Seminole County Fire Department To Host Free Grandparent Safety Class
In honor of Grandparents Day in September, the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) encourages everyone to #DoSomethingGrand, and what better way to do that than helping grandparents feel prepared to keep their grandchildren safe? SCFD will host a free Grandparent Safety Class on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Seminole County Public Safety Building, located at 150 Eslinger Way in Sanford. Community Outreach personnel and Firefighter/Paramedics will provide grandparents with
Seminole County Fire Department Places New Specialized Rescue Squad into Service
The Seminole County Fire Department recently placed its new Squad 2 into service during a traditional push-in ceremony at Fire Station 35, marking the arrival of the department's fourth-generation heavy rescue apparatus and a significant investment in specialized emergency response. The new Squad 2 is a $1.7 million, state-of-the-art apparatus equipped with thousands of pieces of specialized equipment used to respond to some of Seminole County's most challenging emergencies. Often described as a
Seminole County Fire Department Empowers Future Caregivers Through Seminole Safe Sitter® Program
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) is helping prepare the next generation of responsible caregivers through its Seminole Safe Sitter® Course with CPR Certification, a nationally recognized program designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to care for children safely and responsibly. In partnership with Safe Sitter®, SCFD offers a comprehensive one-day course for young people from the ages 11 to 14 that covers everything from childcare basics and behavior management to
Sharon Gregory of the Seminole County Fire Department Designated as Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor
The National Child Passenger Safety Certification program recently designated Seminole County Fire Department Public Safety Specialist Sharon Gregory as one of only eight new Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructors (CPST-I) in Florida. Gregory is currently the only CPST Instructor in Seminole County, and only 45 percent of Florida counties currently have a CPST Instructor. Statewide, there are fewer than 100 CPST Instructors. In her new role, Gregory is qualified to train and certify new
Seminole County FD's Community Paramedicine Program Named Program of the Year at National Health Summit
The Seminole County Fire Department’s (SCFD) Community Paramedicine Program has been named “Program of the Year” at the Atrium Health Mobile Integrated Health & Community Paramedicine Conference in Chicago. The annual national conference brings together frontline healthcare professionals, public safety agencies, and hospital-at-home programs from across the country. SCFD’s program was selected from more than 80 submissions nationwide in recognition of its strong commitment to community health,
Red Cross Honors Seminole County Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Martin As First Responder Hero
The American Red Cross Central Florida Coast Chapter recently honored Seminole County Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Martin during its 2nd Annual Great Orlando Salute to Heroes Breakfast. Martin, a former UCF and NFL player, was recognized with a First Responder Hero Award for his courage, compassion and dedication to pediatric drowning prevention efforts that embody the mission of the American Red Cross. He earned the recognition for his commitment to drowning prevention education and
Seminole County Fire Department Honors Lifesaving Actions of a Dentist Who Saved Man After Cardiac Arrest on Pickleball Court
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) recently honored a local dentist and several firefighters for their lifesaving actions that helped save the life of Sanford resident Jeff Kotkin following a sudden cardiac arrest during a neighborhood pickleball game. The ceremony at Fire Station 34 recognized the “Chain of Survival” that led to Kotkin’s remarkable recovery and featured an emotional reunification between Kotkin, the first responders who treated him and the bystander who immediately stepped in
Seminole County Fire Department Reaccredited As “Gold Standard” By The Commission On Accreditation Of Ambulance Services
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) was recently awarded the “Gold Standard” by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). The Department earned a perfect score from the evaluators. This is the fifth time SCFD has been CAAS re-accredited, and the Department was first accredited in 2011. There are only 34 fire departments in the United States that are CAAS accredited. In total, there are 189 CAAS accredited agencies in the United States (including private, public, fire
Seminole County Commissioners Approve Next Step for Proposed Indoor Sports Complex
The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward with the next phase of planning and development for a proposed regional indoor sports complex near the Boombah Sports Complex and Orlando Sanford International Airport. The action authorizes County staff to proceed with soliciting architectural, engineering, and construction management services for the project, while also continuing discussions related to potential land acquisitions surrounding the proposed
Seminole County Announces 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
The Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the induction class of 2026. These six individuals are recognized for their impact across the local sports world as an athlete or through coaching, sportscasting, or refereeing. The inductees will be honored on Wednesday, May 13, at Lake Mary High School during the annual Seminole County High School Night of Champions ceremony. Members of the public are invited to attend and celebrate this year’s honorees. Learn more about the Seminole
Burn Ban Now In Effect Across Seminole County
Burn Ban is now in effect across Seminole County, prohibiting the ignition and burning of open fires. Under Seminole County Code (Section 85.24), a Burn Ban is enacted when the drought index, known as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), reaches or exceeds 500 and no measurable rainfall is expected in the near future. Based on these conditions, the Burn Ban went into effect on April 24, 2026. The purpose of the Burn Ban is to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect lives and property
Seminole County Launches 2026 Citizen's Academy
Seminole County invites residents to take a closer look at how local government works through the 2026 Citizen’s Academy, a six-part event series designed to provide a clear, hands-on understanding of County services and operations. As conversations continue regarding property taxes and government funding, the Citizen’s Academy offers residents an opportunity to better understand how local decisions impact daily life—and how County services are delivered efficiently and responsibly. Now in its
Seminole County FD Breaks Ground on New Home for Fire Station 25 in Casselberry
Seminole County officials, City of Casselberry officials and community partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) Fire Station 25, a modern facility that will enhance emergency response capabilities in the Casselberry and Fern Park areas. The new Fire Station 25 – located at U.S. 1792 on Wilshire Drive adjacent to the Citty of Casselberry Police Department – will replace the current station that is one mile away on 1055 Red Bug Lake Road in
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OCA, USTA Florida and Seminole County Launch Tennis Program for Neurodivergent Individuals
Tennis has proven to be a sport that anyone can participate in with a racket and a ball. It brings people together, encouraging physical activity, building self-confidence and fostering social connections.This month, OCA, a local nonprofit helping neurodivergent individuals from two – 65 years of age, is launching a new tennis program in partnership with USTA Florida and Seminole County Government.“Tennis is a lifelong skill that can be adapted to a variety of ability levels, making it an ideal fit for
Seminole County To Host Inaugural All American Challenge And Training Camp
Firefighters from across the country will converge on Seminole County, Florida April 1-4 for the inaugural All American Challenge and Training Camp, a preseason event in the TFT® Firefighter Challenge Championship Series. Deemed by ESPN as “the toughest two minutes in sports,” the Firefighter Challenge tests the strength, endurance and technical skills required in real-life emergency response. Challenge competitor and SCFD firefighter Siena Barkan Competitors race through the LION® Arena of the
Seminole County Fire Department Celebrates Grand Opening Of Station 39 In Northwest Area Of The County
Seminole County celebrated the official grand opening of Fire Station 39, expanding fire rescue coverage for the growing northwest area of the County. Located at 5639 First St. in Sanford, the new station will enhance emergency response for residents and businesses in the surrounding community. The Seminole County Fire Department’s 21st fire station is expected to improve response times by more than two minutes in large portions of the service area, and by more than one minute across most of the area.
Seminole County Fire Department Recognized for Excellence in Pediatric Emergency Care
Approximately 7 percent of all Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) emergency medical services calls involve pediatric patients. To ensure the highest level of care for children in emergencies, SCFD maintains a strong focus on pediatric preparedness through specialized equipment, advanced training, and rigorous standards. In recognition of these efforts, the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP) has recognized SCFD with its PEDReady Gold-Tier designation. The
Seminole County Fire Dept. Earns International Recognition for Dispatch Excellence: ACE Accreditation
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) announced its Emergency Communications Center has received Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). The ACE accreditation is the highest recognition awarded to emergency communications centers and reflects SCFD’s commitment to delivering the highest quality emergency call-taking and dispatch services to the community. The designation is granted only to agencies that demonstrate
Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations for Class of 2026
The Seminole County Sports Hall of Fame Committee is accepting nominations for the 2026 recognition class of male and female athletes and contributors now through Friday, February 27, 2026. AWARDS GIVEN:•ATHLETE: Current/former residents (at least 35 years old) who attained excellence in athletics in Seminole County.• CONTRIBUTOR: Coaches, officials, administrators, financial supporters, or members of the media who contributed to athletics in Seminole County.• LEGACY: Athletes or contributors who were
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Seminole County Fire Department Celebrates Graduating Class 25-02
Recently the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) celebrated the addition of 18 new recruits as part of Class 2025-02. The ceremony was held at CrossLife Church in Oviedo and led by Fire Chief Matt Kinley. At least half of the new graduates grew up in or currently live in Seminole County and are now fully prepared to serve their community as probationary firefighters with the Department. Many of the recruits graduated from Seminole State in Fire Standards. SCFD requires a 9-week training before entering
Commissioner Herr Elected to Chair Seminole County Commission
Seminole County Commissioner Andria Herr was elected Tuesday by her fellow Commissioners to serve as Chairman of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners for 2026. Commissioner Herr, who represents District 5, was first elected to the Board in 2020. She brings extensive experience with executive level leadership in multiple organizations as well as nonprofit leadership, community engagement, including service on the Board of Directors for the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner Herr
Seminole High School Counselor Honored for Supporting Career Program: “Informed About the Uniform”
Since 2022, Seminole County Public Schools’ (SCPS) ePathways program— in partnership with the Seminole County Fire Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. military branches—has hosted Informed About the Uniform, a hands-on career education initiative at every Seminole County public high school. Recently, the program partners presented Emelda Lovett, Lead Counselor at Seminole High School, with the 2025 Champion of Career Opportunities Award for her leadership and dedication in
Another Shot at Life: HCA Nurse Grateful to Be Alive After Suffering Cardiac Arrest on Basketball Court
Every Wednesday night, 32-year-old HCA nurse Randy Rahming joins friends for a basketball game at Forest Lake Academy. On June 4, 2025, the game began like any other—until Rahming suddenly collapsed on the court after making a basket and going into cardiac arrest. Fellow players, two who were both medical professionals, immediately sprang into action. Dr. Matthew Daulley, an emergency physician at AdventHealth and Sy Gilmore, began hands-only CPR while Ronaldo Green, a physician assistant at Orlando
Seminole County Responds to State CFO’s Misleading Budget Claims
After five days without a response from Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia to the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners’ formal correspondence, Seminole County leaders are taking their concerns directly to the public. “Our residents deserve transparency. They deserve to know that their tax dollars are being managed responsibly,” said Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jay Zembower. “We are no longer waiting for a reply from the CFO’s office. Today, we are
Service Dogs Train with Seminole County Fire to Familiarize with First Response Sights and Sounds
The Seminole County Fire Department recently welcomed service dogs in training and their handlers from DUO (Do Unto Others) Assistance Dogs to Fire Station 27 for a unique training experience. During the visit, firefighters partnered with the organization to help desensitize the dogs to the sights, sounds, and activities common in emergency response. Firefighter Evan Dentz demonstrated by donning full bunker gear and breathing apparatus, while the dogs and their trainers became familiar with
