, well-equipped, and well-supported firefighters and paramedics ready to answer the call—whether it’s a structure fire, cardiac emergency, motor vehicle crash, technical rescue, hazardous materials incident, or natural disaster. For department personnel, it represents a commitment to creating a workplace where firefighters can build rewarding careers while maintaining a healthier work-life balance. The partnership between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, MCFR Admin, and the Professional Firefighters of Marion County demonstrates what can be accomplished when all parties share a common goal: providing exceptional service to the community by investing in the people who provide it. As Marion County Fire Rescue continues to grow, one thing remains unchanged: its commitment to saving lives, protecting property, serving with professionalism, and preparing for the future. MCFR has reached full staffing. Now, the department is ready for the next phase— expanding its workforce, strengthening its response capabilities, and building the future of fire rescue in Marion County.

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Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Welcomes 33 New Firefighters By Rob Herrin, MSFES/DM, Public Safety Information Section Chief, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

illsborough County Fire Rescue welcomed 33 new firefighters on July 13, 2026, marking another significant step in the department’s continued growth and commitment to serving one of Florida’s largest and fastest-growing communities. The new firefighters arrived with a wide range of professional, educational, and life experiences. Many of our new hires bring advanced college degrees and prior military service to HCFR, adding a wealth of education, experience, and leadership to our department. Their backgrounds reflect the increasingly diverse skill sets and experiences entering the fire service today. For HCFR, bringing on this class is about much more than filling vacancies. The department continues to expand alongside Hillsborough County, adding personnel, apparatus, stations, and specialized resources to meet the needs of a growing population and increasing emergency call volume.

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The 33 firefighters began their HCFR orientation on July 13, where they were introduced to the department’s operational expectations, culture, policies, equipment, and training standards. The program was designed to build upon the skills they already brought to the organization while preparing them to operate safely and effectively within HCFR’s system. Throughout orientation, the new members participated in hands-on training covering a broad range of fireground and rescue disciplines, including vehicle extrication, hose and ladder operations, firefighter survival, emergency medical operations, and other skills they will rely upon throughout their careers. Just as importantly, the program introduced them to the organization's culture and the expectations that come with serving the residents and visitors of Hillsborough County.

HCFR serves more than 900 square miles and a population of approximately 1.1 million people. As Hillsborough County continues to grow, the department has expanded its resources and capabilities to keep pace with increasing demand for emergency services. That growth has included new and replacement fire stations, additional engines and rescue units, expanded specialized response capabilities, and new staffing initiatives. The addition of these 33 firefighters represents another investment in that future. Beyond their formal qualifications, the class brings perspectives gained through higher education, military service, previous careers, and life experiences outside the fire service. Those experiences are valuable in a profession that requires firefighters to be not only emergency responders, but also problemsolvers, communicators, leaders, and trusted representatives of their communities.

The 12 veterans bring experience in teamwork, discipline, leadership, and operating in demanding environments, while the educational accomplishments of the class reflect the growing importance of higher education in preparing future fire service leaders. While their backgrounds may differ, each member of the class has spent the past several weeks working toward the same goal: learning what it means to serve as a Hillsborough County firefighter. Their orientation has challenged them physically and mentally, reinforced the fundamentals of the profession, and allowed them to build relationships with the firefighters, officers, and instructors who will now become their

colleagues and mentors. As they complete orientation and transition to their station assignments, the focus shifts from preparing to serve to putting that preparation into action. They will join crews throughout Hillsborough County, where their orientation will serve as the foundation for continued training, professional development, and careers dedicated to serving the community. Their arrival also reflects the responsibility fire service organizations have to prepare for tomorrow’s needs today. Recruiting qualified candidates, developing them through meaningful training, and creating opportunities for long-term professional growth are essential to maintaining a strong

and sustainable workforce. Thirty-three new firefighters have joined Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, but more importantly, 33 new careers have begun.

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Faith, Family and the Fire Service: The Leadership Journey of Assistant Chief Ricardo Legra By David Diaz, Lieutenant, Public Information Officer, Coral Gables Fire Department

fter two decades of service, Coral Gables Fire Department Assistant Chief Ricardo Legra continues to lead with a philosophy centered on people, service, accountability and leaving the organization better than he found it. For Ricardo Legra, a career in the fire service has never been defined solely by rank, title or assignment. It has been defined by service—to his community, his department and, most importantly, the people around him. Legra began his fire service career in 2006 as a Firefighter/EMT with the City of Marathon before joining the Coral Gables Fire Department later that same year. What followed was a 20-year journey through nearly every major area of the fire service, ultimately leading to his promotion to Assistant Fire Chief – Administration. Throughout that journey, two constants have remained at the center of Legra’s life: faith and family. His Christian faith has helped shape his values, his commitment to serving others and his belief that leadership comes with a responsibility to care for the people entrusted to you. Alongside his faith has been the unwavering support of his family. His wife and children have remained a source of strength throughout his career, helping him maintain perspective as his responsibilities within the department have continued to grow. Those values have become the foundation of Legra’s leadership philosophy. He believes effective leadership begins with people—building genuine relationships, communicating openly, establishing clear expectations, holding people accountable and creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. Developing the Next Generation One of Legra’s most influential assignments came while serving as a Training Lieutenant, where he helped develop four recruit classes and mentor firefighters entering the profession. The assignment gave him an opportunity not only to teach the technical aspects of the job, but also to help shape the culture and expectations of the firefighters who would eventually serve alongside him. 30

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That commitment to developing others would continue throughout each stage of his career. Legra later served as a Captain in Logistics, taking responsibility for department resources and several major projects during an especially demanding period for the fire service. Among those challenges was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed unprecedented demands on fire and EMS agencies across the country. During his time in Logistics, Legra also assisted with the construction of two new fire stations, helping support the department’s continued growth and operational readiness. Each assignment provided a different perspective on the organization and reinforced an important lesson: every division plays a role in the department’s ability to serve its community. A New Perspective on Prevention Legra eventually transitioned to Fire Prevention, where he would rise to the position of Division Chief and Fire Marshal. As Fire Marshal, his focus expanded beyond traditional enforcement to include Community Risk Reduction, organizational efficiency and stronger relationships between the fire department and the community it serves. He worked to strengthen partnerships with residents, businesses, developers and City departments while promoting an approach to fire prevention centered on education, communication and collaboration—all while maintaining the life-safety standards expected by the community. The assignment also gave Legra another opportunity to see the fire service from a broader perspective. Preventing emergencies, he recognized, could be just as important as responding to them. Preparing for Leadership Legra’s professional development has continued alongside his operational experience. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and has remained actively involved in the broader South Florida fire service community. He serves as Secretary of the FOAM-D Executive Board and participates in its Fire Marshals Subcommittee, where he collaborates with fire service leaders throughout the region. In 2020, his dedication to the profession and

the Coral Gables community was recognized when he was named the Coral Gables Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year. Yet the recognition, promotions and assignments tell only part of his story. For Legra, leadership has always been less about the position someone holds and more about what they do with the responsibility they have been given. The Next Chapter Now serving as Assistant Fire Chief – Administration, Legra views his latest promotion not as the culmination of his career, but as another opportunity to serve. The position brings new responsibilities and a broader role in helping guide the future of the Coral Gables Fire Department. But despite the change in title, the principles behind his leadership remain the same. Faith. Family. Service. Relationships. Accountability. And a responsibility to leave things better than he found them. After two decades with Coral Gables, Legra’s focus remains firmly on the future—developing people, strengthening the organization, serving the community and ensuring the next generation of firefighters and fire service leaders has the opportunity to succeed. His journey from firefighter to Assistant Fire Chief reflects the many different paths a career in the fire service can take. But through every assignment and every rank, Legra has carried the same understanding with him: the greatest measure of leadership is not simply what you accomplish during your career, but the people and organization you leave stronger because you were there.

Touch-a-Truck Showcases Vehicles, Honors Community Heroes By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist

lay County Fire Rescue joined Clay County in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States with the "Touch-a-Truck: Saluting Those Who Serve". The event featured a diverse range of vehicles for families and children to explore at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs, attracting over 2,000 participants. It started with a period of quiet time in the morning, but after 11:30 A.M., children climbed aboard emergency vehicles as lights flashed, sirens sounded, and horns beeped. The highly anticipated event showcased a diverse array of vehicles, including fire trucks, rescue vehicles, police cruisers, helicopters,

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boats, construction equipment, buses, animal service vehicles, motorcycles, commercial trucks, and heavy machinery. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the individuals behind the uniforms and learn about the vital services that educate Clay County residents, as well as the resources available to them, fostering community awareness and pride. This year, the Clay County Fire Rescue featured one of their original fire trucks, which became a popular attraction. Many families enjoyed taking photos with their children on the vintage fire truck while learning about its history. Alongside the Touch-A-Truck event, the county commissioners held a presentation to honor several dedicated individuals: the 2026 Clay County Veteran of the Year, the Volunteer of the Year, the Youth Volunteer of the Year, and the recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards. These individuals made significant contributions to the community.

A Final Alarm for One of Our Own: Honoring Jay Sanders By Ashley Turner, EPIO, Public Safety Public Information Officer, Charlotte County Fire & EMS

he fire service often speaks of brotherhood as something that extends beyond stations, departments, and state lines. In June, that brotherhood was on full display as firefighters from across Florida and beyond came together to honor one of their own. On June 18, 2026, Charlotte County Fire & EMS suffered the line-of-duty death of Firefighter/Paramedic Jan A. “Jay” Sanders Jr., who passed away following a courageous battle with occupational cancer. Jay’s death was recognized under Florida’s occupational cancer presumption law, serving as another solemn reminder that not every line-of-duty death occurs on the fireground. Some are the result of years spent answering alarms, crawling through smoke, and putting others before ourselves. Jay dedicated more than 35 years to protecting the citizens and visitors of Charlotte County. He began his career with the Harbour Heights Fire Department before joining Charlotte County Fire & EMS through consolidation. Over three and a half decades, he became far more than a firefighter and paramedic. He was an original member of the department’s Hazardous Materials Team, a founding member of the Charlotte County Fire & EMS Honor Guard, a wildland firefighter, a preceptor who helped shape generations of paramedics, and a recipient of numerous honors, including Firemedic of the Year and multiple Phoenix Awards. But titles and awards only tell part of Jay’s story. To those who knew him, Jay was the unmistakable laugh echoing through the station, the practical joker who could lighten any shift, and the friend who quietly showed up whenever someone needed help. He was larger than life, yet deeply humble. His influence was

measured not in certifications or years of service, but in the countless people he inspired throughout his career. As news of Jay’s passing spread, the fire service responded the way it always does, by standing shoulder to shoulder. Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, elected officials, and members of the public offered condolences from across the state. Charlotte County Fire & EMS transformed Engine 15, Jay’s last assigned apparatus, into a memorial, draping it in black mourning bunting outside headquarters where firefighters, friends, and community members left flowers, challenge coins, patches, and handwritten notes of gratitude. Even after his final battle, Jay continued serving others. Following his passing, he was transported to Moffitt Cancer Center to donate tissue for cancer research, allowing his legacy to continue advancing the fight against the disease that ultimately claimed his life. Firefighters and first responders lined Interstate 75 as he made his journey home, offering silent salutes that spoke louder than words ever could. On June 25, the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center became more than a venue. It became a place of remembrance. Hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, honor guard members, elected officials, family members, and friends gathered to celebrate Jay’s life. Uniforms filled the room. Badges draped in black reflected a profession mourning one of its own. The traditional Last Alarm ceremony echoed through the hall, marking the end of Jay’s final shift while reminding everyone present that his impact would never truly end. Following the service, an procession wound its way through Charlotte County. Fire apparatus from agencies across Florida joined together with law enforcement escorts and public safety vehicles in one final journey.

Residents lined overpasses, sidewalks, neighborhoods, and intersections waving American flags, placing hands over their hearts, and standing silently as the procession passed. It was a powerful reminder that the relationship between firefighters and their communities extends far beyond emergency calls. For Charlotte County Fire & EMS, Jay’s passing has reinforced an important truth facing the modern fire service. Occupational cancer remains one of the greatest threats firefighters face. While departments continue making significant investments in cancer prevention through gross decontamination, clean cab concepts, PPE cleaning, exposure reduction, annual physicals, and firefighter health initiatives, Jay’s story reminds us that this work is far from finished. His legacy now carries two missions. The first is one he fulfilled every day for more than 35 years: serving others with compassion, humor, humility, and dedication. The second is a challenge to every firefighter, officer, and fire chief to continue strengthening cancer prevention efforts, support firefighter wellness, and never stop advocating for those who risk their health in service to their communities. Jay Sanders answered thousands of calls throughout his career. His final call brought together an entire profession. And while the radio may have sounded his Last Alarm, his influence will continue to echo through every firefighter he worked with, every patient whose life he helped save, every Honor Guard ceremony performed in the years ahead, and every firefighter who goes home safely because our profession continues fighting occupational cancer. Rest easy, Jay. We’ve got it from here.

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Seminole County Places New Specialized Rescue Squad into Service By Doreen Overstreet, Public Safety Information & Education Officer, Seminole County Fire Department

eminole County Fire Department recently placed its new Squad 2 into service during a traditional push-in ceremony at Fire Station 35, marking the arrival of the department’s fourth-generation heavy rescue apparatus and a significant investment in specialized emergency response. The new Squad 2 is a $1.7 million, state-ofthe-art apparatus equipped with thousands of pieces of specialized equipment used to respond to some of Seminole County’s most challenging emergencies. Often described as a “rolling toolbox,” the apparatus supports firefighters during incidents that require advanced technical rescue capabilities beyond traditional fire suppression and emergency medical services. “Squad 2 serves as the Seminole County Fire Department’s premier heavy rescue apparatus, providing specialized capabilities for incidents that go beyond traditional fire and EMS response,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley of the Seminole County Fire Department. “This oneof-a-kind, all-hazards response unit strengthens our ability to safely and effectively respond to the community’s most complex emergencies while ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need to protect lives.” “Our residents count on us to be ready for any emergency, especially the most complex and challenging incidents,” said Vice Chairman Amy Lockhart of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. “This investment in Squad 2 ensures our firefighters have the specialized training, advanced equipment and resources needed to protect our community when every second counts.” Based at Fire Station 35, Squad 2 is staffed by

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members of the department’s Special Hazards & Operations Team (SHOT), a specialized unit established in 1992 that responds to technical rescue and hazardous materials incidents throughout Seminole County. Squad 2 responds to a wide range of emergencies, including: Hazardous materials incidents Vehicle and heavy machinery extrications Confined space rescues High-angle and rope rescues Trench rescues Structural collapse operations Structural shoring and stabilization Large animal rescues Other specialized rescue incidents Whether rescuing victims trapped after a serious crash, stabilizing a collapsed structure or responding to a hazardous chemical release, Squad 2 provides specialized resources that enhance the department’s ability to protect residents and visitors across Seminole County. The department’s first Squad 2 entered service in 1994. The new apparatus replaces the previous front-line unit, which will continue

serving the department as a reserve rescue vehicle. In 2025, Squad 2 responded to more than 1,000 incidents, underscoring the critical role the unit plays in protecting the community. The push-in ceremony honored a longstanding fire service tradition dating back to the days of horse-drawn fire apparatus, when firefighters would manually push equipment into the station after returning from a call. Today, the ceremony symbolizes placing a new apparatus into service and recognizing the firefighters who will operate it for years to come.

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Clay County Educates Sheriff's Net Members on Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries By Jenn Samsel, Independent Journalist

s lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common in everyday life, Clay County Fire Rescue is working to ensure residents understand both their benefits and their potential dangers. During a recent Clay County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Net meeting in Fleming Island, Captain Billy Futch and Firefighter Thorpe with Clay County Fire Rescue's Hazardous Materials Team presented an educational program highlighting the safe use, storage, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Following the

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presentation, residents were invited outside for a hands-on demonstration of the department's specialized HazMat apparatus and equipment. From smartphones and laptops to power tools, golf carts, e-bikes, and electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries have become an essential part of modern life. According to Futch, the average household contains between 20 and 25 lithium-ion batteries, making public education increasingly important. "People hear stories online that make these batteries sound extremely dangerous," Futch said. "The truth is they're generally very safe when they're handled properly. The problems begin when they're damaged, overheated, improperly charged, or stored incorrectly." Throughout the presentation, firefighters shared practical safety tips that homeowners can immediately implement. Residents were encouraged to inspect batteries after they are dropped, avoid using inexpensive or incompatible charging cables, refrain from charging devices overnight or on beds and

upholstered furniture, and disconnect batteries once they reach a full charge. Futch also advised storing batteries in cool, dry, wellventilated locations rather than enclosed cabinets or areas exposed to excessive heat. The presentation also addressed proper recycling methods. Small household lithium-ion batteries can be recycled at designated collection sites, rather than being placed in household trash. One of the evening's most eye-opening discussions centered on electric vehicle fires and the unique challenges they present to firefighters. Unlike traditional fires, lithium-ion battery fires can enter what firefighters refer to as "thermal runaway," a chemical reaction that causes the battery to generate its own heat and continue burning even after flames appear extinguished. Futch explained that these incidents remain an evolving challenge for the fire service as manufacturers continue advancing electric vehicle technology.

"We're still learning," he told attendees. "Technology has moved very quickly, and the fire service is constantly adapting. Through research, training, and national hazardous materials symposiums, we're developing the safest and most effective ways to respond. We have hazmat symposiums; we spend a tremendous amount of time, both with UL Solutions / UL Research Institutes and NFPA, the National Fire Protection Association - all of these agencies that help govern us and keep us safe, our protective gear and all the equipment we have, and spending lots of time," Futch said. Firefighters also cautioned residents about the dangers of batteries that have been exposed to floodwaters following hurricanes. Saltwater intrusion can damage lithium-ion batteries, increasing the risk of delayed ignition days or even weeks after the initial exposure. The department demonstrated specialized equipment used during electric vehicle incidents, including thermal imaging cameras and fire-resistant emergency blankets designed to help contain heat and limit the spread of fire to surrounding vehicles. While these tools improve firefighter safety, Futch noted that no single piece of equipment can immediately extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire.

Beyond discussing emerging technology, the evening reinforced the importance of partnerships between public safety agencies and the community. Through educational programs like Sheriff's Net, Clay County Fire Rescue continues helping residents stay informed while preparing them to recognize potential hazards before emergencies occur. As lithium-ion batteries continue powering more devices than ever before, department officials hope that simple preventative measures and public awareness will help reduce fires and keep families safe throughout Clay County.

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Clu Wright, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, Putnam County Fire Rescue Fire Service Tenure: 45 years Career Journey: St Johns County Volunteer Fire; 1980-1998, City of Palm Bay; 1988-1991, Clay County Fire;1991-2012, and Putnam County; 2014- present. Population served including square miles covered: 77,734 people - 728 square miles Composition of fire prevention bureau: Fire marshal and fire inspector. Describe your leadership style. My leadership style is based on integrity, accountability, and service. I believe leaders must set an example by demonstrating professionalism, treating people with respect, and making decisions based on facts, codes, and what is in the best interest of public and firefighter safety. I strive to empower those around me through mentoring, education, and open communication while holding everyone, including myself, to a high standard of performance and ethical conduct. I believe consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of an effective fire prevention bureau. Whether working with firefighters, contractors, elected officials, or the public, my goal is to be fair, approachable, and solutions-oriented while never compromising life safety or the integrity of the fire code. What is the most challenging issue in fire prevention? The most challenging issue facing our fire prevention bureau today is balancing the increasing complexity of new construction, evolving technologies, and changing regulations while operating with limited personnel and resources. Fire prevention professionals are expected to be experts in building codes, fire protection systems, hazardous materials, fire investigations, and life safety, all while keeping projects moving and providing quality customer service. At the same time, we must ensure that life safety is never compromised by economic or political pressures. As 38

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new occupancies, alternative energy systems, energy storage, and emerging technologies continue to evolve, our bureau must remain committed to continuous education, consistent code enforcement, and maintaining strong working relationships with our community, design professionals, and elected officials. Our responsibility is to protect lives and property, and that mission must always remain our highest priority. How has fire prevention changed during your career? When I began my career in fire prevention with the City of Palm Bay in 1989, the profession was primarily focused on inspections, code enforcement, and public fire safety education. While those responsibilities remain at the heart of what we do, the complexity of fire prevention has changed dramatically over the years. Today’s fire prevention bureau is expected to understand sophisticated fire protection systems, performance-based building designs, hazardous materials, alternative energy systems, battery energy storage, mass notification systems, and evolving building construction techniques. Fire marshals have become integral members of the development process, working closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials from project conception through final inspection. Fire investigations have also become far more scientific, relying on nationally recognized methodologies, technology, and specialized training. At the same time, public expectations for customer service, efficiency, and consistency have continued to grow. Throughout these changes, one thing has remained constant, our mission to protect lives and property through education, code enforcement, and sound fire prevention practices. The tools and technology have evolved, but the commitment to public safety has never changed. What is the most challenging issue in fire service today? The most challenging issue facing the fire service today is adapting to an increasingly complex world while continuing to fulfill our core mission of protecting lives and property. Fire departments are responding to more emergency medical calls than ever before, while also facing emerging hazards such as battery energy storage systems, alternative fuels, lithium-ion battery fires, cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure, and increasingly sophisticated building designs. At the same time, many departments are experiencing recruitment and retention challenges, increasing training demands, and limited financial resources. As these challenges grow, it is more important than ever that we invest in education, embrace new technologies, and maintain strong partnerships with our communities and other public safety agencies. The fire service has always adapted to change, and I believe our greatest strength continues to be the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of the men and women who serve. By remaining focused on training, leadership, and prevention, we will continue to meet the challenges of tomorrow while honoring the traditions that have made the fire service one of the most trusted professions in America. How does your bureau accomplish training? Training is one of the foundations of our Fire Prevention Bureau. We accomplish it through a combination of formal education, professional certification programs, in-service training, and practical field experience. Personnel regularly attend courses offered through the Florida State Fire College when available, the Florida Fire Marshal Inspector Association and other nationally recognized organizations to remain current with changes to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA standards, fire investigation methodologies, building construction, and emerging hazards. We also conduct internal training by reviewing significant fire incidents, discussing code interpretations, evaluating new technologies, and sharing lessons learned from inspections, plan reviews, and fire investigations. Because the fire service is constantly evolving, we believe continuing education is essential. Our goal is to ensure every member of

the bureau has the knowledge, technical expertise, and professional judgment necessary to make sound decisions while providing consistent, fair, and effective service to our community. What are some unique aspects of your fire prevention bureau? One of the unique aspects of our fire prevention bureau is the broad scope of responsibilities entrusted to a relatively small team. Our personnel are involved from the earliest stages of development through project completion, conducting plan reviews, construction inspections, fire protection system acceptance testing, code enforcement, fire origin and cause investigations, and public fire and life safety education. We work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, building officials, emergency responders, and community stakeholders to ensure projects are completed safely and in compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Our bureau also places a strong emphasis on technical expertise and professional development, recognizing that today’s fire prevention professionals must understand everything from complex fire protection systems and hazardous materials to emerging technologies and changing construction methods. This comprehensive approach allows us to provide consistent, fair, and technically sound decisions while maintaining our primary mission of protecting lives, property, and the community we serve. What is the one thing you would change in the fire service if you could? If there is one thing I would change in the fire service, it would be to place greater emphasis on fire prevention as a core component of public safety. Emergency responses will always be an essential mission, but the greatest success is preventing the emergency from occurring in the first place. Fire prevention should not be viewed as a separate function from suppression; it is an extension of the same mission. Every code-compliant building, every successful inspection, every fire protection system that operates as designed, and every citizen educated about fire safety represents protected lives and firefighters placed at less risk. I would like to see continued investment in fire prevention personnel, professional development, public education, and code enforcement so that prevention receives the same recognition and support as emergency response. A strong fire prevention program benefits the entire community by reducing injuries, saving lives, protecting property, and allowing firefighters to operate in safer environments. How have current economic times impacted your fire prevention bureau? Like many fire departments across the country, our fire prevention bureau has been affected by increasing costs, limited staffing, and growing service demands. At the same time, the complexity of construction, fire protection systems, and code enforcement has continued to increase. Rather than reducing our commitment to public safety, we have focused on working smarter and more efficiently. We have embraced technology to improve plan reviews, inspections, record management, and communication while prioritizing projects based on risk and community impact. We have strengthened partnerships with building officials, design professionals, contractors, and other agencies to resolve issues early in the development process and avoid costly delays. Cross-training personnel, investing in continuing education, and maintaining open communication have also allowed us to maximize our resources. Although economic conditions continue to present challenges, our mission remains unchanged, to provide consistent, professional, and technically sound fire prevention services while protecting the lives and property of the citizens we serve. What do you look for in a new employee? When I look for a new employee, I place the greatest value on integrity,

character, and a genuine commitment to public service. Technical skills can be taught, but honesty, work ethic, and professionalism are qualities that must already be part of an individual’s character. I look for someone who is eager to learn, accepts responsibility, communicates effectively, and treats others with respect. In the fire prevention profession, attention to detail and sound judgment are essential because the decisions we make directly affect the safety of our community and our firefighters. I also value individuals who are adaptable, embrace continuing education, and understand that our role is not only to enforce the fire code but also to educate, solve problems, and build positive relationships with the public. Ultimately, I want employees who are committed to doing the right thing, even when it is difficult, and who understand that every decision should be guided by our mission of protecting lives and property. What’s the future for fire prevention as you see it? The future of fire prevention will be driven by innovation, collaboration, and a continued commitment to protecting lives through proactive risk reduction. As buildings become more technologically advanced and communities embrace alternative energy systems, battery energy storage, automation, and new construction methods, the role of the Fire Prevention Bureau will become even more critical. Fire prevention professionals will need to combine traditional fire and life safety with expertise in engineering, data analysis, emerging technologies, and community risk reduction. I also believe we will see greater use of digital plan review systems, remote inspections where appropriate, advanced fire modeling, and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and better identify community risks. Despite these advancements, one thing will never change: the importance of sound judgment, integrity, and personal relationships. Fire prevention is ultimately about people. Our responsibility is to work with our communities, educate the public, and ensure that every building is designed, constructed, and maintained with life safety as the highest priority. I believe the future of fire prevention is bright, and those who embrace lifelong learning and adapt to change will continue to make our communities safer than ever before. Do you have a favorite book or quote? Our code is written in the blood of the past firefighters who came before us to ensure history does not repeat itself. Every fire code, every life safety requirement, and every improvement in the fire service exists because someone, somewhere, paid the ultimate price. As Fire Marshals and fire prevention professionals, our responsibility extends beyond enforcing regulations, we honor those lessons by ensuring they are never forgotten. I have always enjoyed books that challenge me to think, improve my knowledge, and make me a better fire service professional. Throughout my career, I have been a student of fire investigation, fire prevention, leadership, and the science behind fire behavior. That passion for learning has inspired me to write my own book on fire investigation. My goal is to pass along the knowledge, experience, and lessons I’ve gained over more than four decades in the fire service so future investigators can conduct thorough, objective, and scientifically sound investigations. I firmly believe that every fire scene tells a story. Our responsibility is to preserve the evidence, follow the facts wherever they lead, and never allow assumptions, opinions, or outside influences to replace the truth. That commitment to integrity is the foundation of both fire investigation and effective fire prevention. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

Strengthening Cancer Prevention: Titusville Invests in Advanced Decontamination By Gregory G. Sutton, Battalion Chief of Administration, Public Information Officer, Titusville Fire Departmen

he Titusville Fire Department recently strengthened its firefighter cancerprevention efforts with the acquisition of a new Rescue Intellitech Solo Rescue Decontamination Washer, purchased through State of Florida grant funding. The system complements the department’s existing gear extractor and gear dryer by providing a more thorough and consistent method for cleaning SCBAs, air cylinders, face masks, gloves, boots, and other equipment previously cleaned primarily by hand. As the fire service continues to place greater emphasis on reducing occupational cancer risks, CDC/NIOSH research underscores the importance of these efforts, showing firefighters face a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer than the general population. The addition of the Solo Rescue washer is another important component of Titusville

Fire Department’s ongoing commitment to reducing carcinogen exposure and protecting the long-term health of its personnel. The department is grateful to the Florida Department of Financial Services for the

grant funding that made this important investment possible.

Head-On Crash Survivor Thanks Martin County Firefighters By Jillian Kay, Public Information Officer, Martin County Fire Rescue

n the early morning of July 5, 2026, Taylor Cantin became the sole survivor of a devastating head-on collision on State Road 710 near Southwest Fox Brown Road in Indiantown. Upon impact, Taylor’s truck endured major front-end damage that trapped him in his vehicle. Luckily, Station 24, A-Shift crews responded to the crash and quickly extricated Taylor. LifeStar flew him to the hospital where his traumatic injuries were treated. On most calls, that’s the last our crews hear from patients they’ve rescued. However, Taylor heard about an open house we were hosting and knew he wanted to thank the team that saved his life in person. Taylor attended the event and reunited with the crew in a powerful moment together. Our firefighters were able to get to know him beyond the emergency response and see firsthand that the work they do makes a difference. Taylor is on the road to recovery, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way. Pictured L-R: Firefighter Paramedic Nicholas Marchetti, Firefighter Paramedic

Scott Husnander, Lieutenant Andre Perez, Battalion Chief Steven Parsons, Driver Engineer Paul Moyer, Taylor Cantin,

Firefighter/EMT Cameron Moss, Captain Tyler Just, Firefighter Paramedic Carlos Velastegui & Lieutenant Ryan Matos. Visit us at WWW.FFCA.ORG

THE JOURNEY

By Chaplain Forest Willis, MSH, MAMHC, LMHC, CCISM, CIT, Mental Health Professional/First Responder Life Coach, Former Chief, Nassau County Public Safety. Director, Eagles Response, Inc.

We would like every Fire Chief to help us get the word out to your departments- let active firefighters and retirees know this resource exists. Emails to info@eaglesresponse.org or calls to (954) 560-1222 will bring access to flyers that can be put up around the stations. We know that the burden of taking care of those with cancer is hard on families and caregivers, so plans include rolling out separate meetings for those forgotten warriors. Help us to eliminate our brothers and sisters from thinking they have been forgotten. We are doing great on the prevention, detection, and treatment fronts for firefighter cancer. We need to do better on the behavioral and spiritual health front that is crucial to the fight-and we can!

ave you ever been isolated? Have you ever felt so bad that you did not know if you would wake up in the morning- or would you even want to? Have you felt that your second family in the Fire Service is far from you, (but they never left) simply because you cannot see them right now? Have you ever worried about your family’s long-term safety, your finances, and whether you will still be alive for the next great life event or holiday? Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office confused by sad news, conflicting information, and schedules? I hope not, but this is the reality for many of Florida’s firefighters who are battling or have battled the greatest struggle of their lives-cancer. Often chemo, immunosuppressants, radiation, and other therapies leave you out in the unknown-and the unknown can be scary, even for heroes. A firefighter with cancer told me about his seclusion in a hospital room for weeks at a time with nothing to do but look out the window, eat disgusting food, and watch even worse TV. My heart broke. I am a two- time prostate cancer survivor; my memories are not so bad, but bad enough of trying to navigate and decide treatment options with the least permanent side effects. AND you find out after the fact, all the negative issues the doctors and insurance forgot to tell you about. On September 11, 2025, Eagles Response, Inc. a Florida 501(c)3 Not-for-profit organization run by former Fire Chief and now Chaplain/Mental Health Counselor Forest Willis, along with other cancer survivors, launched a new initiative to capitalize on the Peer Support model, using it for First Responders with cancer. September 11 was decided upon to honor all the First Responders from 9-11 who have succumbed to cancer.

The vision is simple- provide a ZOOM based offering for free to any First Responder in the country who would like to share their experiences or listen to experiences of other First Responders who have survived cancer. The name “The Journey” was created upon knowing the difficulties of dealing with cancer is truly a life journey that includes others. The program provides an email and a phone number that cancer survivors call privately to ask about the program. Or, if they did not want to participate in a day or night ZOOM group, they can opt to talk one-onone with a fellow survivor.

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The program allows individuals to “be real” with their issues. A discussion of spirituality is always allowed but is not a primary focus. Research has shown that spirituality and attention to mental health have positive impacts in healing. Some meetings are just times of fun where good ole dark humor or memories are welcome to bring a laugh in times where laughter is often absent.

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FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE

August 2026

Martin County Firefighters Perform High-Angle Rescue By Jillian Kay, Public Information Officer, Martin County Fire Rescue

n Saturday, August 8, 2026, Martin County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the 8400 block of S.W. 17th Avenue in Stuart. Upon arrival, rescuers found a man trapped 40 feet in the air on a broken lift. He had been trimming trees in the area when he realized the lift would no

longer move up and down, leaving him stuck. Due to limited ladder access, crews quickly took a rare and specialized approach. Rescuers removed nearby tree limbs and conducted a series of high-angle maneuvers that involved securing the patient, transferring his weight and bringing him to

safety. Once he was safely back on the ground, paramedics examined the man, determined he had minor injuries and he refused transport. This call was an overall great team effort made by the following C-Shift crews: Heavy Rescue 23, Battalion 2, EMS 2 & 22.

DeLand Fire Department Tree Rescue By Casey Wright, Community Information Specialist, City of DeLand

n the evening of July 15, 2026, the DeLand Fire Department responded to a medical emergency on S. Salisbury Ave., for reports of a man who became unresponsive while performing tree work and was suspended upside down by his harness. As soon as firefighters arrived, they quickly deployed the aerial ladder and found the individual wearing a homemade harness that appeared to be at risk of failing. While still unresponsive, crews immediately secured him

with a quick rope harness to prevent a potential fall. Firefighters safely removed him from the tree and lowered him down to begin medical treatment. After he regained consciousness, he was evaluated on scene and then transported to the hospital by a family member. Thanks to the professionalism, teamwork, and quick decision-making of DeLand Fire Department crews, the incident came to an end with a safe outcome.

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