10/28/21 @ 9:00 p.m. - If you're looking for another Halloween event this weekend, Nassau County Fire Rescue Local 3101 is hosting the 2021 Pumpkin Bucket Extravaganza Saturday, October 30th from 9am - 12pm at West Nassau High School. Kids can decorate their own Halloween bucket and trick or treat at the fire trucks. All buckets and decorating kit will be provided.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Nassau County Fire Rescue Awarded Life-Saving Equipment Grant to Help Keep Community Safe
Grant is part of more than $62.6 million given to first responder organizations across the U.S. by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
 
The past year and a half have been difficult for many, impacting first responders and communities across the country. As we continue to battle health crises and natural disasters, front-line heroes constantly expose themselves to dangerous situations, creating a need for updated lifesaving equipment.
 
Recognizing this need, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® continues to be a valuable resource for first responders across the nation and recently approved a $48,978 grant to Nassau County Fire Rescue. The funding was applied toward the purchase of a connector boat with accessories, as well as an inflatable water boat with motor, trailer, and water rescue gear, both of which will be used to ensure greater lifesaving capabilities for first responders in the community. The County received both boats on Friday, October 1, 2021.
 
“We are so thankful for the support from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs restaurants in Fernandina Beach and Wildlight”, said Nassau County Fire Chief, Brady Rigdon. “By providing these boats, our first responders will be able to efficiently execute water training efforts and will have additional marine response units available for emergencies on the water to help the residents of Nassau County during emergency situations, especially during the upcoming holiday season”.  
 
During the most recent grant cycle, the Foundation awarded 126 grants to public safety organizations nationwide. The 126 grants totaling nearly $2.7 million were given to organizations in need of critical lifesaving equipment and resources.
 
To donate or to learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit www.FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
 
ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION
 
In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the 501(c)(3), non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The charity provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for members of the military. Since inception, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $62.5 million to hometown heroes in 49 states and Puerto Rico.
 
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is honored to be listed as a four-star nonprofit organization, the highest designation, by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. More than 70% of the funds raised for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation come from the generosity of Firehouse Subs guests and the restaurant brand. Please consider supporting a Firehouse Subs restaurant near you!

9/29/21 @ 1:10 p.m. - The Board of County Commissioners would like to express their condolences on the passing of Dr. Farrid Ullah.

Dr. Ullah served as the County's Medical Director for 49 years, overseeing medical protocols and procedures for Nassau County Fire Rescue. He provided invaluable knowledge to our emergency personnel and was was actively involved in development of policies and procedures that made Nassau County Fire Rescue the outstanding agency that it is today.

Please keep his wife Susan, daughters Cami and Tracy, and his five grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

9/12/21 @ 2:00 p.m. - Over 100 people attended Saturday's 9/11 Tribute Event. The event featured speeches from several Elected Officials including The Honorable John Drew, Nassau County Tax Collector; The Honorable Thomas Ford, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners; and the Honorable Sheriff, Bill Leeper, as well as flag presentations by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and Nassau County Fire Rescue's Honor Guard, and performances by the Nassau Community Band.

Th event also featured guest speaker, Valerie Gambino, sister of Thomas Gambino, Jr., an FDNY firefighter who perished at the World Trade Center. We listened intently as Mr. Drew gave dramatic readings about the history of the National Anthem and "My Name is Old Glory", a patriotic poem about the United States flag. The crowd watched on as members of the Honor Guard folded a U.S. flag and presented it to Ms. Gambino in honor of her brother. It was a beautiful and somber day as we remembered all the innocent lives lost. Photos and a video of the Old Glory presentation can be found below.

Thank you to all the individuals who coordinated and participated in the event... We could not have done this without you! Thank you as well to all the members of the public who joined us in commemorating the 20th anniversary of this tragic day in America.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/23/21 @ 11:15 a.m. - Yesterday, the County held a Dedication Ceremony for Nassau County Fire Rescue Station 71. We are excited to announce that there were approximately 100 people were in attendance!

The event began with an introduction by Chief Brady Rigdon who discussed the importance of the station and maintaining a high level of service for the residents. Crews actually began operating out of the station on Saturday, June 5th, and according to Chief Ridgon, the Station had already gone of 73 calls for service as of June 22nd.

The event also included remarks by Chairman Thomas Ford and District 3 County Commissioner, Jeff Gray. Both discussed the Board's commitment to the health and safety of Nassau County's residents. Each also thanked individuals who have been involved in planning and construction of the facility including past and present Commissioners; County Manager, Taco Pope; County Attorney, Mike Mullin; and Public Works Director, Doug Podiak.

Following the presentations, everyone gathered outside for the Ribbon Cutting. Guests were then invited to walk around the station and enjoy refreshments provided by Nassau County Professional Firefighters Union, Local 3101.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this monumental event with us yesterday. This new, state of the art station will serve the residents well for many years to come.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

6/21/21 @ 5:15 p.m. - Just a friendly reminder the the Dedication Ceremony for Nassau County Fire/Rescue Station 71 will take place on Tuesday, June 22nd at 4:00 p.m. at 96262 Chester Rd., Yulee.

The event will include messages from Elected Officials, the Fire Chief, and a brief tour of the Station.

To view the original announcement, please click here.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

Dedication Ceremony for Station 71
 
Nassau County, Florida, June 11, 2021 – On Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., a Dedication Ceremony will be held in celebration of the grand opening of Nassau County Fire Rescue Station 71, located at 96262 Chester Rd., Yulee, FL.
 
The property was provided to the County in 2004 through a public-private partnership with Matovina and Associates, the developer for the Heron Isles community, who conveyed the property to the County for a future fire station to accommodate the rapidly growing Yulee area.
 
District Three County Commissioner, Jeff Gray, stated, “As a County Commissioner, our number one responsibility is the health, safety and wellbeing of the residents of Nassau County. This new station does just that. It will improve emergency response times and the quality of services for the residents in which it serves”.
 
The 8,453 square foot facility features 3 bays with an engine, rescue unit and a tanker. The facility also features 11 sleeping quarters, 4.5 restrooms, a common area with a living room and kitchen, as well as an exercise room. The station will house a Battalion Chief to lead the emergency personnel assigned to each shift.
 
Nassau County Fire Chief, Brady Rigdon, stated, “Fire station 71 is by far the crown jewel of the Nassau County Fire Rescue Department and one that all Nassau County citizens can be proud of. Several of our members have been involved in the design, which has been ongoing for several years, and the men and women of our department are thrilled to see it finally completed. The station meets our current needs and also provides room for future department expansion. We look forward to providing outstanding service to the surrounding community from this new facility. Thank you to the Board of County Commissioners for their unwavering support of your Fire Rescue department”
 
The project was a design-build project with the RAM Group completing the initial design and Core Construction completing the design and construction. Nassau County owns the plans, which may now be used for future stations, in lieu of having to hire a firm to design future stations. This will not only save the County money on future projects, it will also save time in the construction process.
 
The public is invited to attend the Dedication Ceremony which will include messages from your Elected Officials, the Fire Chief, and a brief tour of the station. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

5/20/21 @ 8:20 p.m. - In honor of Emergency Medical Service Week, we wanted to share two stories of local residents who were positively impacted by Nassau County Fire Rescue. Please take a moment to watch and if you see an emergency responder this week, tell them thank you!

-Sabrina Robertson 
​ Public Information Officer

5/18/21 @ 9:15 a.m. - At the Monday, May 10, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-063 proclaiming the week of May 16 through May 22, 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Nassau County. Both Nassau County Fire Rescue and the City of Fernandina Beach Fire Department were in attendance at the meeting to accept the Resolution on behalf of their departments.

EMS Week is celebrated nationally to recognize the vital public service provided by emergency medical professionals who work tirelessly to keep residents safe. This includes first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency room nurses, emergency physicians and other out of hospital medical care providers.



On behalf of the County, we thank each of you for your hard work and dedication and everything you do to keep us safe!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/5/21 @ 10:00 a.m. - Just a few photos showing the progress of Station 71. The facility now has drywall, flooring, cabinets, doors, plumbing, and electricity. The project is still on-track to be completed by the end of April as originally anticipated. Stay tuned for an announcement regarding a grand opening event soon!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer