7/14/22 @ 9:55 a.m. - Yesterday, the Board of County Commissioners and Nassau County Sheriff's Office hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Firing of First Shot Ceremony for Phase One of the Public Safety Training Center which consists of two new gun ranges, restrooms and a temporary parking area. 

The event began with a welcome message by Board Chairman, Jeff Gray. He stated, "In 2016, Sheriff Leeper identified a need for a modern training facility for public safety personnel. However, not only did he identify a need, he came to us with a plan for funding utilizing monies earned from the U.S. Marshall Service for housing federal inmates at the Nassau County Detention Center. In January 2017, the Board dedicated 40 acres of County-owned property for the future facility. We broke ground on March 21, 2021 and progress has been steady. Our public safety personnel are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of Nassau County residents and they are deserving of a site where they can maximize their skills through training and participate in exercises consisting of realistic events to help them prepare for future incidents. This site provides those opportunities and will serve our public safety personnel for many years to come". 

Following the Chairman's welcome message, Sheriff Leeper spoke. He stated, "This new gun range will allow Nassau County Sheriff's Office Deputies to train better, train smarter and train more often. We will also be able to train with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This is a professional range, one that is compliant with the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and one our deputies can be proud of".  

Sheriff Leeper expressed his gratitude to Secretary of State (formerly State Representative) Cord Byrd and Senator Aaron Bean for their hard work in securing Legislative funding for Phase Two of the Facility which will include a training classroom building, storage building, and paved parking lot. "This building is pivotal for the development of training complex, which will eventually house our training unit. It will be a state-of-the art building with office space, a dispatch training room, several classrooms, a mat room, strength and conditioning room, as well as an airnasium for outdoor training", stated Sheriff Leeper. 

The Facility will eventually have a less lethal and de-escalation training room, a shoot house, a jail training facility, a burn building, fire training tower, canine training and tracking area with kennels, special response team obstacle course, a pond for diving and boating rescue training and other endless possibilities. 

In his closing comments, Sheriff Leeper stated, "As we conduct this ribbon cutting ceremony today,  remember that this is just the beginning of the future of training public safety in Nassau County, which will ultimately provide better services to our residents. And who knows, if we dream big enough, we might just start our own Nassau County Law Enforcement Academy right here. Or what about a Nassau County Public Safety Police and Fire Training Academy? Wouldn't that be something". 

Following the presentation, Sheriff Leeper performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting with the five County Commissioners and County Manager by his side. Then, Sheriff Leeper fired the first shot at the gun range. 

We appreciate everyone who took time to celebrate this milestone with us yesterday. We look forward to celebrating with you again as future phases are completed. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/18/22 @ 10:00 a.m. - Emergency Medical Services week is recognized annually in May to honor the hard work and dedication of EMS providers across the nation. This year, May 15-May 21, 2022 has been designated as "National EMS Week".

Emergency medical services have grown to fill a gap by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine. The emergency medical service system includes first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, and other out of hospital care providers. These members of emergency medical services teams engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

In recognition National Emergency Medical Services Week, we are re-sharing this video from May 2021 that tells the stories of two Nassau County residents who received great care from Nassau County Fire Rescue.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

4/19/22 @ 9:45 a.m. - On Thursday, April 14, 2022, Nassau County Fire Rescue hosted an awards ceremony to recognize achievements of personnel within the department. The event was held at the Journey Church with Tax Collector, John Drew, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Since there was no event in 2020, awards were given for both 2020 and 2021 for some categories.

Below are names of those who were recognized.

New Recruits/First Assignments
These individuals completed their orientation program of studying, training, and demonstrating their sills to be given their first assignments:
Blake Bass, Zachary Chancey, David Gonsalves, Jare Kampmeyer, Andrew Patterson, and Charles Putnam

Firefighters Completing Probation
These individuals completed their one-year probationary period and are now permanent members of the department:
Thomas Lee, Justin Miller, Blake Partin, Matthew Roth, Joshua Gauthier, Brandon Richardson, Connor Wilson Jeffrey Gruentzel, Christopher Archuleta, Aaron Flores, Todd Gatlin, Ian Johnson and Ryan Kelley

Promotion to Engineer
After serving for a minimum of one year as an entry level firefighter, members are eligible to sit for an examination to be promoted to Engineer. As Engineer, these individuals operate the apparatus and are responsible for daily checks to the vehicles and equipment.
Mike Powell, Luke Davis, Kyle Adams, Joey Driggers, Raleigh Zike, Alton Robey, Josh Fitchett, Jeremy Staub, Daulton Cowart, Michelle Hoover, David Kirk, ,Steven Henderson, Stephen Lawson, and Brandon Taylor

Promotion to Lieutenant
These individuals will be responsible for all operations of their crew while on shift: Lt. Brett Loius, Lt. Weston Gill, Lt. Ryan Ward, and Lt. Jeremy McAlee

Administrative Commendations

COVID Operations:
Administrative Commendation Award were given to Battalion Chiefs Mike Eddins and Chris Gamble for the decisions they made to keep the department functioning at a high level during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Station 70 Construction:
Administrative Commendation Awards were given to Lt. Jamie Graf, Lt. Sean Watts and Lt. Adam Bolger for their leadership skills during the Station 70 construction while maintaining their crews and normal duties.

SCBA Committee:
Administrative Commendations were given to SCBA Committee Members Battalion Chief Pet Gunnell (Chair), Lt. Brett Louis, Lt. Ryan Ward, Lt. Sean Watts, and Eng. Joey Driggers.

Unit Commendations
This is awarded to any group of two or more members for exemplary performances of duties in overcoming obstacles under unusual or adverse conditions.

Honor Guard:
Prior to June of 2021, NCFR Honor Guard had experienced a decline in participation. A smal groupof remaining members were eager to revitalize the program.
Battalion Chief, Jeff Dodd (Commander), Lt. Adam Salzburg, Lt. Brian Sloan, Lt. Jamie Graf, Lt. Brett Louis, Lt. Wes Gill, Eng. Jason Murphy, Eng. George Faucher, Eng. Grant Jones, Eng. Brandon McClellan, Eng. Josh Fitchett (Co-Commander), Eng. Brandon Taylor, Firefighter Joe McGee, Firefighter Wesley Hutcheson, Firefighter Joe Howell, Firefighter Justin Miller, Firefighter Connor Wilson, Firefighter Ryan Kelly

Station 50/A Shift
On September 24, 2021, this crew responded to an early morning call of a Deputy down. Upon arriving, they were able to regain a pulse and transported the Deputy to the UF-Health Trauma Center where he would later die fromo his injuries. The actions of the crew gave the family of Deputy Moyers a chance to say goodbye. It also allowed Deputy Moyers a chance to live through others by donating some of his organs to those in need. Members of this crew are:
Lt. Adam Bolger, Eng. Cody Canaday, Eng. Chris Arnold, and Firefighter Matthew Roth

K9 Chaoas
Also in the early morning of September 24, 2021, crews from Rescue 90 and Engine 50 received reports that another officer had been shot. They arrived to find Jacksonville Sheriff's Office K-9 Deputy had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The crew administered life-saving treatment and transported Chaos to an emergency vet in Jacksonville. It is believed that the crew from Station 50 that morning was the first crew in the State to transport a K-9 Officer via rescue unit.
Lt. Adam Bolger, Eng. John Watson, Eng. Robbie Hern, and Firefighter Matthew Roth

Firefighter of the Year

2020 Firefighter of the Year: 
Lt. Ryan Ward. Lt. Ryan Ward serves as the leader of an internal orientation program consisting of 6 weeks of training. He oversees scheduling of training, coordinating instructors, and often teaches classes himself.

2021 Firefighter of the Year
Engineer Josh Fitchett. Eng. Fitchett serves on the Awards Committee and Honor Guard and has performed his duties with great pride.

Fire Officer of the Year

2020 Fire Officer of the Year
Lt. David Lee. Lt. Lee participates in the County fleet replacement program and determines which specifications are required for each engine, rescue, ladder truck, tanker, brush truck, etc. He efforts have ensured that their vehicles are specified and built in a way that best meets the needs of the department.

2021 Fire Officer of the Year
Lt. Brian Sloan. Lt. Sloan served as the Infection Control Officer and was actively involved in caring for members of NCFR related to COVID-19. He answered his phone many times, day and night, to help the personnel get the information they needed.

Paramedic of the Year

This is awarded to any paramedic of the department for exemplary service and dedication in the performance of their medical duties. Nassau County Fire Chief, Brady Rigdon, announced that the award is being renamed to the Dr. Farid Ullah Parademic of the Year Award, in honor of the original Medical Director for NCFR, Dr. Farid Ullah. He served for 40 years, giving his time and talents to enhance the skills of NCFR professionals. He passed away on September 24, 2021 following a lengthy illness but will always be remembered for his service and dedication to the County.

2020 Dr. Ullah Paramedic of the Year Award
This was awarded to Eng. Matt Waggoner for his time spent upgrading the department's reporting software and serving as a primary instructor for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support.

2021 Dr. Ullah Paramedic of the Year Award
This was awarded to Eng. Joey Driggers for his efforts serving on the Quality Assurance Committee to improve system performance and improve emergency medical services in the County.

Life Saving Medal
This was awarded to Firefighter/Paramedic, Joshua Berglin. On September 10, 2021, while returning from a transport to Baptist Medical Center's Northside Campus, Rescue 40 came upon a motor vehicle that had crashed into a pond. The driver was still in the cab of the vehicle with his head submersed under water. With little regard to his own safety, FF/Paramedic Berglin, entered the pond, opened the door, pulled the driver out and brought him to shore where he was treated and transported.

Distinguished Service Medal
This was awarded to Battalion Chief, James Casteel. In December 2021, Fire Rescue's staffing program was attacked by ransomware. Battalion Chief Casteel immediately went to work try to determine a work-around and spent many hours working with the vendor so there was minimal impact to the organization.

Please join us in congratulating each of these individuals for their achievements. We appreciate each of them and all they do to keep our community safe.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/3/22 @ 1:35 p.m. - Yesterday at approximately 4:00 p.m., Nassau County Fire Rescue Station 71 and Marine 20 responded to a call for a civilian needing assistance on the water at Lofton Creek after losing control and wrecking his watercraft. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office also arrived on the scene and the two groups worked together to rescue the victim. NCFR treated him for minor injuries and took him to a local hospital for further care.  Great job to everyone involved in this effort.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

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