Fire Rescue (2024)

Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is a career fire department serving approximately 284,000 residents over 962 square miles with a team of 364 personnel, including 330 uniformed members. The department operates from 17 stations and responded to 49,744 calls for service in FY23.

Operational Structure

• Divisions: The Fire Resue Operations is divided into threee division, each led by an Assistant Chief.
• Battalion Chiefs: 10
• Suppression Lieutenants: 44
• Rescue Lieutenants: 26
• Driver Operators: 42
• Firefighters: 172
• Peak Load Division: Led by one of the Battalion Chief with 12 Paramedics and 11 EMTs

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Additional Resources/Personell

• Fire Prevention Bureau: Led by a Fire Prevention Division Chief with 4 Fire Prevention Officers
• Health & Safety; Captain
• Recruitment and Public Education; Captain
• EMS Special Operations; Captain
• Mobile Integrated Health Team; Captain and 4 staff members

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• • 
  • Karem Scott-Kotb
  • Assistant Chief-​Professional Standards Division
  • kscottkotb@alachuacounty.us​
    
• • 
  • Misty Woods
  • Assistant Chief-Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS)
  • mwoods@alachuacounty.us
• • 
  • Michael Cowart
  • Assistant Chief-Fire Division​
    
  • mcowart@alachuacounty.us​

The Fiscal Office is responsible for Fire Rescue’s annual budget development and management, all purchasing functions, expenditure monitoring, grant and contract coordination and administration, accounts payable, payroll functions, and personnel coordination. We also process and manage the department’s data analysis, for example, the tracking of responses, incidents, response times, etc.

The Information and Technology (IT) Office is responsible for all technical support of hardware and software programs within the department. The staff provides round-the-clock support for over 150 computers and laptops, specialized EMS and Fire applications, database management and query, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) mobile management, and EMS/Fire reporting management.

ACFR’s Central Supply Warehouse (CSW) is responsible for the selection, procurement, warehousing, issuing and tracking of all equipment and supplies for ACFR. CSW coordinates the purchasing requests and manages inventory control for over 800 stock items – everything from paper towels, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and capital equipment.

This sectionis currently under construction please be patient.

For more information please go to http://alachuacounty.us/Depts/EM/Pages/EM.aspx

Mission of the 9-1-1 Office

The primary mission of the 9-1-1 Office is to:
• Provide the resources to locate the caller to 9-1-1
• Assess potential 9-1-1 service interruptions and initiate those actions necessary to mitigate the impact
• Stay abreast of technological advances in 9-1-1 services
• Provide addressing services

The 9-1-1 Office maintains the map data that is used by 9-1-1 Operators when answering an emergency call. Accurate data ensures the location information that appears with the telephone number is the location of the caller and allows for the quick and accurate dispatch of emergency services. Currently, 9-1-1 relies on both traditional databases and GIS (spatially enabled) databases.

Locating an incident is essential for the efficient delivery of emergency services. Time lost to emergency crews attempting to locate a confusing or improperly addressed structure, or an address which is not properly posted, can have disastrous consequences. To ensure that address assignments are made to adhere with a 9-1-1 standard, the 9-1-1 Office provides address assignment, verification, and correction services for all of Alachua County. To inquire about an address use the following link: addressing@alachuacounty.us. A representative from the 9-1-1 Office will contact you. To inquire about 9-1-1 services, the same link may be used.

The 9-1-1 Office continually strives to provide the citizens of Alachua County with the best available 9-1-1 system. Our approach to locating a caller to 9-1-1 is comprehensive from ensuring that 9-1-1 Operators have up-to-date, well-functioning equipment, to making sure a structure is assigned a standards based 9-1-1 address. With all of the behind the scenes data maintenance, we consistently work to improve and refine our systems and processes so that Alachua County can rely on the best available 9-1-1 system for its emergency services.

The 9-1-1 Office is funded by the Emergency Communications Number 9-1-1 System Fund. 9-1-1 funds are generated from a fee levied on telephone subscribers, $.40 per month per line, under Florida Statute 365.172 and may only be used for 9-1-1 purposes.

Seeking 9-1-1 Services in Alachua County When Calling From Out of County or Out of State

If possible, determine what city, municipality or college campus the services are needed at.

If unknown, call the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 352-955-1818. The Sheriff’s Office has the resources to attempt to locate the location where emergency services are needed

• If you know the location where emergency services (law enforcement, fire, emergency medical) are needed, select from the below list of public safety services in Alachua County:
• Alachua County Sheriff’s Office:352-955-1818
• University of Florida (UF) Police:352-392-1111
• City of Alachua Police:386-418-6100
• City of High Springs Police:352-955-1818
• Santa Fe College Police:352-395-5519
• Emergency medical services:352-955-1818

The Revenue and Collections Section is responsible for the administration of the emergency medical services (EMS) billing and collection services for the Alachua County fee schedule, as well as for fire inspections performed by the Life Safety Branch. In addition, the Revenue and Collections Section schedules and coordinates operational needs for long-distance ambulance transfers to locations out of Alachua County.

In April 2015, Alachua County entered into an interlocal agreement to provide EMS billing and collection services for Bradford County Fire Rescue. The Revenue and Collections Section is responsible for the administration of the services for this agreement, which has proved to be a successful collaboration for both counties.

The services provided by the Revenue and Collections Section put Alachua County among the industry leaders for revenue cycle management and EMS collections strategies, yielding higher than average EMS collection rates. By utilizing some of the latest healthcare technology and practices for identifying third-party coverage, revenue can be maximized from third-party insurance carriers and minimized from General Fund subsidy for emergency medical services.

The Fire Division is led by Assistant Chief Michael Cowart with the assistance of Battalion Chiefs who supervise multiple stations during their assigned 24-hour shift. The division utilizes 10 Fire Engines, 1 Heavy Rescue, and 1 Quint. All units are Advanced Life Support (ALS) and staffed with a Lieutenant, Driver Operator and 1 to 2 Firefighters. These units are in service 24-hours a day, seven days a week to answer any and all calls for service.

The Department provides fire suppression and first response ALS service in the unincorporated area and is the primary provider of services within the cities of Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, Micanopy, and Waldo. All residences and businesses within 5-road miles of a county fire station enjoy an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protective Classification rating of three (3).

The County has response agreements with fire departments operated by the cities of Gainesville, LaCrosse, High Springs, and Newberry for fire suppression and first response emergency medical services. These agreements ensure that the citizens and visitors of Alachua County receive the quickest response to emergent services regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. The County also has agreements with Cross Creek, Melrose, and Windsor fire departments that are located within the rural areas of unincorporated Alachua County.

The Department maintains the deployment of water tenders and brush trucks throughout Alachua County. In 2017, the County received a Hauled Water Certification which extends an improved ISO PPC rating of (3x) to all structures located within 5 miles of a County Fire Station, regardless of hydrant location. This certification results in reduced cost for homeowners’ insurance to over 7,000 property owners.

Soon, the department is pursuing recognition for its Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) by joining the states regional response team, Task Force 8. This is one of many specialized teams located within the Department. Others include:

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• Cadet Team
• Honor Guard
• Mutual Aid Radio Communication (MARC) Team
• Recruitment and Mentoring Program (RAMP) Team
• SWAT Medic Team
• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team
• Wildland Fire Team
  

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The EMS Division provides pre-hospital Advance Life Support emergency medical care and transport services 24-hours a day, seven days a week through the deployment of sixteen (16) 24-hour rescue units and 5 Critical Care Peak load units working 13-hour days strategically located in the County. Each rescue unit is staffed with at least 1 Paramedic and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In FY23, these units were dispatched to 45,239 incidents accounting for nearly 35,000 patient transports to local hospitals. Rescue units are stocked with state-of-the-art medical equipment and lifesaving medication. The department also provides EMS coverage at all large-scale community events (Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, O’Connell Center, Gator Nationals, etc.), and technical and specialized rescue service.

In partnership with UF Health, the division placed the first Mobile Stroke Transport Unit in service in the State of Florida. This unit responds to patients exhibiting stroke symptoms, providing definitive diagnosis in the field through a CT scanner located on the truck and telemedicine consultations with neurosurgeons. Patients receive lifesaving thrombolytic medication for clots or are transported directly to a neurosurgeon's operating room for hemorrhagic strokes. This advanced service significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of stroke treatment, improving outcomes for patients in critical conditions.

ACFR’s Health & Safety Division supports Fire/EMS staff ensuring the health and safety of all departmental staff. The division is responsible for maintaining all employee records concerning exposures, immunizations, and physicals, working with County Risk management. The department’s respiratory fit testing and records for all respiratory equipment is maintained by the division. The assigned Captain investigates all accidents (employee, vehicle, station, etc...) and makes recommendations to prevent further occurrences. The Health & Safety Captain also ensures Department compliance with protective air standards and emergency operations along with our personnel accountability system for on-scene operations. The coordination of the Departmental Safety Committee and all other regulatory requirements required by Florida Statute is handled by the Health and Safety Division.

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The Professional Standards Division ensures that ACFR and its employees are prepared to effectively meet both current and future challenges as our community grows. This starts with recruiting candidates for employment and overseeing the onboarding process to ensure new employees are adequately prepared, developed, supervised, and evaluated to meet community expectations. We maintain employee files, including training records, copies of licensure/professional credentials, and other required materials as mandated by State Statute.

Lieutenants assigned to training roles provide and coordinate instruction on new techniques in emergency medical procedures, rescue practices, and fire prevention and suppression. They are responsible for reviewing and instructing personnel on all equipment. Additionally, they offer continuing education opportunities for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics to maintain required certifications. The Professional Standards Division regularly reviews and adjusts our promotional testing processes to accurately reflect the evolving expectations and contexts that shape the profession's work.

The department actively engages with individuals interested in the fire service industry through connections with private and public educational institutions and participation in job fairs. The Professional Standards Division manages recruitment and provides Fire and EMT School scholarships to employees hired as Trainees. Additionally, the Division oversees a comprehensive Cadet program, which allows young people aged 14-20 to participate in a youth firefighter program.

The department places a high priority on training for employee development and retention. In FY24, the ACFR Training Complex opened with a 5,000 square foot educational facility that includes a large classroom space, breakout rooms, and a simulation lab. Next year, the complex will begin construction on a 6-story fire training tower. Each year, employees are financially sponsored to attend Paramedic School, Critical Care School, Urban Search and Rescue classes, and various conferences. Additionally, employees are eligible to receive up to $1,600 per year in reimbursem*nt for college-level courses and $500 per year for fire industry-related technical classes of their choice.

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The department also hosts and sponsors in-house classes at no charge to employees each year. The Professional Standards Division also oversees the ISO (Insurance Service Office) compliance program for Alachua County. This nationwide fire service rating system is used by insurance companies to determine rates. While many factors determine a fire department's rating, documentation of training hours, hydrant inspections, and equipment testing are significant parts of the inspection.

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The County Fire Marshal (CFM) oversees the areas of Fire Prevention, Arson Investigation, and Department Internal Investigations. The Fire Prevention Office activities include annual fire safety inspections for all public, private and charter schools, day care centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, Alachua County facilities, and medical facilities as required for the renewal of their State license. Fire and life safety inspections are also performed on commercial occupancies.

The Plans Inspection/Review program, which is mandated by State Statute, provides for the review of all architectural drawings for new commercial construction in Alachua County. The review includes the fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, and pre-engineered suppression systems. In conjunction with the State Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, the CFM conducts arson investigations for incidents in the unincorporated area and within the cities of Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, and Waldo.

The Fire Marshal is also assigned the function of Internal Investigations, which is responsible for conducting investigations of received complaints (internal and external). The Fire Marshal’s investigation process and reports are critical to appropriate resolution and disposition of each complaint.