| City of Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department |
|
| Motto: Saving Life and Property | |
| Established | 1912 |
| Staffing | Career |
| Strength | 464 |
| Stations | 11 |
| Engines | 12 |
| Trucks | 3 |
| EMS Units | 13 |
| EMS Level | ALS |
| Fire chief | Jeffrey A. Justinak |
Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue is the fire and rescue service provider for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Contents |
The department was created in 1912 as a volunteer department after a large conflagration destroyed a large portion of what is now the downtown core of Fort Lauderdale. The fire which destroyed all but 3 buildings in the previously bustling downtown business district prompted the city to purchase its first fire equipment consisting of a chemical extinguisher mounted on carriage wheels, and a hand operated pump.[1] Unique to Fort Lauderdale was that the fire department never had horse drawn apparatus. The chemical extinguisher was pulled to fires by an International Harvester truck, and the pump was pulled to the fire scene by the firefighters themselves. The pump also carried 500 feet (150 m) of fire hose, which at times was not sufficient to reach fires in the city, due to inadequate roads.[1]
The first fire station, the second in Broward County, was built in January 1913 on Andrews Avenue & SW 2nd Street and was part of the first City Hall building. The police station, jail, and all other city offices were also part of this building.[1] Prior to this time, all firefighting equipment was housed at a private citizen’s warehouse. In 1913, the department and its equipment would be put to use at the first major fire since the great fire of 1912, when the Osceola Hotel burned down. After this fire, the department received its first fire truck, consisting of a used car sold to the town.[1]
When Dr. R. S. Lowry was appointed chief in 1914, he divided the town into four districts. When a fire occurred, each district had a unique whistle that was blown to direct the firefighters to the fire’s location.[1]
When Milo Sherman was hired as the first paid fire chief in 1917, he was given the blessing of the city to purchase the first formal piece of fire apparatus. At the time, the department was still using the used automobile as a fire truck, and Chief Sherman then purchased an American LaFrance fire engine. Shortly after buying this first engine, Chief Sherman was able to purchase a Brockway truck for $7,500 which carried hundreds of gallons of water, used to fight the numerous brush fires, which at the time were a threat to the city. Chief Sherman also built the department’s second station with his own money at 700 S Andrews Avenue. He did this because he felt the city needed a fire station on each side of the New River. This fire station still stands today, and operated until it was sold in 1985 to a private citizen, where it is currently used as a law office.[1]
In 1926 Chief Dooley requested the department build its third fire station at 1022 W. Las Olas Blvd at a cost just over $21,000. This west side fire station, later renamed as station 8, would serve the department until 2004, when it would be closed and its crews moved to the new station 2. It currently is being renovated as the Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum. Also in 1926 as part of Chief Dooley’s improvements to the fire department was the purchase of the department’s first ladder truck, a 1926 Seagrave Fire Apparatus ladder truck with chemical equipment, at a cost of $9,500. The final improvement Chief Dooley implemented was the installation of a Gamewell fire alarm system with a central monitoring station, and 40 call boxes to be installed at locations throughout the city. By 1932, the number of fire alarm boxes had increased to over 60, and was further increased in 1937 to 71 fire alarm boxes, with 15 more added to the growing city in 1941.[1]
In 1929, the fire department was affected by the Great Depression, resulting in the closing of two of the department’s stations, and the laying-off of firefighters such that only 7 remained with the department. This lack of staffing was partly blamed for the catastrophic fire that occurred at Pilkington Yacht Basin in 1935, and after that fire seven additional firefighters were hired.[1]
On December 7, 1940, the fire department experienced its first Line of Duty Death, when Firefighter Robert Knight was killed when he stepped in a puddle contacted by an energized high-voltage wire. Firefighter Knight was killed instantly, and another firefighter was severely injured by the electrical current as well.[1]
In 1948 the department opened its fourth fire station at 2871 E Sunrise Blvd near the beach, later renamed to fire station 13.[1] The fire station was originally staffed with one engine and one ladder. Also in 1948, the department established its first pension plan for retirees.[1]
On November 28, 1961, the fire department experienced its second Line of Duty Death when firefighter Norman Hastings suffered a heart attack while training near the fire station. He reportedly collapsed face first into the running board of the pumper after complaining of chest pains. He was 45 years old, and a 13 year veteran of the department.[1]
In 1964, the fire department employed 178 firefighters and had a budget of over 1 million dollars. The department purchased its first fireboat, which would be placed out of service due to corrosion only six months later. Also in this year, the fire department opened two new identical fire stations, at 1121 NW 9th Avenue, and 1000 SW 27th Avenue. These two fire stations would later be renamed to station 46, and station 47 respectively.[1]
In 1969, the fire department answered 1,951 emergency calls, and made over 21,000 fire inspections. Eight people were killed in fires, and over 70 were injured that year, with about half of the injuries belonging to firefighters. The fire department was named the best fire preventing department in its class in the entire State of Florida, after being evaluated on fire inspections, fire education talks, and fire prevention methods used in the hoods of restaurant ranges.[1]
In 1970, the department assisted the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in suppressing riots occurring throughout the city. Firefighters had to combat numerous arson fires as well as assist with crowd control. Numerous bullet holes were later found on fire apparatus, and crews used trash can lids to deflect rocks and bottles thrown at them while responding.[1] Numerous changes occurred in the department in the 1970s, with several improving the health & safety of firefighters. On September 20, 1970, the city hired its first black firefighter, Bobby Glenn, who later retired after serving the department for over 21 years.[1] The city purchased its first set of MSA SCBA breathing apparatus, replacing old canister masks that were rarely worn. Also, firefighters stopped riding to emergencies on the tailboard of fire apparatus and were contained in cabs of apparatus, protecting them from various hazards including falling off the apparatus. Also, in 1971 International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1545 was created, becoming the city’s first recognized labor union. In 1975 the first firefighter was hired who was also certified as a paramedic.[1] In 1978, the city hired it’s first female firefighters, a group of 5, many who would serve the department for decades. Also in 1979, the department created the Hazardous material team to deal with chemical emergencies, the first created in Broward County.
In 1977, the department began to change the color scheme of its fire apparatus. Keeping with national trends citing a study in improved safety and visibility of fire apparatus, the department began purchasing all new fire apparatus in lime green. In 1987, the department began replacing its fleet with fire apparatus made by E-One, using the new lime color scheme.[1] The department continued using lime green apparatus until 1998, when the last remaining units were shifted to reserve pieces. These apparatus, served as spare fire engines until they were sold at auction in 2005.
In 1985, the department entered into a mutual-aid agreement with 22 other fire-rescue departments in Broward County. The agreement was the first official document that guaranteed responses by other fire departments for assistance to major emergencies in cities. The document also set minimum standards on staffing, and response requirements for mutual aid responses and this mutual aid agreement was paramount in establishing future relationships between fire departments, such as the one that established the Broward County Uniform Station Numbering system.[1]
In 1988, the fire department began using the Incident Command System as part of its operation at emergency scenes. Also part of this change was the use of RIT teams, which would be dispatched along with a second battalion chief to any working fire in the city.[1]
Chief Jim Sparr is credited with creating the department’s first responder system in 1989. Under this system, a Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue unit would respond to any medical emergency in the city under a three-tiered system, with Broward County EMS providing patient care, and private ambulance companies providing patient transport to the local hospitals. Chief Sparr also required firefighters to conduct station repairs and other errands including mowing the lawns of fire stations.[1]
In December 1992, the department formed the Technical Rescue Team to respond to dive rescue, and high-angle emergencies throughout the city. Originally named the SHARC team, for Special Hazards and Rescues Company, the team of 27 members were specially trained to handle unusual rescue emergencies that would occur in the city.[1]
In 1995, under the leadership of Chief Donald Harkins, Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue placed its first advanced life support (ALS) Engine Company in service, and began providing EMS under a two-tiered system with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue providing patient care, and Broward County Fire Rescue providing transport services to the hospital.[1]
In 1997, the Village of Sea Ranch Lakes contracted with the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department to provide fire suppression services to the approximately 600 residents of the village. Sea Ranch Lakes was designated as Zone 54C, and had a response of E35, E54, E13, L35, R54, and BC35. In 2001, the contract expired between Sea Ranch Lakes and FLFR, and the village chose to award the new contract to the Broward Sheriff's Office, who were already providing EMS services to the village of Sea Ranch Lakes. No major fire incidents occurred in Sea Ranch Lakes in the four years they were served by Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue.
Also, in 1997, the city hired its first African-American Fire Chief, Otis J. Latin. Chief Latin came to the department after heading the District of Columbia Fire Department, and rising to the rank of assistant chief of the Houston Fire Department.
In 1998, the department transitioned to provide Emergency Medical Services under a single-tier system. This meant that the department would now be the first responder on all medical calls, provide all ALS treatments, and provide all patient transports to local hospitals. This was a large transition for the department, and resulted in the purchasing of 6 new rescue trucks, and the largest hiring class ever of 64 state certified firefighter/paramedics. Several of the Broward County Fire-Rescue employees that had been working in Fort Lauderdale stations were included in this group, with the remainder of Broward County Fire Rescue’s employees and all of its equipment being returned to BCFR.
Also in 1998 was the modernization of the fire department fleet. From 1998-2000, all fire apparatus would be replaced with new Quantum fire apparatus made by Pierce Manufacturing. Also purchased were new rescue units as part of the transition to providing ALS transport services.
On November 21, 1999, at 1100 hours Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue began dispatching themselves to emergency incidents. Prior to this time, Broward Sheriff's Office dispatchers were responsible for all dispatch & radio communications for fire department units. Following criticism arising after an extremely long response time to a tragic boat accident in the late 1990s, the department began to establish their own dispatch & communications system.
On December 20, 1999, the Wilton Manors Volunteer Fire Department was closed, and Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue began proving both Fire & EMS services to the cities of Wilton Manors and Lazy Lake from fire station 16. Wilton Manors still retained its fire prevention staff who are responsible for all fire prevention & investigation activities in the municipal limits.[1]
In May, 2007, the department underwent a reorganization of its bureaus, divisions, and units. The Communications Coordinator and Communications section were transferred along with Ocean Rescue to the Operations Division of the department. This was done due to the involvement of these two sectors into the overall emergency operations of the department.[2] A third Assistant Chief position was also created who was now responsible for all special projects, recruiting, information technology, human resources, and internal investigations within the department. Assistant Chief Robert Edgar currently holds this position. An updated organization chart can be found here.
In October 2007, the department underwent another slight reorganization. Support Services became an entirely civilian group of the fire department, replacing positions previously held by sworn fire officers. Also, four positions from the Fire Prevention Bureau were eliminated as well as one Training Captain Position. No layoffs occurred, but all employees were transferred to Operations Division duties. This move was done for both budget savings reasons, as well as staffing shortages within the Operations Division.
In summer of 2008, the department opened up two new fire stations to replace outdated and outgrown facilities. Station 47 was replaced at its existing location after a three year construction project. Station 88 was closed and combined with a new Station 53 on the north side of the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The new station 53 also houses the department's training bureau, as well as the city's Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Management Office. Also moved to the new station 53 was Battalion Chief 35 as part of the opening.
In 2008, Fort Lauderdale Fire station 2 was noted as the busiest fire station in the country as per Firehouse Magazine's national run survey. Station 2 is combined with station 8, housing a total of 8 units at the time and credited with having run 20,311 calls in 2008. Engine 46 the "Sistrunk Express" was also listed as the 9th Busiest Engine company in this survey.
Today the department has over 450 personnel and provides fire prevention, fire suppression, fire investigation, rescue, EMS, and ocean rescue services to the people of Fort Lauderdale, & provides contract fire, rescue & EMS services to the citizens of Wilton Manors and Lazy Lake.
| Chief | Years Served |
|---|---|
| C.E. Newland | 1912–1914 |
| Dr. R. S. Lowry | 1914–1917 |
| Milo Sherman (First Paid Chief) | 1917–1923 |
| Frank Stone | 1923–1925 |
| Francis A. Dooley | 1925–1926 |
| John L. Cody | 1926–1929 |
| Clarence King | 1929–1935 |
| "Jerry" Jordan R. Carter (Longest Serving Chief) | 1935–1966 |
| Monroe T Whidby | 1966–1973 |
| Donald Charles Makemson | 1973–1974 |
| George Stephen Tillinghas | 1975–1978 |
| Frederick Falvey Lane | 1978–1987 |
| Acting Chief Ronald Robson | 1987 |
| Jim Sparr (First outside chief) | 1987–1992 |
| Acting Chief Rick Earle | 1992–1993 |
| Donald Harkins | 1993–1996 |
| Acting Chief Keith Allen | 1996–1997 |
| Otis J. Latin Sr. | 1997–2006 |
| Acting Chiefs Stephen McInerny & Jeffrey Justinak | 2006 |
| Interim Chief Gerald Simon | 2006–2007 |
| James R. Eddy | 2007–2009 |
| Acting Chief Jeffrey Justinak | 2009–2010 |
| Jeffrey Justinak | 2010–present |
Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue routinely provides assistance to cities in Broward County through mutual aid and automatic aid service agreements. Throughout the history of the department, Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue units have also responded to several major emergencies outside the city limits as part of these mutual and automatic aid agreements.
| Year | Personnel |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Don Morton |
| 2008 | John Galarneau |
| 2007 | Gregory Snyder |
| 2006 | Thomas Connor |
| 2005 | Jeremy Rifflard |
| 2004 | John Bruce |
| 2003 | Richard Thorpe |
| 2002 | Keith Garner |
| 2001 | Kenneth Gurdak and Robert Soto |
| 2000 | Rodney Peeler, Joe Hernandez, John Dunn, Jeremy Rifflard and Mike Ragusa |
| 1999 | Joseph Battaglia |
| 1998 | Jim Sharp |
| 1997 | Robert Hoecherl |
| 1996 | Donald Jobin |
| 1995 | Joseph Battaglia |
| 1994 | Carl Dale and Matt Adams |
| 1993 | David Pugh |
| 1992 | Ann Lindie |
| 1991 | Joe Dwyer and Ed Bartusch |
| 1990 | Brian Fort |
| 1989 | Al Dow |
| 1988 | Robert Edgar |
| 1987 | Henry Sledge |
| 1986 | Mike Ondrejicka |
| 1985 | Charlie Barnes and Rodney Coleman |
| 1984 | Dave Terrana |
| 1983 | Alan Summersgill |
| 1982 | Richard Ferschke |
| 1981 | Herbie Blabon |
| 1980 | Alexander Halverson and Al Morese |
| 1979 | Errol Lanier |
| 1978 | George Goldey |
| 1977 | Dave Elenbaas |
| 1976 | Chuck Pendleton |
| 1975 | Jim Culp, Bruce Whalley and Rodney Thomas |
| 1974 | Ed Remer |
| 1973 | Robert Zaborski |
| 1972 | Leslie "Fuzzy" Larkin and Royce Mosely |
The Operations Division is led by an Assistant Chief of Operations, John Molenda, is responsible for providing 911 Emergency responses to fire, rescue, and medical emergencies to all citizens of the City of Fort Lauderdale, and to the cities of Wilton Manors & Lazy Lake through service contracts. The department also has an automatic aid agreement with neighboring Oakland Park, so that each department will receive the best level of service in neighboring response areas. The Division is divided into three shifts (A, B, and C), which work a 24 hour on/48 hour off shift schedule to staff the city's twelve stations. These eleven stations, which follow the Broward County Uniform Station Numbering system, are broken into three battalions with each led by a Battalion Chief. One Division Chief is assigned to each shift and responsible for the daily operations of the shift & entire city.
In addition to fire suppression, the operations division provides special operations from three stations in the city. The city responds to Technical rescue, Hazardous Material, and aircraft emergencies (ARFF) at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport from stations 47, 49, and 53 respectively. Personnel at these stations must receive hundreds of hours of additional training beyond what is normally required of firefighters and paramedics. Each shift there are six TRT members staffing Engine 47, Rescue 47 and Squad 47 all of which are trained in rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space, and collapse rescue situations. The seven members comprising Engine 88 (Hazmat 88) and Rescue 53 are all trained Haz-Mat technicians and respond in the event of any hazardous materials emergency. The crew of Truck 53 is specially trained in aircraft rescue and firefighting, and is staffed with a minimum of one driver/engineer and one lieutenant. As of early 2010, TRT and Dive rescue were separated to create 2 separate entities and allow specialty crews more time to train on more specific disciplines. Each shift has five firefighters that comprise the Marine Firefighting team housed at station 49. Marine firefighting requires that personnel be certified in dive rescue and shipboard firefighting. The team responds in Engine 49, Rescue 49 or Marine 49 (formerly Fireboat 49) to all dive rescues, drownings, boat fires and water related incidents in the city.
The city also is one of several in South Florida that provides a SWAT medic program. The Fire-Rescue Department has a partnership with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department that has several fire department paramedics trained in tactical police operations. These paramedics rotate an on-call status and respond with the department’s SWAT team to all incidents such as barricaded subjects, high-risk warrants, and active shooter situations. By utilizing tactical medics among the team, it allows team members and other subjects to receive critical medical treatments as soon as possible during situations in which the victims would otherwise have to wait for treatment in a secured environment.
Minimum staffing for units in the city is as follows, with any extra personnel on duty being distributed to various units. All engine companies must have at least one crew member trained as a paramedic and one EMT to provide ALS services.
Battalion 2[2]
| Station | Location | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 528 NW 2nd St | Engine 2, Engine 8, Tower Ladder 2, Rescue 2, Rescue 8, Battalion 2, Division 2 |
| 3 | 2801 SW 4th Ave | Engine 3, Rescue 3 |
| 46 | 1121 NW 9th Ave | Engine 46, Rescue 46, Rescue 246 |
| 47 (TRT) | 1000 SW 27th Ave | Engine 47, Rescue 47, Rescue 247, Squad 47 |
Battalion 13[2]
| Station | Location | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 2871 E Sunrise Blvd | Engine 13, Ladder 13, Rescue 13, Battalion 13 |
| 29 | 2002 NE 16th St | Engine 29, EMS 29 |
| 49 (Marine Rescue) | 1015 Seabreeze Blvd | Engine 49, Rescue 49, Marine 49 (Formerly Fireboat 49) |
| 54 | 3200 NE 32nd St | Engine 54, Rescue 54 |
Battalion 35[2]
| Station | Location | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 533 NE 22nd St (Wilton Manors) | Engine 16, Rescue 16 |
| 35 | 1841 E Commercial Blvd | Engine 35, Ladder 35, Rescue 35 |
| 53 (Hazmat/ARFF) | 2200 Executive Airport Way | Engine 88, Rescue 53, Haz-Mat 88, Truck 53, Battalion 35 |
The Department uses the following response matrix to respond to emergencies throughout the city. Chief Officers may add or subtract units from the assignment as necessary
| Incident Type | Units Dispatched |
|---|---|
| Medical Emergency | 1 Engine, 1 Rescue |
| Elevator Extrication | 1 Engine or Ladder |
| Wires Down | 1 Engine or Ladder |
| Vehicle Fire | 1 Engine or Ladder |
| Trash Fire | 1 Engine or Ladder |
| Brush Fire | 1 Engine or Ladder |
| Commercial Fire Alarm | 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief |
| Residential Fire Alarm | 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief |
| Structure Fire | 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, Squad 47, 2 Battalion Chiefs, EMS 29, Division 2 |
| Working Fire (upgrade) | 1 Engine (RIT), 1 Ladder (RIT), 1 Rescue (RIT), Fire Investigator |
| 2nd Alarm Fire | 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue |
| 3rd Alarm Fire | 2 Engines, 2 Rescues |
| 4th Alarm Fire | 2 Engines, 2 Rescues |
| Alert 1/Alert 2 (FXE Airport) | Truck 53, 1 Engine, 1 Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief |
| Alert 3 (Aircraft down) | Truck 53, 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, EMS 29, Squad 47 |
| Vehicle Accident w/ injuries | 1 Engine, 1 Rescue |
| Vehicle Accident w/ Entrapment | 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, EMS 29, Squad 47 |
| Vehicle Accident / Rollover | 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, EMS 29, Squad 47 |
| Technical Rescue / Dive Rescue | Engine 47, Rescue 47, 1 Engine, 1 Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, EMS 29, Squad 47 (Marine 49, Engine 49 and Rescue 49 if dive call or boat fire) |
| Hazardous Materials Incident | Haz-Mat 88, Rescue 53, 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 Battalion Chief, EMS 29, Squad 47 |
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue statistics for the year 2007[28]
The following is a summary of the number of runs each unit went on in calendar year 2008.[29]
| Unit | Responses |
|---|---|
| Engine 2 | 4,048 |
| Engine 3 | 2,762 |
| Engine 8 | 3,834 |
| Engine 13 | 2,045 |
| Engine 16 | 2,558 |
| Engine 29 | 2,447 |
| Engine 35 | 2,557 |
| Engine 46 | 4,533 |
| Engine 47 | 3,108 |
| Engine 49 | 2,000 |
| Engine 54 | 2,096 |
| Engine 88 | 1,974 |
| Unit | Responses |
|---|---|
| Rescue 2 | 3,964 |
| Rescue 3 | 2,614 |
| Rescue 8 | 3,590 |
| Rescue 13 | 2,355 |
| Rescue 16 | 2,613 |
| Rescue 35 | 2,536 |
| Rescue 46 | 3,772 |
| Rescue 246 | 3,509 |
| Rescue 47 | 2,201 |
| Rescue 247 | 2,176 |
| Rescue 49 | 1,778 |
| Rescue 53 | 1,683 |
| Rescue 54 | 2,252 |
| Unit | Responses |
|---|---|
| Ladder 2 | 2,182 |
| Ladder 13 | 1,356 |
| Ladder 35 | 1,529 |
| Fireboat 49 | 1,161 |
| ARFF Truck 53 | 89 |
| Support 88 | 69 |
| Haz-Mat 88 | 107 |
| Unit | Responses |
|---|---|
| Battalion 2 | 1,534 |
| Battalion 13 | 1,378 |
| Battalion 35 | 1,015 |
| EMS 29 | 1,236 |
| Division 2 | 143 |
| Investigator 3402 | 75 |
| Investigator 4102 | 36 |
| Investigator 6302 | 63 |
| Investigator 6502 | 39 |
| Investigator 6702 | 46 |
The Communications Center, located at the Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters (also where FLPD Communications is located) is responsible for dispatching all fire & EMS units within the department over the Fort Lauderdale site of Broward County trunked radio system, as well as sending administrative and call out pages. Call taking services are handled by Fort Lauderdale Police Dispatchers, who create the call for service upon determination of a fire, rescue, or medical emergency. If further telephone medical assistance is needed with the caller until the fire units' arrival, the calltaker will transfer the call to the fire department dispatchers. The Dispatch center is staffed with a minimum of two trained dispatchers at all times, so that one may monitor the main dispatch channel (1A Fire Dispatch) and the second dispatcher is available to handle major incidents on the departments main tactical channel (1B Fire Tac-B), as well as make 911 call-backs, and handle non emergency calls.
The Dispatch center uses high-tech resources such as Global Positioning System (GPS) Advanced Vehicle Locator (AVL) to dispatch the closest units to emergency incidents. In addition, a Computer Automated Dispatch (CAD) system automatically selects the appropriate available units to be dispatched to any emergency within the city. This technology allows the dispatcher to select the closest unit to any response within the city, to within a distance of several feet, as well as guide emergency responders to incident locations. In 2005 the excellent dispatchers employed by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue dispatched units to 43,832 incidents, and handled many other requests for service.
In Broward County, all 911 emergency calls are routed to the closest of nine primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). These nine locations at the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Public Safety Building, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Hollywood Police Department, Pompano Beach Police Station, Coral Springs Police Department, Sunrise Police Department, Plantation Police Department, Coconut Creek Police Department, and Margate Police Department each receive 911 calls based upon the physical location of the caller. In the case of cell phone 911 callers, this means that the call is routed to the closest PSAP based on the cell phone tower being used, which can often cause 911 calls to be received by the PSAP that is not responsible for dispatching responding units to that emergency.
Each PSAP is staffed with trained 911 call takers, who first determine the whether the caller is in need of Fire, Police, or EMS services, and then determines the location of the emergency. All PSAPs are staffed with trained Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) who are trained to provide CPR and other first aid instructions over the phone to 911 callers in case of emergency. Once the 911 call taker determines if a fire or medical emergency exists, the information is entered, and then routed to the appropriate fire department dispatch agency. In the City of Fort Lauderdale, all 911 calls are received at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department by BSO 911 call takers. Once the call takers enter the information into the computer they send the information to Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Communications, who then sends the appropriate units based on the type and severity of the emergency. Often, 911 calls that originate from cell phones are received by the Broward Sheriff's Office, PSAP due to its close proximity to the city, and the calls are then transferred to the Fort Lauderdale Communications Center once the location of the emergency has been determined.
Ocean Rescue is led by a civilian Ocean Rescue Chief and is composed of over 40 civilian lifeguards with specialty training in ocean tactics and procedures. They are responsible for staffing the city’s lifeguard stands located throughout Fort Lauderdale Beach, and also have floating lifeguard positions moving throughout the beach to respond and assist with any emergencies. Their headquarters is located at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, just south of Las Olas Blvd on A1A. The Captain of Ocean Rescue reports to the Assistant Chief of Operations, with himself, Battalion 13 and Division 2 handling all operational issues beyond normal day-to-day functions.[2]
The Administration Division is headed by two Assistant Chief's, Robert Hoecherl and William Findlan. They are responsible for the following areas of responsibility: Fire Prevention, Communications, Support Services, Facilities, Investigations, EMS, Financial management, as well as Training & Special Operations.
The Fire Prevention Bureau is headed by Fire Marshal, David Raines and Assistant Fire Marshal, Jeffrey Lucas. They are is responsible for all fire plans review, fire inspection, and fire investigation duties for the City of Fort Lauderdale. The personnel within this bureau are responsible for conducting annual fire inspections in all non 1&2 family dwellings throughout the city, and also conduct specialty tests on fire protection systems such as building standpipe and sprinkler systems. They enforce the 2004 edition of the Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1 and NFPA 101), and applicable Broward County Amendments, in addition to the South Florida Building Code. In addition, these fire inspectors also stand-by at special events such as pyrotechnic displays, or large assembly events.
The department's Fire Investigation Unit, headed by a Captain, is also located in the Fire Prevention Bureau. The five fire investigators assigned to this unit rotate for an on-call status of one week. If the on-call fire investigator is already busy at another fire scene, the previous week's investigator will respond. These investigators are responsible for all origin & cause investigations of fires throughout the city, and each investigator meets the requirements under NFPA 1033 Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, and is also a National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI). They conduct fire origin & cause investigations following the guidelines established in NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The five investigators attend many seminars and continuing education classes to stay updated with the latest investigative techniques, and hold memberships in professional organizations such as the International Association of Arson Investigators, the National Association of Fire Investigators, and the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention (FACAP). In addition, these investigators have given many sworn depositions and testified as expert witnesses in court for their expertise on the origin & cause of fires.
When fire causes are determined to be incendiary, the FIU fire investigator will request an arson detective from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to assist in the investigation process. An investigation team concept is developed whereby the investigative process becomes an origin-and-cause and a criminal investigation. FIU investigators enjoy a solid working relationship with Fort Lauderdale Police arson detectives, who maintain open communication and share information to close an investigation in a timely manner. FLPD detectives routinely train with FIU investigators and often attend common fire investigation seminars, further strengthening the relationship between the two departments.
In addition, the unit has close working relationships with the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office Bureau of Fire/Arson Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and may request upon the resources of these agencies when necessary for specialized resources such as accelerant detection canines, heavy front-end loader equipment, or additional investigative staffing for major fire scene investigations.
Also within the Fire Prevention Bureau is the department’s Explorer Program, Post 713. Fire Service Exploring is a worksite-based program that helps youth gain insight into a variety of programs that offer career activities in the fire-rescue service. For youth who are interested in careers in the field of fire-rescue service, the program offers experiential learning with plenty of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth. City of Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Explorer Post 713 meets twice a month to encounter training, duties and experiences similar to those of actual firefighters. A typical meeting would consist of a business meeting, training activities and planning community service projects. Explorers are instructed in the areas of fire suppression, fire prevention and community education, with the necessary hands-on training to be eligible to participate in the Ride Along Program, where they put their skills to work. In addition, the program often trains for regional explorer competitions, which test the fire-rescue skills and abilities of these youth. Historically the post has done well in these competitions winning many events, and placing highly overall. Their numerous trophies are on display at Fire Station 2.
The Support Services Bureau reports to Battalion Chief (Chantel Botting), and is responsible for satisfying the logistical requirements of a large agency such as Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue. They supply the fire stations with all necessary station supplies & tools, supply the trucks with equipment, and the firefighters with personal protective gear and uniforms. Support Services is also tasked with maintaining and repairing all damaged equipment of the department. The Support Services Bureau also is responsible for providing all logistical needs to the department in large scale emergencies, natural disasters, hurricane preparedness supplies, and the annual Air & Sea Show.
The EMS, Training & Special Operations Bureau is led by two Battalion Chiefs. battalion Chief Timothy Heiser is tasked with overseeing the Emergency Medical Services operations of the cities 12 ALS Engine Companies, and 13 ALS rescue companies. They are responsible for training all Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics within the department, assuring the highest quality of medical treatment is provided to patients under the South Florida Regional EMS Protocols. In addition, the bureau commonly reviews EMS reports as part of the departments quality assurance program. The Bureau also provides continuing education to all of the department’s EMTs and paramedics. In addition to emergency response duties, the EMS Bureau is responsible for coordinating EMS detail units at special events such as concerts, sporting events, and the city’s annual Air & Sea Show. The Training & Special Operations, and Ocean Rescue leaders report to EMS Chief Heiser.
The Training & Special Operations section of the bureau is led by Battalion Chief David Dipetrillo and is responsible for developing weekly, monthly, and annual training drills for the fire department on fire, rescue, and EMS operations. The Bureau maintains logs of all personnel’s training records and CEU’s. The Training Bureau is responsible for conducting introductory training for all newly-hired firefighters, and also for maintaining and updating all department training manuals and SOPs. The Bureau is also responsible for scheduling training and testing for the department’s special operations units, the Technical Rescue Team, and the Hazardous Material Team. The Training Bureau conducts annual physicals and re-certification training as required under State & Federal guidelines.
Paul Vanden Berge who is responsible for The Office of Financial Management and developing the department’s annual budget, as well as handling all accounts payable and receivable. They are responsible for billing for EMS services, and for fire inspection fees. In addition, this office is tasked with all record keeping for fire & EMS reports for emergency incidents within the city. The office develops statistics based on these records that enable analysis for trends, and improvement within the department. This office reports directly to Assistant Chief Edgar.
The Domestic Preparedness and Emergency Management Bureau (DPEMB) reports directly to the Fire Chief and ensures that the City of Fort Lauderdale is prepared to respond to, mitigate the potential impact of and recover from terrorist attacks, mass casualty incidents, natural disasters and other major emergencies. The Bureau’s primary role is to develop and implement comprehensive disaster response, recovery, mitigation, risk reduction, preparedness and prevention activities within the City according to Florida statutes and in cooperation with the Broward County Emergency Management Agency. The City of Fort Lauderdale’s DPEMB developed out of a nationwide effort to improve disaster response capabilities for weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorist, man-made or natural disaster incidents. As one of the 120 most populous cities in the United States, Fort Lauderdale has been designated as a recipient of two federally supported domestic preparedness programs to improve the City’s overall emergency management program.