FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE April 2018 34 New Command Staff at Pinellas Park By Suzanne Boisvert, Emergency Management Pinellas Park Fire Department has experienced tremendous growth and change this year. Our new leadership positions were filled through in-house promotions – a testament to the talent and experience that exists in the Pinellas Park Fire Department. Pinellas Park Fire Chief Brett Schlatterer manages a full-time 80-person fire and emergency services department for the City of Pinellas Park. He started in 1996 as a FF/paramedic, was promoted to lieutenant in 2005, and has served as district chief of training, district chief of B-shift, and deputy chief of operations. Chief Schlatterer was awarded Employee of the Year in 2015. Deputy Chief of Operations Rob Angell is second in command and supports the fire chief in the administration and daily operations of the fire department. Chief Angell started in 2004 as a FF/EMT and was reclassified a paramedic in 2008. He was Paramedic of the Year in 2011 and promoted to EMS Chief in 2014. Division Chief of EMS Alex Bowlby is responsible for training, policies and protocol for the EMS division. Chief Bowlby started in 2002 as a FF/paramedic and was promoted to lieutenant in 2016. He served in the US Navy from 1993-1998 and was awarded Paramedic of the Year in 2014. Division Chief of Training Mike Elder oversees continuing education and fire ground training for all fire personnel. He started in 1994 as a FF/paramedic and was promoted to lieutenant in 2002 and district chief of B-shift in 2011. Chief Elder was twice awarded Paramedic of the Year. District Chief of B-Shift Keith Ellis manages 21 first-responders and four fire stations. He started in 2000 as a FF/EMT and was promoted to lieutenant in 2013. Chief Ellis was awarded Employee of the Year in 2010. Daytona Beach Firefighters Instal Smoke Detectors By Sasha Staton, Community Relations/Emergency Preparedness Daytona Beach Firefighters along with volunteers from the Red Cross installed smoke detectors today in the neighborhood of Colonial Colony South. This neighborhood houses hundreds of manufactured homes who will definitely benefit from the smoke alarms that were installed in hopes of preventing fires and harm. Daytona Beach Fire Department partners with the Red Cross several times a year to target various Daytona Beach neighborhoods to provide smoke detectors to residents free of charge. Through a grant, the Red Cross is able to provide the smoke detectors that are equipped with 10 year battery, freeing residents up from worrying about changing the batteries each year. With the help of volunteers from Embry-Riddle’s Men’s Golf Team, the Firefighters and Red Cross were able to install a large number of smoke detectors today. SWFD Fire Chief Runs for Cancer Awareness By Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal/Public Information Officer On March 4, 2018 South Walton Fire District Fire Chief Rick Talbert ran in the 16th Annual Seaside Half Marathon. He wasn’t trying to place first or even finish in the top ten. No, he ran with a purpose... he ran with a mission. That mission was to bring awareness to an epidemic that is affecting the fire service. CANCER. Current studies have shown that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnoses and 14% higher risk of dying from Cancer compared to the general public. This battle is real and so is raising awareness and finding a cure. On that day, Chief Talbert ran for those men and women still on the front line. He ran for those fighting a diagnosis that has cut their career short and he ran for those that fought the good fight. It doesn’t matter where he finished in the race, because his support and commitment to The Mission of Firefighter Cancer Awareness and Prevention makes him a winner. Promotions, Hirings and Retirement at Cedar Hammock By Tammy Hager, Office Administrator It was an exciting February for Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue as we recognized 5 firefighters on their promotions, welcomed 9 new firefighters, and congratulated a long time Captain on his retirement. Lieutenant Brian Bartman was promoted to Captain Firefighter Chad Eibner was promoted to Lieutenant. Firefighter Austin Roehl was promoted to Lieutenant. Firefighter Kody Sallis was promoted to 2nd Class Firefighter. Firefighter Josh Moss was promoted to 2nd Class Firefighter. Welcome to our new firefighters: Drew Dirmeyer, Grady Griffin, Zach Hill, Taylor Clegg, Greg Howell, Devin Melcher, Sean Morrissey, Vincent Scaffedi, and Keith Adams. Congratulations to Captain Steve LaPlante on his retirement after 30 years of service. Bike Week MVA in Volusia County By Battalion Chief Rafael Del Valle A motor vehicle accident in the Samsula area of Volusia County involved two cars and six motorcycles, which were unoccupied and in a parking lot. One patient was entrapped in a vehicle. Three patients were treated and transported to hospitals. Volusia County Fire Rescue responded along with Volusia County EMS, Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. April 2018 FFS.QXD 4/10/18 2:00 PM Page 34