FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE April 2018 36 HCFR - Paramedic Orientation By Jessica Coy, Public Relations Officer Providing quality medical care to our patients is a priority; Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is currently holding a three-week orientation for our employees moving from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to Paramedic. These 28 Firefighters have completed a year-long certification program with a local college and then obtained a state of Florida Paramedic certification. The orientation is a condensed version of the Paramedic program that focuses on HCFR medical protocol and standards of care. Newly promoted Fire Medics will learn in detail about patient care, EKG’s, and the medications we carry including when and why we would administer them to our patient. After completing the 120-hour orientation they move on to an apprenticeship program on a Rescue unit for 1944 hours which includes a training book and a series of tests. Congratulations on your next step of an exciting journey. Clermont Earns International Accreditation The Clermont Fire Department just became Lake County’s first department to earn the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. The coveted achievement is the gold standard among fire departments nationwide. Of the nearly 500 fire departments and stations in Florida, only 22 have earned accreditation. “We have been working on achieving accreditation for three years,” said Chief Carle Bishop. “It is an honor and recognition of the daily commitment our men and women bring to their mission of saving lives and property.” The final step of the accreditation process, which examined the department in 10 categories that included administration, training and competency, was held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on March 14. The process exhaustively looked at the fire department’s programs, resources and planning. The department also conducted internal and external focus groups assessing perceptions of the department’s service to the community. Clermont City Manager Darren Gray applauded the department’s big milestone and said accreditation emphasizes the city’s promise to provide exceptional service. “This accreditation provides tangible evidence to our citizens of what they already knew – that the Clermont Fire Department is second to none.” Captain Steve Laplante - 30 Years of Dedication By Tammy Hager, Office Administrator Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue said goodbye to Captain Steve Laplante on February 15, 2018, after 30 dedicated years of service. We wish Captain Laplante all the best during his much deserved retirement! Two New Fire Inspectors Promoted in Lakeland By Janel Vasallo, MPH, Public Information/Education Officer Congratulations to the department’s two newest Fire Inspectors, Rick Rinshed and Taylor Riley! Both were promoted in a ceremony held on January 4, 2018. They were joined by family, friends, colleagues, and City of Lakeland officials in the ceremony held to mark their transition into their new role. The role of Fire Inspector comes with immense responsibility, as they are the firefighters behind the scenes that ensure that safety is paramount in public places and among commercial properties in Lakeland. Thanks to their diligent work, catastrophic fires are prevented, and loss of life and property are averted. Rick Rinshed has been with the Lakeland Fire Department since January 2014, when he joined the department as a Firefighter/EMT. Prior to transitioning into the Fire Service, Rick worked as an Insurance Underwriter in the private sector for several years. Taylor Riley has been with the Lakeland Fire Department since September 2011 when he joined the department as a Firefighter/EMT. He was promoted to Driver Engineer in August of 2017, and served in that capacity until being promoted to Fire Inspector. Prior to working as a Firefighter at LFD, Taylor served as a Firefighter with Winter Haven Fire Rescue. Super-Sized Jacksonville Recruit Class Graduates By John Bracey, Community Affairs Officer The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department recently hired its largest recruit firefighter class in modern history. “Recruit Class 1-18” included 91 members. These probationary firefighters graduated in mid-February and are now assigned to field duty. Not since the late 1980s has JFRD hired a class this large. Titusville Fire & Emergency Services Training By Gregory G. Sutton, Battalion Chief - Training, PIO Eleven of our personnel finished the last of two classes (40 hrs. each) that now certify them as FLUSAR Rope Technicians. We are proud of those that stepped up to help enhance our capabilities for our citizens. We are excited to fully devel- op our rescue capabilities as it relates to rope rescue in the near future as we build our SOP’s, equipment and our response framework. Thanks to the great instructional staff at Eastern Florida State College (Seidel, Salter, Grimes, Jones) for shar- ing their expertise and making it an absolute blast at the same time. Their experience and professionalism was second to none. April 2018 FFS.QXD 4/10/18 2:01 PM Page 36