What’s new in fire? state of the county

BY MARK ANDERSON

County Fire Rescue offers mentorship program, continues to grow

Marion County Fire Rescue is Florida’s second-largest fire rescue department north of Orlando, with more than 700 employees, a nearly $106 million budget, 25 career fire stations, and three EMS stations. The department’s full-time state certified firefighter/paramedics, firefighter/EMTs, EMTs and paramedics serve more than 380,000 citizens, cover 1,600 square miles and respond to an average of 300 emergencies a day.

A Call To Serve

A career in fire rescue can certainly be a fulfilling one, especially for those who feel a call to serve their community and help those in need. Marion County Fire Rescue has a mentorship program for local community members who are interested in a career with MCFR.

A joint effort between MCFR and Ocala Fire Rescue, the Ocala-Marion Mentorship Program aims to mentor cadets from the local community by developing their knowledge, skills and abilities relating to a career in fire rescue.

The program gives cadets a glimpse of the physical and mental challenges that are faced by firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. Cadets will receive in-depth physical training, skills orientation for tools and equipment and become acclimated with the fire gear. The program also emphasizes the development of skills that include basic problem-solving, teamwork, effective communication techniques and leadership principles and practices.

The 24-week program includes paid training at $15 an hour, paid certification and training at the Florida State Fire College, medical and dental benefits, and participation in the Florida Retirement System.

Currently, there are 33 trainees participating in the program at the college.

The program is accepting applications through May 12, and anyone interested can contact the MCFR Training Division at 352291-8074 or visit MarionFL.org/careers

Two New Ladder Trucks

Recently, MCFR received delivery of two new ladder trucks from E-One right here in Marion County.

Tower 1 and Tower 2 have the capacity to extend to 100 feet, allowing teams to complete fire suppression and high-angle rescues anywhere around the county. Each truck cost $1.25 million and replaced some of MCFR’s older fleet vehicles.

Both trucks were funded through the Marion County Penny Sales Tax and will be housed at Belleview Station 18 and Friendship Station 21.

Tower 1 and Tower 2 stopped by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners building in early April to put on a demonstration and give Commission Chairman Craig Curry and Commissioner Michelle Stone a birds-eye view of the area.

Kiwanis

Rotary’s 2 official mottoes are:

• Service Above Self

• He Profits Most Who Serves Best

Rotary International serves to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and to advance goodwill and peace not only in their own communities, but around the world. There are over 35,000 member clubs worldwide and over 1.2 million individuals known as Rotarians.

The Rotary Clubs of Marion County: