FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE May 2017 36 Sanford Fire Department Promotion By Ronnie McNeil Jr., Deputy Fire Chief Congratulations to Firefighter/EMT James (Jim) Slapa on his promotion to Fire Lieutenant in April. Jim was hired at the Sanford Fire Department in March, 2002. Jim has been a “ride-up” Lieutenant with the department and a member of the Tower company on A shift for many years. Lieutenant Slapa also earned his special operations certifications including Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, and Structural Collapse. He has also been instrumental in the department’s Vehicle & Equipment Team establishing specifications for new vehicle purchases and evaluating new equipment for the department. He also was awarded the Women’s Club Firefighter of the Year in 2012. Lakeland Welcomes New Firefighters By Janel Vasallo, MPH, Public Information/Education Officer The Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) is pleased to announce the hiring of thirteen new firefighters who began duty in February of this year. The new firefighters underwent the department’s month-long orientation program at the Lakeland Fire Department’s Training Center. Although all the new hires are certified firefighters, this training course is designed to teach the new firefighters how to do things the “Lakeland” way. Before being released to work in the field, they reviewed a full spectrum of practical skills they need to perform on the job, as well as emergency medical training. “Our hiring committee is confident that it selected the best available candidates and it’s comforting to know that the new firefighters joining our ranks are highly skilled and qualified to continue providing the high-quality emergency services our department is known for”, said Training Chief John Almskog, coordinator of the hiring effort and leader of the department’s four- week orientation program. LFD strives to have a fire department that is representative of the community it serves. The department is proud that of the thirteen new hires, five are U.S. Military veterans. Additionally, the group of new firefighters includes a female, Hispanic, and African American firefighter, respectively. The group of new firefighters even includes a former NFL football player. Hillsborough FF’s Fight for Air One Step at a Time By Myesha Johnson, Public Education Technician Tampa’s 2017 Fight for Air Climb took place on Saturday, March 11, at the Bank of America Plaza in downtown. Climbers were tasked with climbing 42 flights of stairs consisting of 914 steps. Team Hillsborough County Firefighters were 22 strong, with 15 climbing in full gear. The team placed second in team fundraising with $7,065. In total, The Climb raised $151,000 for the American Lung Association. The Villages Hosts The Braveheart Challenge By Jeffrey Day, Deputy Chief The Villages Public Safety Department in conjunction with The Villages Insurance held what could be an annual event for a firematics competition. Titled the “Braveheart Challenge”, the event was held on March 25 at one of The Villages Town Squares, Brownwood. The Villages Insurance orchestrated the name based on their founder Scott Robertson who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Scott was an avid firefighter at heart. Funds raised from the event will be used to fund the Scott Robertson Scholarship and will be presented to graduating high school seniors at The Villages Charter School. Three cadet teams from Clermont, Deltona and Zephyrhills competed in seven events, with Deltona coming out on top of the competition. Also on the schedule was a corporate challenge and kids’ area, giving all an opportunity to try their luck at connecting fire hose, spraying water and the infamous bucket brigade, just to name a few. The day also featured an extrication demo, Shands Care helicopter, both new and old fire trucks, and of course, “Sparky the Fire Dog.” Tampa Fire Rescue’s New Recruit Class By Jason A. Penny, Public Information Officer On March 24, 2017 Tampa Fire Rescue welcomed its newest recruit class at a swearing in ceremony. Pictured Front L-R: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Jamaal McRae, Kandi Kuder, Angeles (Angie) Farrulla, Shane Garvey, Jessie Gutierrez, Nicholas Stowers and Fire Chief Tom Forward Pictured Rear L-R: Jamison Hinds, Osley Benitez, Daniel Fanti, Jake Elliot, Lenton Meeks, Ashley Pownall and Michael Plate LeDuc Joins IAFC Board in Charlotte Ahead of FRI Broward County Sheriff Assistant Chief Todd LeDuc, joined the International Association of Fire Chief’s Safety, Health and Survival Sections Board of Directors in Charlotte, North Carolina, in advance of Fire Rescue International. The IAFC SHS Board was joined my IAFC Metro Chief Section Chair and Retired Charlotte Fire Department Luther Fincher, to kick off the vision and planning session. The efforts focused on continued efforts to reduce preventable line of duty injuries and deaths within the international fire service and enhance access to appropriate firefighter physicals.