The Suppression Division is the oldest of the five with its roots dating back to 1957. And to date, the entire Division, from the Assistant Chief to the newest“ blue tip,” (probationary firefighter) is all volunteer members.

After 42 years, what has changed about suppression operations is the size and call volume. In 1957, the department operated a single fire truck out of small station located on Broward Boulevard near the Turnpike.

Today we operate six stations, with multiple engines in each station. We operate 19 pieces of apparatus including three aerial ladders, a dive/rescue-air support unit, a hazardous materials unit, a foam unit and several utility vehicles.

Each “first due” engine has extrication capabilities and carries the “Jaws of Life.” Two engines also carry the compressed air lift bags.

Last year the Suppression Division responded to more than 2,500 fire calls. While the majority were false alarms, many were still-structure fires, car fires, auto accidents, medical first responder and general service calls.

The Rescue Division is the youngest and fastest growing of all the divisions. We began providing rescue services in March of 1996, with two rescue units operating during the day and one at night. Each rescue unit was staffed with two paramedics and an EMT/Driver.

Today we operate four rescue units, 24 hours each day. They carry some of the most advanced life support equipment available and some of the best trained EMS personnel in the area. Our paramedics and EMTs provide medical care based upon the South Florida Regional EMS Protocols and train on the latest techniques and theories including specialized training in pediatrics, trauma care, airway management, stroke and acute coronary syndromes.

Our Rescue Division responds to more than 8,200 rescue calls each year and boasts an average response time - from receipt of the 911 call to arrival - of less than four minutes. Those are some of the fastest response times in the Country. And those rapid responses have played an important role in saving many lives.

Our Fire Prevention staff continues to take on the daunting task of keeping this City’s fire incidents to a minimum. With installations like the Broward Mall, the Fashion Mall and literally hundreds of restaurants and retail stores, the potential for large fires is tremendous. However, our prevention staff, which is comprised of full-time, part-time and volunteer inspectors, completes more than 7,500 commercial fire inspections each year, reviews more than 1,600 permits and ensures all fire codes are adhered to, resulting in one of the lowest property loss rates in South Florida.

The Department also employs three full-time mechanics and two maintenance specialists who specialize and work on only emergency vehicles. They are known as Emergency Vehicle Technicians (EVTs). Whether it rolls, pumps, extends, spins or flashes, our mechanics can fix it. It is through their untiring efforts that our vehicles remain on the road, responding to calls, rather than sitting in a yard somewhere waiting for parts.

Finally, and by no means least of all is our Administrative Staff. In the fire service, rank is symbolized by the number of “bugles” worn on the uniform. As the Chief, I wear five bugles and it is often said my support staff wears six. These dedicated, hard working administrators and clerical people keep the Fire Department running. Our support staff is always there with a smile, ready, willing and able to serve the public in the same spirit in which our other Divisions do.