Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is an ISO Class 1 department and one of the largest fire departments in the State of Florida. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue provides

fire protection Fire protection is the study and practice of mitigating the unwanted effects of potentially destructive fires. It involves the study of the behaviour, compartmentalisation, suppression and investigation of fire and its related emergencies, as we ...

Advanced Life Support Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a set of life saving protocols and skills that extend basic life support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation (breathing). Components These include: * Tracheal in ...

emergency medical service Emergency medical services (EMS), also known as ambulance services or paramedic services, are emergency services that provide urgent pre-hospital treatment and stabilisation for serious illness and injuries and transport to definitive care. ...

technical rescue Technical rescue is the use of specialised tools and skills for rescue, including vehicle extrication, confined space rescue, rope rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse rescue, water rescue, and wilderness search and rescue. These often requi ...

, hazardous materials mitigation,

aircraft rescue and firefighting Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) is a type of firefighting that involves the emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue of passengers and crew of aircraft involved in aviation accidents and incidents. Airports with schedule ...

fire investigation Fire investigation, sometimes referred to as origin and cause investigation, is the analysis of fire-related incidents. After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the fire or explosion ...

, and 911 dispatching for

unincorporated Unincorporated may refer to: * Unincorporated area, land not governed by a local municipality * Unincorporated entity, a type of organization * Unincorporated territories of the United States, territories under U.S. jurisdiction, to which Congress ...

parts of

Palm Beach County Palm Beach County is a county located in the southeastern part of Florida and lies directly north of Broward County and Miami-Dade County. The county had a population of 1,492,191 as of the 2020 census, making it the third-most populous county ...

Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...

and 19 cities under contract.

History

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue was created on October 1, 1984, when the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution consolidating the existing fire districts in Palm Beach County. Prior to 1984 the following fire districts were in existence, covering mostly unincorporated Palm Beach County: * Jupiter-Tequesta * Juno Beach * Old Dixie * Military Park * Southwest * Trail Park * Reservation * Del Trail * Canal Point * Palm Beach International Airport

Chief Herman W. Brice Fire Rescue Complex

Named after the department's first Fire Chief, the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Administration and Training complex is a 40-acre complex that houses Fire-Rescue's Administrative offices, training areas, and an apparatus and support building. The complex, located at 405 Pike Road, includes multiple classrooms & conference rooms, a 6-story training tower, a -story Class A burn building, an emergency vehicle driving course, an extrication training area, Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) props, a 10-acre lake for drafting training, and a field of various full-scale liquefied petroleum (LP) gas props.

Structure

The department is made up of 8 battalions which contain anywhere from 3 to 9 fire stations: * Battalion 1: 7 stations: serving the north county area (Jupiter, Juno Beach, Lake Park, Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates). * Battalion 2: 9 stations: serving the western county area (Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Loxahatchee/Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves, Westlake). * Battalion 3: 7 stations: serving Lake Worth, Lantana, Manalapan, South Palm Beach, Lake Clarke Shores. * Battalion 4: 8 stations: serving suburban Boynton Beach, Suburban Delray Beach. * Battalion 5: 7 stations: serving suburban Boca Raton (Boca West, Loggers Run, Mission Bay, Sandalfoot Cove). * Battalion 7: 3 stations: serving the Glades area (Pahokee, Canal Point, Belle Glade, South Bay). * Battalion 9: 3 stations: Station 34, Station 81 (Palm Beach International Airport), and Trauma Hawk. * Battalion 10: 6 stations: serving unincorporated West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Palm Springs, Haverhill, Cloud Lake. Each Battalion is managed by a District Chief, who oversees all 3 shifts in his/her respective Battalion. At the shift level, each Battalion is supervised by a Battalion Chief and an EMS Captain. The department operates the following pieces of apparatus: * ALS Engines: 41 * ALS Squads: 2 *ALS Rescues: 51 *ALS Aerials: 6 *Tenders: 4 *Brush Trucks: 19 *Special Operations (Heavy Rescues): 2 *Airport Crash (ARFF): 4 *Helicopters: 2 *Light and Air: 1

Operations

Overview

The department is responsible for , providing services to almost 900,000 residents throughout the county. Along with the

unincorporated area An unincorporated area is a region that is not governed by a local municipal corporation. Widespread unincorporated communities and areas are a distinguishing feature of the United States and Canada. Most other countries of the world either have ...

s of the county, PBCFR provides services for Belle Glade, Cloud Lake, Glen Ridge, Haverhill, Juno Beach,

Jupiter Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the Solar System. It is a gas giant with a mass more than two and a half times that of all the other planets in the Solar System combined, but slightly less than one-thousandth t ...

Lake Clarke Shores Lake Clarke Shores is a town in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. Located in the east-central portion of the county, the town is situated just west of the south end of West Palm Beach, north and west of the north end of Lake Worth Beach, ...

, Lake Park, Lake Worth Beach,

Lantana ''Lantana'' () is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa but exist as an introduced species in numerous areas, especially in ...

, Loxahatchee Groves, Manalapan, Pahokee,

Palm Springs Palm Springs (Cahuilla: ''Séc-he'') is a desert resort city in Riverside County, California, United States, within the Colorado Desert's Coachella Valley. The city covers approximately , making it the largest city in Riverside County by land ...

Royal Palm Beach Royal Palm Beach is a village in southeast Florida, located within Palm Beach County. The population was measured at 34,140 in the 2010 census. It is part of the Miami Metropolitan Area. Despite its name, the village is located approximately fift ...

, South Bay, South Palm Beach,

Wellington Wellington ( mi, Te Whanganui-a-Tara or ) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the second-largest city in New Zealand by metr ...

and Westlake. All line personnel are either dual-certified Firefighter/ EMT's or Firefighter/

Paramedics A paramedic is a registered healthcare professional who works autonomously across a range of health and care settings and may specialise in clinical practice, as well as in education, leadership, and research. Not all ambulance personnel are p ...

. All Engine Companies, Squad Companies, Truck Companies, Ladder Companies, and Rescue Companies are Advanced Life Support (ALS) units, which means that they are staffed daily with

. The department's daily minimum staffing is 325 Firefighters. Apparatus Types: *Engine Companies:

Pumpers A fire engine (also known in some places as a fire truck or fire lorry) is a road vehicle (usually a truck) that functions as a firefighting apparatus. The primary purposes of a fire engine include transporting firefighters and water to an ...

that carry 750–1,000 gallons of water, firefighting equipment, and medical equipment. *Ladder Companies: Conventional (Straight-Stick) Quints that carry approximately 500 gallons of water, firefighting equipment, and medical equipment. *Truck Companies:

Platform Platform may refer to: Technology * Computing platform, a framework on which applications may be run * Platform game, a genre of video games * Car platform, a set of components shared by several vehicle models * Weapons platform, a system or ...

(Tower-Ladder) Quints that carry approximately 500 gallons of water, firefighting equipment, and medical equipment. *Squad Companies:

that carry 750 gallons of water, firefighting equipment, medical equipment, and technical rescue equipment. *Rescue Companies: Medical Transport units that carry firefighting equipment and medical equipment. *Tenders: Pumper Tankers that carry 3,000 gallons of water and firefighting equipment. *Special Operations units: Heavy Rescues that carry Dive Rescue,

Technical Rescue Technical rescue is the use of specialised tools and skills for rescue, including vehicle extrication, confined space rescue, rope rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse rescue, water rescue, and wilderness search and rescue. These often requi ...

, and

HazMat Dangerous goods, abbreviated DG, are substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Certain dangerous goods that pose risks even when not being transported are known as hazardous materials ( syllabi ...

response equipment. *Brush trucks: Wildland Pumpers that carry up to 750 gallons of water and firefighting equipment. *Dragons: ARFF Pumpers that carry foam and 3,000 gallons of water and firefighting equipment.

Special Operations

The department has two Special Operations apparatus, located at stations 19 and 34. These multipurpose units function as Heavy Rescues, HazMat units, and Mobile Command Centers on extended operations. Members of Special Operations are responsible for

Hazardous Materials Dangerous goods, abbreviated DG, are substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Certain dangerous goods that pose risks even when not being transported are known as hazardous materials ( syllab ...

(HazMat), Dive Rescue,

Confined Space Rescue Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue operations that involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as underground vaults, storage silos, stora ...

, and High Angle Rescue response, and they assist the Sheriff's Office's

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bomb disposal is an explosives engineering profession using the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. ''Bomb disposal'' is an all-encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the milit ...

Team. Many members are also trained in

Trench Rescue Trench rescue is a specialized form of rescue, a subset of confined space rescue. Trench rescue involves shoring up the sides of a trench, and digging a trapped worker out of a collapsed ditch. Trench rescue is one of the most dangerous rescue oper ...

, Structural Collapse Rescue, and Vehicle Machinery Rescue (VMR). Each Special Operations station houses a Squad, a

Rescue Rescue comprises responsive operations that usually involve the saving of life, or the urgent treatment of injuries after an accident or a dangerous situation. Tools used might include search and rescue dogs, mounted search and rescue ...

, and a Heavy Rescue. Station 34, which is the headquarters for Battalion 9, also houses the Special Operations Battalion Chief, the Special Operations EMS Captain, and the Heavy Rescue Equipment vehicle, TRT 34.

Aerial Operations

All

Ladder A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps used for climbing or descending. There are two types: rigid ladders that are self-supporting or that may be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rollable ladders, such ...

and

Truck A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame constructi ...

companies are Quints that incorporate ladder capabilities along with

pumper A fire engine (also known in some places as a fire truck or fire lorry) is a road vehicle (usually a truck) that functions as a firefighting apparatus. The primary purposes of a fire engine include transporting firefighters and water to an ...

functions. These aerials carry

Rope Rescue Rope rescue is a subset of technical rescue that involves the use of rope, be it steel or cable rope, or more commonly used nylon, polyester, or other type of rope. Kernmantle (kern = core and mantle = sheath) rope as it is called, is available ...

equipment, a large complement of saws, vehicle stabilization equipment, air lift bags, and assorted pneumatic and electrical tools that are not carried by

Engine An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one or more forms of energy into mechanical energy. Available energy sources include potential energy (e.g. energy of the Earth's gravitational field as exploited in hydroelectric power ...

companies. All personnel assigned full-time to aerial stations are certified at a minimum in

operations and Aerial operations. Personnel assigned full-time to station 57 (Boca Raton) and station 73 (Belle Glade) are also certified Rescue Divers. Aside from

Special Operations Special operations (S.O.) are military activities conducted, according to NATO, by "specially designated, organized, selected, trained, and equipped forces using unconventional techniques and modes of employment". Special operations may include ...

, these are the only 2 stations in the department with regional Dive Rescue teams.

Airport Operations

The PBCFR is responsible for providing

for the

Palm Beach International Airport Palm Beach International Airport is a public airport in Palm Beach County, Florida, located just west of the city of West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, which it serves as the primary airport for. It is also the primary airport for most o ...

, one the 50 busiest

airport An airport is an aerodrome with extended facilities, mostly for commercial air transport. Airports usually consists of a landing area, which comprises an aerially accessible open space including at least one operationally active surfa ...

s in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

. The station which is located near the center of the airport grounds, is home to 13 pieces of specialized fire fighting equipment. These apparatus include: * An air stair which allows for assistance in deplaning in an emergency. * Four

Airport crash tender An airport crash tender (known in some countries as an airport fire appliance) is a specialised fire engine designed for use in aircraft rescue and firefighting at aerodromes, airports, and military air bases. Description Airport crash tenders ...

s that go by the call sign ''Dragon'' (Dragon 1, Dragon 2, etc.). * A foam unit that carries Purple-K concentrate to assist with extinguishing a fire. * A

heavy rescue vehicle A rescue vehicle is a specialised vehicle used in technical rescue. It is designed to transport and provide the specialized equipment necessary for technical rescue. They carry an array of special equipment such as the jaws of life, wooden cri ...

that carries additional tools for a

plane crash An aviation accident is defined by the Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 13 as an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft, which takes place from the time any person boards the aircraft with the ''intention of fl ...

and other

mass-casualty incident A mass casualty incident (often shortened to MCI) describes an incident in which emergency medical services resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties. For example, an incident where a ...

Trauma Hawk

The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue partners with the Palm Beach County Health Care District to operate the Trauma Hawk Aero-Medical Program. The Trauma Hawk program, established in November 1990, replaced the use of

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Palm most commonly refers to: * Palm of the hand, the central region of the front of the hand * Palm plants, of family Arecaceae **List of Arecaceae genera * Several other plants known as "palm" Palm or Palms may also refer to: Music * Palm (ba ...

helicopters to

medevac Medical evacuation, often shortened to medevac or medivac, is the timely and efficient movement and en route care provided by medical personnel to wounded being evacuated from a battlefield, to injured patients being evacuated from the scene of a ...

critically injured patients to area hospitals. At the Trauma Hawk Station, located at the south west corner of

, the department has two Sikorsky S-76C helicopters. The

air ambulance Air medical services is a comprehensive term covering the use of air transportation, aeroplane or helicopter, to move patients to and from healthcare facilities and accident scenes. Personnel provide comprehensive prehospital and emergency and cri ...

s are identically equipped and can carry two patients each and up to four medical attendants if needed. Each helicopter is staffed with a pilot, a registered nurse (RN) and a

paramedic A paramedic is a registered healthcare professional who works autonomously across a range of health and care settings and may specialise in clinical practice, as well as in education, leadership, and research. Not all ambulance personnel are p ...

. The nurses and paramedics are Palm Beach County Fire Rescue employees while the pilots are Health Care District employees.

Support Services

Training & Safety Division

The Training & Safety Division is responsible for the training and education of new Recruit Firefighters, existing Firefighters, and support personnel. Areas of training include: * Recruit Academy: All newly hired firefighters attend a recruit academy, consisting of fire and EMS training, before working in the field. * Company/Fire Officer Training: Officer Development Academies (ODAs) provide new Lieutenants, Captains, and Chief Officers with essential job knowledge and skills to effectively operate in their new supervisory positions. * Driver Operator Training: Driver Candidate School (DCS) provides the basic fundamental knowledge and skills to operate pumping apparatus. Additional training classes to operate specialized apparatus are also offered. * EMS Training: Annual EMT & Paramedic training covers basic and advanced medical skills (i.e. Airway Management, EKG Interpretation, Medication Administration) and Regional Protocol reviews. * Fire Training: Annual firefighter training includes Live-Burn, Search, Safety & Survival, Fire Suppression, Forcible Entry, and Ventilation training. * Specialty Training: Specialty units receive continuing training in Hazardous Materials (HazMat), Dive Rescue, and Technical Rescue / USAR.

Dispatch

In the 1980s, Palm Beach County became the second in the nation to implement enhanced 911 phone system, which provided critical information regarding the location of the emergency. The dispatch center, known as the Alarm Office, processes all incoming calls and operates multiple radio channels. In addition to a staff of over 40 communications personnel, trainers, and dispatch supervisors, a Fire Operations Officer (FOO) is assigned to the Alarm Office at all times. The purpose of the FOO is to provide technical assistance to dispatch during multi-company operations. The department also provides dispatch services for 13 municipalities: Atlantis, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Gulf Stream, Highland Beach, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach, Tequesta and West Palm Beach.

Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosive Investigations

Working under the Office of the Fire Marshal, the fire/arson investigators are responsible for investigating the cause & origin of fire/explosion scenes, preserving scenes, and collecting evidence. The investigators respond to all areas that are serviced by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, in addition to, those areas serviced by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. The investigators are sworn law enforcement officers, which gives them the ability to make arrests, carry firearms, and present cases to the State Attorney's office for prosecution of any bomb/fire/arson crimes. Investigators are also members of the Palm Beach County Bomb/Arson Task Force and are all professionally qualified to provide expert witness testimony in both criminal and civil cases.

Stations and apparatus

Gallery

File:Traumahawk 1.JPG, Trauma Hawk 1 at its hangar at

File:Rescue 28 of PBCFR.JPG, Spare 2004 Freightliner/American LaFrance File:Brush 28 of PBCFR.jpg, Brush 28, an off-road vehicle for clearing roads after hurricanes, drafting, and fighting brush and wildfires. File:West Palm Beach Ambulance.jpg, Rescue 53 File:QUINT 29 of PBCFR.jpg, Old Truck 29 extinguishing a house fire File:St33-1990-1d.jpg, Station 33, serving

West Palm Beach West or Occident is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from east and is the direction in which the Sun sets on the Earth. Etymology The word "west" is a Germanic word passed into some R ...

File:PBCFR Station 52.JPG, Station 52, serving Boca Raton File:PBCFR Station 47.JPG, Station 47, serving Boynton Beach

References

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