THE PUBLICATIONOFTHE FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION January 2025 • VOLUME 33 NUMBER 1
F L ORIDA FIRECHIEF S ’ ASSOCIATION
Florida Fire Service is the monthly publication of the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, provided to Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association (FFCA) members, by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association
221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone:(850) 900-5180
Email: info@ffca.org • www.ffca.org
FFCA Staff
Ngoc Huynh- Executive Director
Denise Holley - Office Manager
Greta Hall - Marketing Communications Manager
FFCA Board of Directors
Michael Choate - President
Trip Barrs - 1st Vice President
Ryan H. Crawford - 2nd Vice President
Harold Theus - Immediate Past President
Carlos Aviles - Secretar y/Treasurer
Jeff Wagner - Northwest Region Director
Brady Rigdon - Northeast Region Director
Michael Johansmeyer - East Central Region Director
Chantal Botting - Southeast Region Director
Ian Kemp - West Central Region Director
Gregory DeWitt - Southwest Region Director
Ngoc Huynh- Executive Director
Cindy Morgan - Foundation Chair
Jeffrey Money - Senior Member
Editorial Submissions magazine@ffca.org (850) 900-5180
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Scott Leisen, Editor in Chief scott@ffca.org (386) 717-0055
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Florida Fire Service
January 2025, Volume 33, Number 1 USPS # 016-759
Periodical postage paid in Daytona Beach, Florida, and additional post offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Florida Fire Service, 221 Pinewood Drive Tallahassee, FL 32303. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of FFCA. Copyright 2025 by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without written permission.
FROM THE SECTIONS
with Extrication
Greeting everyone,
As I write this article, it is on the backside of a very successful conference. The 2025 Florida Fire and EMS Conference has just wrapped up. First and foremost, I have to express some sincere gratitude. Thank you to our membership! Thank you for attending and thank you for your financial support of our association. I am hopeful that you enjoyed our classroom sessions, keynote speakers, and the trade show.
Thank you to our sponsors! Your financial support for our association is of the utmost importance to our success. You are always willing to help us, work with us, and sponsor us on some level. Our board of directors and I appreciate you.
Thank you to our partners over at the Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. All of the EMSAC-related classes were jam-packed. I tried to pop into most of them just to say hello. Thank you also to our EMS section leadership, Chief McGrath and Chief Roche, for preparing and hosting the ALS competitions. This reminded me of the days of old, back to ClinCon. Congratulations to the winners; your reactions to winning certainly reassured me and everyone else that we have made the right decision to include this in our conference each
year. I am very much looking forward to seeing it grow beyond our control.
I’m happy to report that I received countless praises from a multitude of folks who were very happy with this conference. While nothing of this magnitude can happen without a few hiccups, it is my hope that, while we as a board had some items of concern to deal with, nothing was forward-facing to you as a registrant or member.
Thank you to Ngoc Huynh, our Executive Director All of the work that you produced was noticed by everyone. We as an association are mighty lucky to have you. Thank you to our board of directors. I appreciate your candor and passion for serving our membership. Together we will continue to be a resultsoriented board and ensure we achieve success for the betterment of the membership that we serve.
It was truly my honor to talk with each of you. I can’t begin to tell you how much it meant to hear all of the positive feedback on me personally as your president and the association. Thank you all for the kind words.
Moving into the next several months, my focus, along with our board, will shift into legislative mode. If you haven’t seen our legislative priorities for the Florida Fire Service,
please visit our website. I will make every effort to keep you all informed of our progress.
Thank you once again for your support and engagement. Together, we will continue to move forward and achieve great things.
Be Safe, With Others in Mind.
Michael J. Choate, Fire Chief FFCA President
M My y W Woorrd d f foor r t thhe e Y Ye
By Rick Spence
At the beginning of each new year, our Pastor has us choose a word that we want to be a theme for our lives for that year. Previously, I have chosen Resiliency, Encouragement and Focus, among other words. This year was no exception and my word for 2025 is Present I’m not talking about what we opened on Christmas morning. I’m talking about not being absent, being here, not somewhere else.
My grandfather knew that I was overly distracted most of the time. He probably knew that I had Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) before it was even a thing. He used to say to me, “Ricky, wherever you are at, you need to be there.” I did not understand what he was talking about until I was well into adulthood. I finally realized I had a bad habit of not paying attention to people when they were talking to me. For some reason, I was unable to fully focus on what people were saying to me. This happened to me frequently, no matter what the topic of conversation was. It was really unfortunate when I had an intense or deeply personal conversation with someone. This was a distraction that occurred long before cell phones came into existence. I’m afraid the situation worsened for me after the advent of the smart phone.
I know there have been many times when I
was talking with someone when I would check my cell phone for a text or email that I had just received. Right in the middle of a conversation!!! I told my kids that it was a disease that I caught from them. Recently, I have come to realize how rude and disrespectful that is to the people who are physically with me. I have previously checked my phone only to see a group text asking about where to eat lunch today or from someone sending me a funny cat video. My only consolation is that this was not an infraction that only I committed. People have done it to me many times and I now remember how it annoyed me. I have realized now that I do not want to be ‘that guy,’ the one who seems addicted to his cell phone. I know there are situations when you are awaiting an urgent text or call. But I also know those situations are very rare. More often, it is text or email that can wait for several minutes, probably even longer. I realize that there were times when I marginalized people who were very important to me, or were opening their hearts to me. That is why my word for the year (and probably well into the future) is Present My ADD has not lessened over the years, so I need to be constantly reminded that when someone wants to talk to me, I need to be there, be attentive and be Present I know I must put my
phone down, turn off the TV, or put down a book or magazine and pay attention to who is talking to me. I need to remove any distraction that is under my control and does not allow me to fully engage with who I am with. I want people to feel valued, respected and heard when they are with me. That was how my grandfather made me feel when I was talking to him.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.”
James 1:22 (The Message)
Rick Spence retired as Assistant Chief from the Reedy Creek Fire Department after 30 years. Heis currently the Chaplain for the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association,Reedy Creek Fire Department, Lake County Fire Department, Clermont Fire Department, Maitland Fire Department, and the Florida Professional Firefighters. He ser ves asSergeant of Arms for the Florida Professional Firefighters and International Association of Firefighters. He was selected Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year in 2018. He has been married to his wife Alecia for over 30 years
FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER
CANCER TREATMENT INSURANCE
Impact
One of the most impactful experiences in my early fire department career were the discussions with the crew, while we all huddled around the tailboard of the fire engine. After dinner each shift, we would stand around the tailboard of the engine and talk tactics and what-if scenarios. It was a different one each shift. Sometimes this was led by the lieutenant or the chief, but often times we each took turns leading the discussion. It was informal, no tests, no curriculum, just a group of peers sharing what we know (and sometimes what we don’t know) with each other Despite the problems of the department being solved at the dinner table, we learned a great deal about each other and our team during these tailboard talks.
I’m certain that some form or fashion of this exists is every firehouse. This type of learning is valuable and necessary. These informal experiences are what is considered social learning. Social learning is its simplest form is accomplished though observation and imitation. To be informal, a sense of desire for the information is sought out by the participants, which means this can’t be forced. The social aspect of the experience eludes to existence of culture among the participants. Like-minded people engaging in a shared and common expectation, learning from each other, in an effort to make each other better. Does this sound familiar? The phrase Iron Sharpens Iron can be considered a derivative of this experience.
Reason
Why bring this up? If this is already a common practice, then what good comes from discussing it? Legacy, that’s why. This valuable tool, can be lost if the concept and its contribution to learning isn’t passed down. I’m
By Rob Hanson
not talking about the policies that require crews to complete and document their ISO hours, or the mandates and requirements for physical fitness, or even the company drills on the training ground. Those are all necessary formal settings for training. Academic education and technical hands-on drills are vital to keeping our edge. However, when the daily duties are complete and the chores are done, and the formally coordinated training is complete, what are you and your crew doing? Chiefs, when the staff meeting is over and the administrative work is complete, what are you and your staff officers doing?
These are rhetorical questions that deserve a rhetorical thought. The point is, 15 minutes gathered around some tool of the trade, having an open ended discussion about what we know and what we don’t know about some “what-if” scenario, can be the capstone for the culmination of formal learning and training that has already occurred. I’m pretty sure most departments do a hot-wash at the end of significant incident. This has the taste of a hot wash, but before the incident. Thinking of it that way, gives us the feel of a pre-plan without the building. There is no recipe, and certainly no right or wrong way to do it.
It’s this social interaction that ties us together as teams. It’s common at every rank in the fireservice. For example, observe a hands-on training evolution in a technical class or conference. You will see focus. Instructors teaching and students learning. There is a demonstration of technique, a pause to make some correction, and a reapplication of skill. The air is thick with a practice makes per fect mentality. Then go observe what the students share with each other after the evolutions. It is purely social, they are recreating what they
learned in a myriad of possible applications, enthusiastically anticipating the chance to use the new skills and sharing their rendition with others. This is how our craft is per fected.
A very similar phenomenon happens when you gather a few hundred chief officers together for some formal executive level training, education, or conference. The meetings, learning sessions, and key note presentations are where the learning happens, but the capstone is achieved when those sessions are over and the networking begins.
Preservation
None of us fully hone our abilities independently, it’s a shared social experience. Treating this experience as an important aspect of fire house culture and setting an example of team dynamics though collaboration and social interaction is how we preserve it. So take a walk, find an artifact and some peers, strike up a conversation about something. You never know; it could very well lead to knowing something today that you didn’t know yesterday.
Rob Hanson is a 25 year veteran of the fire service, serving as the Fire Chief for Sumter County Fire & EMS . He holds a Doctorate in Applied Learning from the University of Miami, a Master of Public Administration from Anna Maria College, and Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Waldorf College. Rob is a graduate of FlFCA’s Emergency Services Leadership Institute, the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, and holds designations of Chief Fire Officer and Chief EMS Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, commission on professional credentialing. Chief Hanson is currently the ViceChair of the FFCA’s Executive Leadership Development Section.
Confronting Organizational Conflict
By Dr. Eric Smith, EFO, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Barry University
If you hold a leadership position in your department, it’s likely that something, or someone in your organization has made you angry. Conversely, it’s also very likely that you have angered one (or more) of your subordinates. The good news is that anger is a very normal part of the human experience; the bad news is that angry leaders are ineffective leaders.
Most humans strive to avoid unnecessary conflict, and that’s a good default position to have. However, un-resolved anger and conflict issues often evolve into major and long lasting organizational problems. How many times have we been told to count to ten before becoming angry? In this scenario, the only thing you know for sure is that after you reach ten, you are simply an angry person with adequate counting skills. Not a very useful strategy. Another anger diminishing strategy is to walk away from a confrontation. This is actually a pretty good short term strategy. Positive outcomes very seldom occur in the heat of professional disagreements. Potential conflicts can be managed much better when cooler heads prevail. This doesn’t mean an issue should be allowed to fester indefinitely. If it does, you can be sure a serious organizational conflict is going to happen. And once it does, it can be difficult to fix.
Good leaders are also good conflict managers. They are able to bring all parties to the table and get input from everyone, which always makes achieving consensus much easier Caveat!!!! Consensus does not necessarily mean that all parties are in total agreement. It is, however, a condition where the individual
subordinates his or her own ego and agenda to the betterment of the team.
To solve organizational conflicts, it is critically important to know and understand what’s causing the ill will and anger that’s feeding organizational conflict. Knowing and understanding involves recognizing the thing or things making employees unhappy As one of the leaders of your organization, you are responsible for anticipating issues that may cause professional and personal stress. You are also responsible for diffusing these issues before they become unmanageable. It sounds simple, but it’s not. Conflict management is both an instinctual and a learned skill. It involves both reading people, and understanding scenarios that may be ripe for disagreement.
One question you must ask yourself is, “am I part of the cure or part of the disease”? Is your own ego or agenda contributing to organizational conflict? Another seemingly simple exercise, is to explore and analyze one’s own self-awareness. Honest self-analysis requires exploration of possible weaknesses that may be contributing to organizational conflict.
No matter how well run, every organization has conflict. Based on the circumstances, there are several conflict handling styles:
Avoidance
1. The conflict issue is of little significance. This one can be tricky There is often a very small difference between what is significant and what is not significant.
2. Other issues are more pressing.
3. Others can work more effectively on the conflict.
4. It’s important to let people cool down.
Accommodation
1. You’re wrong. (Yes. It happens).
2. The issue is much more important to someone other than you.
3. You want to build good will for the future.
4. Harmony and personal bonds are important.
Forcing
1. There’s an emergency and quick decisions are necessary
2. Unpopular, but correct decisions are necessary.
3. People are abusing an Avoiding/Accommodating approach. Compromising
1. You are bumping heads with a person or group of equal power.
2. You need a good, but maybe not great, solution under severe time constraints.
3. You need at least a temporary solution so work can proceed.
Collaboration
1. All parties involved have interests that are too important for compromise.
2. You want a long-term solution to which all team members have committed.
3. Your objective is long-term personal and professional growth.
Every organization is beset with conflict from time to time. The trick is to quickly identify what’s causing the conflict, and then to develop a conflict resolution strategy that is best for both the organization and the members of the organization. Keep in mind that burying ones head in the sand and hoping conflict goes away on its own is a sure-fire recipe for creating a toxic organization.
5 Policy Trends for Fire & EMS Leaders in 2025
By Lexipol Content Team
Fire and emergency medical ser vices are entering a transformative era shaped by regulator y changes, technological advancements, and evolving health and safety practices. Staying ahead of these trends is crucial for agencies committed to improving operations, protecting personnel, and ser ving their communities effectively. Lexipol’s “5 Policy Trends for Fire and EMS Leaders in 2025” offers valuable insights into these changes and provides guidance to navigate the challenges ahead.
Here’s a preview of the key trends reshaping fire and EMS policies in 2025:
OSHA Regulations
Proposed updates to OSHA’s “Fire Brigades” standard aim to expand protections to EMS providers and search and rescue personnel, addressing evolving workplace hazards. Agencies must stay informed to ensure compliance with emerging regulations.
NFPA Standards Consolidation
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is finalizing a major consolidation of standards to eliminate redundancies and enhance clarity Fire departments should evaluate policies and collaborate with experts to align with these updates.
Hazardous Chemicals in PPE
Concerns over harmful chemicals like PFAS in turnout gear are driving legislative action and advancements in PPE design. Agencies should prioritize transitioning to safer, compliant equipment and providing updated training.
Advanced Technologies
Innovations such as drones, AI, and smart devices are revolutionizing fire service operations. Departments must address budget and training needs while updating policies for the safe integration of these tools.
Mental Health and Wellness Programs
The growing focus on responder wellness emphasizes accessible, stigma-free mental health resources. Agencies should streamline programs, promote support systems, and consider regional partnerships to enhance effectiveness.
Stay Ready for 2025
Keeping up with changes in legislation and best practices presents a complex challenge for Fire and EMS leaders. However, staying informed is essential for ensuring compliance, enhancing service quality, and maintaining public trust.
You can read more about these topics in the Lexipol tip sheet: 5 Policy Trends for Fire & EMS Leaders in 2025
Plant City and Neighboring Departments Battle Fire for 25 Hours
By Jeremy Sidlauskas, Fire Chief, Plant City Fire Rescue
On the evening of December 19, 2024, Plant City Fire Rescue responded to what seemed like a routine call at NuCycle Energy. This facility is no stranger to us—our crews have been here often for minor incidents. But as Battalion Chief James Wingo arrived on the scene, it was clear this wasn’t business as usual. Heavy smoke poured from the structure, and an ominous, orange glow quickly told him this was not the “normal fire” at NuCycle. Inside the 100,000-squarefoot warehouse, a massive fire was burning deep within a 40-foot-tall, 40-by-100-foot pile of recyclable material.
The first challenge? Getting to the seed of the fire. The sprinkler system activated and kept much of the visible flames at bay, but with the fire buried under tons of debris, traditional methods weren’t going to cut it. Firefighters, fully geared in PPE and SCBA, jumped into front-end loaders and skid steers to tear apart the pile and expose the fire. While many of us weren’t formally trained on this equipment, the fire service’s motto— “improvise, adapt, and overcome”—was on full display Outside, Plant City Streets and Stormwater crews worked tirelessly, moving smoldering material with Gradalls and dump trucks to safer locations. It was what felt like a monumental undertaking, but without these combined efforts, we wouldn’t have been able to make headway on the fire.
Then came the ventilation challenge. We needed to improve visibility to determine what we were dealing with, but how the methods of ventilating 100,000 square foot structure are limited to large vent trucks that for Plant City, is 45 minutes away in Tampa. That’s when Driver-Engineer Joe Mitchell, had a stroke of genius. His wife, Hunter, is an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and she brought an airboat to the scene. Using the airboat to ventilate was creative and hugely effective—at least temporarily. Like blowing air onto a pile of wet, burning leaves, the added oxygen fed the smoldering fire and made the smoke conditions worse. It did allow give us enough time to improve visibility and let us understand what we were dealing with. When Tampa’s vent truck arrived, we finally got conditions somewhat under control, but the thick, low-hanging smoke from the fire remained a constant problem around the structure, complicating staging and rehab.
And let’s talk about the possible cause of the fire: improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries. Buried in the recyclables, these batteries ignited and created a fire that was incredibly hard to extinguish. Fires like these are becoming more common and
highlight a growing issue in our line of work. Public education about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries and proper disposal practices is crucial to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Managing this incident was not a solo operation. Firefighters from Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco Counties, as well as the Cities of Tampa and Lakeland, joined us on the scene. Their mutual aid was invaluable, and the collaboration didn’t stop there. Plant City’s Streets and Stormwater, Utilities, and Solid Waste departments were on-site, too, proving just how critical inter-agency cooperation is in tackling massive incidents like this one.
For 25 hours, we faced intense challenges: operating heavy machinery in the “hot zone” with full PPE, managing a fire buried deep in debris, and working in smoke-filled conditions that impacted both safety and visibility Yet, through teamwork, innovation, and determination, we got the job done. This fire was one of the most complex incidents many of us have seen, and it reinforced why training, adaptability, and collaboration are vital in today’s fire service.
The NuCycle Energy fire wasn’t just another call. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictability we face every day on the job. Fires like these push us to our limits, test our creativity, and prove once again that the fire service is built on grit, resourcefulness, and the unwavering drive to protect life and property.
The conference kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony. Chief David Rhodes delivered the keynote address on Wednesday, January 8, followed by Chief Stephen Shaw on January 9. Their inspiring speeches set the stage for the event, highlighting the importance of leadership, innovation, and resilience in the fire and EMS industries.
The 2025 Florida Fire and EMS Conference was a resounding success, celebrating the hard work, dedication, and expertise of fire and EMS professionals. From honoring outstanding individuals and teams to sharing knowledge and fostering camaraderie, this year’s event truly highlighted the best of Florida’s fire and EMS community.
We look for ward to seeing ever yone again next year!
2024 Florida Fire Service Awards
Award of Excellence – Community Public Education Program: Lt. Jermaine Gaspard and Monique Young, Tamarac Fire Rescue
Inspector of the Year: Peter “Tyler” Wallwork, Greenacres Fire Rescue Fire Marshal of the Year: Marcos Osorio, Key Biscayne Fire Rescue
Public Information Officer of the Year: Ashley Turner, Charlotte County
Florida Hazmat Responder of the Year: Fergus Kelly, Brevard County Fire Rescue
2025 ALS Competition
First Place: Margate Fire Department
Second Place: Tamarac Fire Rescue
Third Place: North Lauderdale Fire Rescue
2025 RIT Competition
Second Place: Miami-Dade Rescue
First Place: Palm Beach County (Team #1)
Third Place: Coral Springs (Team B)
Fourth Place: Coral Springs (Team A)
Fifth Place: Palm Beach Gardens
2025 Firesled Competition
First Place: Male Individual Competition Justin Baker, St. Lucie County
Second Place: Male Individual Competition Luke Stewart, St. Lucie County
First Place: Female Individual Competition Dana Oliver, St. Lucie County
First Place: Female Team Competition Dana Oliver and Kat Kaltenbach, St. Lucie County
*Second Place: Male Team Competition Justin Baker and Sed Remy, St. Lucie County and Winter Garden Fire Department
Second Place: Female Individual Competition Kat Kaltenbach, St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County being recognized as having the most participants in the competition with the fasted time
*Note: First Place: Male Team Competition Keith Bonifacio and Todd Smith, Orange County Fire Rescue (on duty during photo’s)
Hands on Training (HOT)
Firefighters were already hard at work, diving right into extrication training.
This hands-on training was a critical component of their mission to save lives in emergencies, particularly in motor vehicle accidents where victims may be trapped.
The training session took place at a local facility equipped with a few cars placed on the property to simulate real-life accident scenarios. C-Shift Firefighters from Stations 46 and 48 practiced using specialized tools like hydraulic cutters, spreaders, and struts.
Motor vehicle accidents are among the most frequent emergencies firefighters respond to. In such situations, every second counts. Effective extrication can mean the difference between life and death, as it allows medical personnel to begin treatment promptly
“Our goal is to stay prepared for any scenario,” said Fire Chief Michael Woodward.
“We train regularly to ensure we can respond quickly and safely for any given accident we are called to.”
This recent training focused on advanced techniques, dealing with a vehicle on its side and a rear-end accident where the front of one car was under the rear of another.
Firefighters also practiced stabilizing vehicles to prevent movement during rescue
operations, an essential step to ensure both victim and rescuer safety.
Beyond honing their technical skills, firefighters also use these exercises to build camaraderie and improve communication. These attributes are just as crucial as the physical tools they wield during a rescue.
The Oviedo Fire Department’s commitment to regular training reflects their dedication to keeping the community safe. By staying prepared for the worst, they ensure they can respond with their best— demonstrating why they are trusted protectors of the Oviedo community.
After the training, photos were shared to social media sites so residents of Oviedo could see firefighters practicing these critical techniques and be assured of the department’s readiness to respond to emergencies with professionalism and expertise.
Palm Bay Fire Rescue Graduates 24 New Recruits
By John Ringleb Assistant Chief, Public Information Officer, Palm Bay Fire Rescue
On December 18, Palm Bay Fire Rescue proudly graduated its latest new hire class, “24-02.” Like their predecessors in “24-01,” this group endured a rigorous 8-week orientation, tackling the same demanding challenges. However, “24-02” was twice the size, requiring even greater teamwork and dedication. Our cadets banded together to support and strengthen one another, meeting the objectives set forth by our Training Division. During this recruit class, the new firefighters performed 587 forcible entries, pulled more than 37,000 feet of hose, threw over 5300 feet
of ladders, and conducted 24 live fire company drills. Their hard work culminated in a graduation ceremony on December 13th, where, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, they officially received their shift and station assignments. A tremendous job well done to the 24 members of “24-02” and the dedicated men and women who shaped their training to meet the high standards and ethics of Palm Bay Fire Rescue!
This group of 24 new hires will bolster our ranks in preparation for the opening of two new stations in 2025. Their addition ensures
we are ready to meet the growing needs of our community.
Recap of the Rescheduled 2024 Safety and Health Conference
The 2024 Safety and Health Conference, held in beautiful Kissimmee, Florida, from December 8–10, was a resounding success. This inspiring event brought together leaders, experts, and professionals committed to advancing safety and health in the fire service. Here are the key highlights: Opening Ceremony and Awards Presentations
The conference kicked off with a remarkable Opening Ceremony, featuring the presentation of prestigious awards:
• Frank A. Babinec Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health: Honored to Fire Chief Lorin L. Mock, Clay County Department of Public Safety, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to firefighter safety and health.
•FFCA Award of Excellence in Firefighter Safety and Health:Presented to Engineer David Perez, North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District, for his exceptional
contributions to the well-being of his fellow firefighters.
• Certificate of Special Recognition: Awarded to Susan Schell for her years of unwavering support and dedication to the firefighting community
Congratulations to all the recipients for their incredible achievements and commitment to safeguarding the lives of those who protect us.
Dr. Joel Billings
Dr. Lee Burton
Frank A. Babinec Lifetime Achievement Award in Firefighter Safety and Health Honored to Fire Chief Lorin L. Mock, Clay County Department
Special Recognition for Susan Schell
Captain Loris “Kag” Cagnoni
Dr. Manuel Fonseca
Florida House Representative Danny Alvarez
Keynote Speakers and Sessions
•Captain Loris “Kag” Cagnoni, U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.):Delivered a powerful keynote speech, setting an inspiring tone focused on safety, leadership, and innovation.
•Battalion Chief Dena Ali:Presented “It’s Not the Calls: Organizational Leadership for Mental Wellness,” highlighting the importance of leadership in promoting mental health within fire service organizations.
• Ryan Conley: Addressed critical risks with
his impactful talk on “Cancer & Overexertion: The Top Two Risks to Firefighters,” underscoring proactive measures to protect firefighter health.
• Dr. Manuel Fonseca:Shared invaluable insights into the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer, emphasizing its importance for research and improved protection for firefighters.
•Dr. Joel Billings:Explored the importance of quality sleep among first responders, connecting sleep health to per formance, safety, and mental resilience. His session included a dynamic discussion on shift scheduling, offering perspectives on 24/48, 48/96, and 24/72 shift models.
• Dr. Lee Burton: Delivered an engaging session on “A Practical Approach to Reducing Injuries,” sharing actionable strategies to enhance safety and minimize injury risks.
Special Presentations
•Widows Celeste Flynn and Sara Laird: Shared heartfelt and vital lessons learned from their husbands’ line-of-duty deaths. Their
presentation on CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing) safety served as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive safety measures.
• Florida House Representative Danny Alvarez:Addressed the critical importance of firefighter safety and the well-being of first responders during his special presentation.
Closing Session:
Lithium-Ion Panel Q&A
The conference concluded with an enlightening Lithium-Ion Panel Q&A session featuring:
• JoAnne Rice, Director of the Division of State Fire Marshal
• Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, DO, PhD, MPH, Professor & Vice-Chair, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
•Oscar Rodriguez, Training Chief, Margate Fire Department
•James Russo, Fire Chief, Hollywood Fire Department
The panel discussed the growing risks and safety protocols surrounding lithium-ion batteries. They also introduced a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) from the Florida Division of Fire Marshal, aimed at preventing lithium-ion battery fire incidents.
Looking Ahead
This year’s conference exceeded expectations with thought-provoking keynote speeches, impactful presentations, and engaging discussions. Attendees explored innovative solutions shaping the future of workplace safety and health in the fire ser vice.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, speakers, and vendors for your energy, expertise, and passion. Together, we are advancing the mission of creating safer and healthier environments for our firefighters and first responders. See you next year!
Battalion Chief Dena Ali
Ryan Conley
Lithium-Ion Panel
FFCA Award of Excellence in Firefighter Safety and Health:Presented to Engineer David Perez
Shop with a Firefighter
By John Ringleb Assistant Chief, Public Information Officer, Palm Bay Fire Rescue
Year after year, the Shop with a Firefighter event continues to warm our hearts! With the support of the Palm Bay Firefighters Community Benevolent and Walmart of Palm Bay, this magical day brings joy and smiles to our community.
This annual tradition is all about making a difference, and we are so grateful to the schools and community members who help make it
possible. This year, just like in years past, Palm Bay Fire Rescue had the privilege of taking deserving kids on a holiday shopping spree. Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who spread holiday cheer and posed for photos with attendees of all ages!
This event is especially meaningful to Palm Bay Fire Rescue because it allows us to make a
difference during the holidays for families who may otherwise go without. Bringing hope and happiness to these children and their loved ones is what the season is all about, and we are honored to be part of it.
Exciting News:
Firefighter One Expands to Florida!
We’re thrilled to announce that Firefighter One (FF1), a trusted name in firefighter equipment and services based in Sparta, New
Jersey, is expanding its operations to Florida! With over 20 years of experience supporting the firefighting community, FF1 is bringing its expertise and passion for safety to the Sunshine State.
Our Florida venture will focus on delivering high-quality Fire-Dex PPE products, including the revolutionary Aeroflex system. Fire-Dex is known for its cutting-edge technology and unmatched protection, providing the comfort and durability firefighters need to perform at their best. From turnout gear to gloves, boots, and hoods, we’re committed to equipping first responders with the tools they need to stay safe while protecting others.
Florida’s vibrant and growing firefighter community deserves unparalleled support and access to the best products available. That’s why
we’re not just bringing products— but personalized service. Our team will work directly with departments to assess their unique needs and deliver tailored solutions. We’ll also have a strong local presence, with representatives visiting fire departments and engaging with Florida’s fire chiefs to build lasting relationships.
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A brief summary of your Fire/EMS service tenure and career journey.
I started my career in December 1975 at the South Trail Area Fire Control District which eventually through numerous consolidations/mergers became Sarasota County Fire Department. I started my career as a Firefighter/Paramedic and worked up the career ladder and was promoted to various ranks as I progressed, from Lieutenant, Captain-EMS Coordinator, Division Chief of EMS, Assistant Chief of Operations, and Deputy Chief of Fire-EMS Operations.
Consolidation of the Fire-EMS services in Sarasota started in 1984 with the first consolidation involved South Trail Fire, Fruitville Fire,
and Northeast Fire Districts and we became the Metropolitan Sarasota Fire Rescue District. In 1985 the old Miakka Fire Control District became part of the Metropolitan Sarasota Fire Rescue District. In 1989 we were asked by Sarasota County Government to provide fire services in the south Sarasota county area that was rapidly growing and had no fire protection, we did and this new area was called South County Fire Rescue District and then in 1991 the Metropolitan Sarasota Fire Rescue District was dissolved and became a dependent district under Sarasota County Government, at that time, the South County Fire District and South County Ambulance District were merged into Metropolitan Sarasota Fire and we officially became the Sarasota County Fire Department. In 1995 the City of Sarasota merged their Fire and EMS Operations into the Sarasota County Fire Department.
In 1999 the County Administrator of Sarasota County promoted me to the rank of Fire Chief. I served at this rank from 1999 until I retired from Sarasota County Fire Department on June 30, 2009.
In December 2009, I became the Fire Chief for the Englewood Area Fire Control District and while I was in my 3rd year as their Chief, Manatee County recruited me to come to Manatee County, so in December 2012 I became the Fire Chief for the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District.
As the Fire Chief for Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District, I was able to get all the Fire Districts under one set of medical protocols and standardize the BLS equipment carried on all fire apparatus. Shortly after, we began sending personnel to Paramedic school and shortly obtained our State of Florida License for ALS non-transport and began operating ALS-Paramedic Engines. Additionally, we took over Hazardous Materials Response for the whole county and in 3 years we were operating a Type II Hazardous Materials Team with 5 Haz-mat techs on duty 24/7 on a Hazardous Materials Squad operating out of Station 2. After working for 8.5 years at Southern Manatee I retired once again. About two (2) weeks into that retirement I received a phone from North Port Fire Chief Scott Titus asking me if I would be interested in coming down to North Port and become their Division Chief of EMS. I accepted and have been at North Port Fire Rescue since October 2021.
Population served including square miles covered.
Population 94,000, Cover 104 Sq Miles
Who is the agency’s Medical Director?
Our Medical Director is Mark Johnson which he also is an emergency room physician at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
How many full time ALS units?
How many full time BLS units?
We currently operate six fire stations, each station staffs an ALS transport Rescue and ALS non-transport Engine or Truck with plans to build two more stations in the next three years. At our Fire Station 81 Bayflite 2 operates their medical helicopter which provides us with transport of Trauma patients to the Trauma Center as well as stroke patients that require transport to a Comprehensive Stroke Center. The North Port Fire Rescue EMS Division consists of three individuals, an EMS QA Captain, EMS Training Chief, and my position. Additionally, we have 15 Firefighter/Paramedic’s, five per shift, that are Paramedic Preceptors/FTO’s.
Percentage of providers that are paramedics, percentage EMTs:
48% Paramedics, 52% EMT’s
Does your agency provide transport services?
Yes
Does the agency provide critical care transport?
No
Brian Gorski, Division Chief of EMS, North Port Fire Rescue
Does your agency provide interfacility or non-emergency transport services?
No
Total vs. EMS Call Summary:
Out of those 10,178 were EMS responses resulting in 6615 transports to the hospital. What are some unique aspects of your role as EMS Chief of a fire-based EMS agency?
My role as the Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services was to take their EMS to the next level in the delivery of services and to achieve Accreditation. When I started my career in 1975 it was always with a fire-based EMS system, full-service departments, in which we provided transport ALS services, fire suppression, special operations, and marine fire rescue and everyone was crossed trained as Firefighter/EMT’s or Firefighter/Paramedic’s. A unique aspect of my role as the EMS Chief for North Port Fire Rescue is my many years of experience in operating in a fire-based EMS based system and my relationships with all the resource hospitals and fire and EMS agencies in the three county area.
Describe the agency’s and Medical Director’s philosophy in managing EMS services.
The State of Florida does require Medical Directors to develop medically correct protocols and policies and to revise these as changes occur within American Heart Association guidelines, Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, Best Practices, and from the input of our resource hospitals as well as from the input of the personnel that operate under his license. Our medical protocols allow our personnel to treat a patient based upon their complaint without having to establish communications with the resource hospital. If our personnel need guidance or additional orders, they do contact on-line medical control. On November 19, 2024, we began utilizing the Pulsara app in communicating with our resource hospitals instead of utilizing the 800 MHz radio frequencies. Both our medical protocols and EMS policies and Procedures are reviewed and revised every two years by a software called PowerDMS.
Describe your agency’s medical protocols/parameter.
The State of Florida does require Medical Directors to develop medically correct protocols and policies and to revise these as changes occur within American Heart Association guidelines, Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, Best Practices, and from the input of our resource hospitals as well as from the input of the personnel that operate
under his license. Our medical protocols allow our personnel to treat a patient based upon their complaint without having to establish communications with the resource hospital. If our personnel need guidance or additional orders, they do contact on-line medical control. What is one the most notable achievement your agency has reached in EMS services?
Within the first year and half was I able to get North Port Fire Rescue EMS Division accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). Currently in Florida there are only about 20 EMS agencies with this accreditation status. What is the most challenging EMS issue facing your department today?
The most challenging EMS issues today pertain to funding and technology. Our EMS is funded through the City of North Ports General Fund so each we compete against the other departments for these revenue dollars and the City wants to keep the millage rate down to the rate payers. This delays us in moving forward with programs and we do seek grant opportunities, however many other EMS system face this issue and the competition is hard in getting awarded grant funding. We are keeping up with technology, however AI technology is still too new for EMS, and this will need to be implemented slowly with still human intervention.
Describe your working relationship with the hospitals and other healthcare institutions in your area?
North Port Fire Rescue transports to at least eight different resource hospitals in Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties and we have a great working relationship with all hospitals.
What’s the future for the fire-based EMS services as you see it?
What I see as the future for fire-based EMS systems is that we will all be implementing Community Paramedic Programs that utilize tele-video between the patient and a doctor which should help reduce our medical call volume and connect the patient to the right course of treatment at home instead of being transported to an emergency room. Another item which has already started, we will see a lot more Free-Standing Emergency Rooms instead of more hospitals being built, which does present a problem because a percentage of these patients being transported to a FreeStanding ER will require admission which today the private ambulance providers are providing this transport, however the demand may one day exceed their capacity and then these Free-Standing’s will be looking at the fire departments to do these transfers. Ninety (90%) of our resource hospital have not kept up with the growth by adding beds, the only hospital that has is Sarasota Memorial, all the others have not added any bed capacity since their opening decades ago.
Seminole County Firefighters and Personnel Donate More Than 1,000 Toys For Children
By Doreen Overstreet, APR, Public Safety Information & Education Officer
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) worked to collect more than 1,000 toys for its 8th annual toy drive to provide local children with gifts on their Christmas wish lists, a partnership with the Sharing Center in Longwood and XL 106.7 FM’s Baby DJ.
Seminole County’s high-water Acela Truck (aka Santa’s sleigh) was filled with toys then driven to the Sharing Center in Longwood.
Lieutenant Marcus Gombs has organized the toy drive every year “I remember growing up and how hard it was for my parents to give us a good Christmas as there were bills to pay This is just one small way our department gives back to the community we ser ve to help eliminate some of the stress,” said Gombs”
In addition, the Toy Drive was a recipient of a $1,500 grant from the Walmart Spark Bood Local Grant from store #1374 in Altamonte Springs. With the grant, the Firefighters were able to purchase nearly extra bikes.
Teamwork Pays Off
By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS
Recently Parrish Hospital’s Emergency Department contacted Brevard County Fire Rescue’s Station 22 crews DC Hoog,Lt. Jason Sardi, FM Samantha Nash, FF Jessie Chapman, Lt. John Dacko, and FF Adam Schineis, requesting assistance removing a bangle bracelet made of jade from a patients fracture wrist. Due to the wrist swelling the hospital was unable to cut the bracelet off with their ring cutter as jade is one of the hardest known mineral to cut (even harder than steel). Upon arrival crews were not able to cut the bracelet with the equipment they had on hand, so DC Hoogwent to Lowes and purchased several pieces of equipment including a Dremel tool with abrasive bits. After some time, they were only able to make a small “dent” in the cutting, so they made two cuts on either side creating weak points.After about 45 minutes of cutting, they turned to a hammer and after several blows they were finally able to break the bracelet and remove it from the patient’s wrist.The family and doctor were extremely grateful for the crew’s efforts. Great Job going above and beyond and Excellent partnership and patient care!
PHTLS Class Held in Brevard
By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS
Recently several field members from Brevard County Fire Rescue attended and also, instructed the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) courses.The course provides personnel the ability to become proficient and how to improve the quality of trauma care and decrease mortality. It’s based on a philosophy stressing the treatment of the multi-system trauma patient as a unique entity with specific needs. PHTLS promotes critical thinking as a foundation for providing quality care. Employees who participants in this course became NAEMT Qualified PHTLS instructors.
FPL Honors Lieutenant and Family
By Lisa Smith, Office of EMS
Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) Station 43 A-Shift’s Lieutenant Firemedic Aldo Nunez, and his family came home to quite a surprise to find their house fully decorated for the Christmas holiday Lt. Nunez was nominated by his peers for the Florida Power and Light (FPL) Decorates Homes for Christmas which honors local heroes and give back to the community. FPL employees and the Florida National Guard work together to decorate the homes of veterans, local heroes and their families with energy-efficient lights, Santa hats, and more.The holiday makeover is an annual tradition forFPL who partners with local organizations to select recipients to decorate their homes and gives back to local heroes for their incredible commitment to their communities for the past 17years. The Nunez family were so appreciative and honored to have been nominated for this special tradition!
Snow Covered Jackson County Fire Rescue
By Jackson County Fire Rescue
Historic, once in a lifetime, snow covered Jackson County Fire Rescue Station #1 located in Marianna, Florida on Tuesday night, January 21. Firefighters took time to build a snowman. Pictured with Frosty is Battalion Chief Kenny Deese, Firefighters Mike Wiggins, Chase Maddox, and Trent Anderson. Jackson County Fire Rescue received six inches of snow into Wednesday morning!
St. Cloud Fire Rescue Adds Experienced Deputy Chief and Fills New Emergency Manager Position
By Andrew Sullivan, MPIO, Sr. Public Information Manager, St. Cloud Fire Rescue
The St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department recently added both a new Deputy Chief of Professional Standards and a new Emergency Manager, two roles that will improve incident response and increase resiliency for residents, businesses, and visitors to the City of St. Cloud.
Deputy Chief Michael Capranica began his career in the fire service in 1994 while still a senior in high school, and he most recently served as a Deputy Fire Chief with Osceola County Fire Rescue. During his tenure, Capranica worked during the responses to the deadly tornado outbreak and intense wildfires of 1998, and also served as a charter member of Osceola County’s special operations team, bringing extrication, vehicle machine rescue, ropes, confined space rescue and other emergency response technical disciplines to that department. Capranica will serve the St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department initially by overseeing professional standards and logistics, which will ensure greater safety and cost efficiency for the department.
Nolan Ristau joins the St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department after previously working
as Mitigation Manager in Pasco County Emergency Management. In his new role as Emergency Manager Ristau will work to ensure City staff in emergency response roles maintain needed certifications, coordinate with County Emergency Management officials to effectively plan for incidents and mitigate loss of life and damage to property. Nolan has experience responding to everything from sinkholes to hurricanes, and has earned a
master’s degree in Emergency & Disaster Management. While incident management roles like responding to disasters or even planning for large-scale public events has typically fallen under the Fire Department, this added position will further enhance St. Cloud’s resiliency, making the city better prepared to face disaster and recover more quickly if and when they happen.
“We are thrilled to welcome both our new Deputy Fire Chief and our new Emergency Manager. Their combined expertise and leadership will be invaluable in enhancing our department’s capabilities and bolstering community safety” said Fire Chief Jason Miller “With these additions, we are building a stronger, more resilient team, ensuring we are prepared for any challenge and can continue to provide exceptional ser vice to our residents.”
