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Emergency response times fail to keep up with growth in Palm Bay. Here’s how long it’s taking
Read full article: Emergency response times fail to keep up with growth in Palm Bay. Here’s how long it’s takingLonger response times in Palm Bay has the city looking to expand its police and fire, but the city says it doesn't want taxpayers to pay for it.
174 of 175 found: First responders work together to find missing endangered people faster
Read full article: 174 of 175 found: First responders work together to find missing endangered people fasterCameras were rolling to see how Florida first responders train to find vulnerable residents who wander off.
New technology aims to improve effectiveness of 911 dispatch
Read full article: New technology aims to improve effectiveness of 911 dispatchThousands of people from across the country attended the 2024 National Emergency Number Association Conference at Gaylord Palms in Orlando over the past weekend.
Innovative CPR method saving more lives in Orlando. Here’s what firefighters are doing
Read full article: Innovative CPR method saving more lives in Orlando. Here’s what firefighters are doingWith CPR week starting June 1, the Orlando Fire Department showed News 6 an innovative CPR training method to further increase a cardiac patient's chances of survival.
‘Always by my side:’ Man in wrong-way crash meets Seminole County team who saved his life
Read full article: ‘Always by my side:’ Man in wrong-way crash meets Seminole County team who saved his lifeA man who survived a wrong-way crash last year is reuniting with the first responders who helped save his life.
Woman crashes into pond next to Pine Hills fire station; crews honored for saving her life
Read full article: Woman crashes into pond next to Pine Hills fire station; crews honored for saving her lifeA group of Orange County firefighters were honored Friday after a dramatic rescue was caught on camera last month.
Car fire trauma exercise in Longwood helps first responders know what to expect
Read full article: Car fire trauma exercise in Longwood helps first responders know what to expectIt’s a situation you do not want to be in, but it happens — Car crashes. At times, some calls require serious medical attention which means patients may end up at the trauma center.
‘Debt of gratitude,’ Families of fallen first responders attend Disney World retreat
Read full article: ‘Debt of gratitude,’ Families of fallen first responders attend Disney World retreatMore than 350 families of fallen first responders are taking part in a healing retreat at Walt Disney World Resort.
Balling with legends: Magic legends coach Apopka first responders in charity basketball game
Read full article: Balling with legends: Magic legends coach Apopka first responders in charity basketball gameMagic legends Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson offered their coaching skills on Wednesday as Apopka first responders played a charity basketball game.
Daytona Tortugas hand out Sheriff Chitwood bobbleheads for First Responders Night
Read full article: Daytona Tortugas hand out Sheriff Chitwood bobbleheads for First Responders NightThe Daytona Tortugas, the city’s Minor League Baseball team, handed out bobbleheads of Volusia County Sheriff Mile Chitwood at Saturday’s game.
Maitland therapy center helps build bridges between children with autism, first responders
Read full article: Maitland therapy center helps build bridges between children with autism, first respondersMany kids got quite the surprise at a therapy center aimed at providing services and treatment for children diagnosed with autism.
First responders in crisis need your help: Here’s what you can do
Read full article: First responders in crisis need your help: Here’s what you can doFor many of us, we call first responders on our worst days. These days, they’re facing daunting tasks while dealing with staffing issues and high call volumes.
Seminole County first responders work to help neighborhoods flooded by Ian
Read full article: Seminole County first responders work to help neighborhoods flooded by IanSeminole County first responders returned to the Spring Oaks neighborhood Friday as residents are continuing to see widespread flooding from Hurricane Ian.
‘In their memory:’ Central Florida firefighters don gear, climb stairs in tribute to victims of 9/11 terror attacks
Read full article: ‘In their memory:’ Central Florida firefighters don gear, climb stairs in tribute to victims of 9/11 terror attacksFirefighters climbed 110 floors in downtown Orlando to represent the 110 floors inside the Twin Towers.
UCF nonprofit receives $1.4M to expand services for first responders
Read full article: UCF nonprofit receives $1.4M to expand services for first respondersA University of Central Florida nonprofit, clinical research center and trauma treatment clinic received $1.4 million to expand its peer support and suicide prevention training for first responders.
Central Florida rescue teams head to Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Laura
Read full article: Central Florida rescue teams head to Louisiana ahead of Hurricane LauraAs Hurricane Laura barrels toward the United States as a powerful Hurricane, Central Florida search-and-rescue teams are deploying ahead of the storm to aid those in need. Stage in place and when the storm passes through, then we’ll be ready to respond to any area that needs assistance,” Task Force 4 leader Walter Lewis said. The Florida USAR Task Force 4 will be traveling to southwest Louisiana, near Lake Charles, to meet with the Louisiana state fire marshal, who will give out orders. Every aspect of the fire service is encapsulated in this response team,” Lewis said. “Some areas, when they wake up Thursday morning, they’re not going to believe what happened,” said Stacy Stewart, a senior hurricane specialist.
Gary Sinise Foundation delivers meals to Orlando firefighters
Read full article: Gary Sinise Foundation delivers meals to Orlando firefightersThe Gary Sinise Foundation held its Serving Heroes event with the Orlando Fire Department on Tuesday. During the stop, workers with the organization handed out dozens of meals to firefighters at Orlando Fire Station One. The event was part of a national COVID-19 relief campaign from the Gary Sinise Foundation. Tuesday's event came as the Gary Sinise Foundation prepares to launch its first chapter in Central Florida on Aug. 15. The organization said the chapter will be the first of many that will expand the footprint of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
First responders hold parade in support of healthcare workers in Seminole County
Read full article: First responders hold parade in support of healthcare workers in Seminole CountySEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Law enforcement and fire departments are teaming up across Seminole County to show appreciation of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. [CORONAVIRUS BRIEFING: Daily ClickOrlando.com newsletter delivered to your inbox]Police and fire departments from Seminole County, Sanford, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs and Longwood are participating, as well as the county's office of emergency management. "They continue to come to work because they have a mission and that's to protect their communities," Seminole County Fire Chief Otto Drozd said. Wednesday's parade made stops at Central Florida Regional Hospital, AdventHealth Lake Mary and Orlando Health Lake Mary. Parades have also been scheduled for Friday at 6:30 a.m. outside AdventHealth Altamonte and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. outside Orlando Health South Seminole.
Coronavirus: Starbucks offering first responders, frontline workers free coffee
Read full article: Coronavirus: Starbucks offering first responders, frontline workers free coffeeStarbucks announced that they will give free brewed coffee, including hot and iced, to first responders and workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. An initiative that started on March 23 and now extended through May 31, any customer who identifies as a first responder or frontline worker will receive a tall brewed coffee at no charge. This includes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers. Starbucks also announced it will donate $500,000 to two organizations, Operation Gratitude and Direct Relief, to help with the delivery of care packages and needed medical items, including personal protective equipment. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
McDonald’s giving frontline workers free ‘Thank You Meals’ for 2 weeks
Read full article: McDonald’s giving frontline workers free ‘Thank You Meals’ for 2 weeksTo show its thanks to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic, McDonald’s is offering health care workers and first responders free “Thank You Meals” from April 22 to May 5. Each meal, whether you choose breakfast, lunch or dinner, is free through the drive-thru or carryout at participating McDonald’s. The meal choice for breakfast includes an Egg McMuffin, Chicken McGriddles or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit. “We are proud to be able support our neighbors who are on the frontlines as first responders and healthcare workers with Thank You Meals.”A valid ID will be required to claim the free meal. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
5 things to know about calling 911 during coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: 5 things to know about calling 911 during coronavirus pandemicFirst responders are hoping to stay safe while they continue to respond to emergency calls in Central Florida during the coronavirus pandemic. Most medical facilities want you to call first if you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms so they can best help you and minimize exposures. If you do believe you have COVID-19 and need to call 911, keep in mind:The same rule applies, only call 911 in an emergency. It’s important to answer accurately so the responding crews know how best to help you and how best to keep themselves save. In addition, in order to continue to help minimize exposures, OCFRD crew members are placing surgical masks on all patients as a precaution right now.
Seminole firefighter dies 23 days after county rejects cancer benefits
Read full article: Seminole firefighter dies 23 days after county rejects cancer benefitsSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The widow of veteran a Seminole County firefighter said the county he served for 13 years denied him cancer benefits because he was diagnosed before Florida’s first responder cancer benefits legislation became law. Courtney Schieber said her husband, 41-year-old Dustin Schieber, died Feb. 2 after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016 and, again in 2018. “He wanted me to talk about this because at least then what he’s gone through isn’t in vain,” she said. Ron DeSantis signed Florida Statute 112.1816 into law July 1, 2019, however, while the law supports firefighters and first responders diagnosed with cancer it does not provide retroactive coverage. “I think that’s what should happen in Seminole county,” Bichler said.
Orlando hockey club honors fallen first responders through hockey
Read full article: Orlando hockey club honors fallen first responders through hockeyORLANDO, Fla. – For almost two decades, the Orlando Firefighters Hockey Club has been hosting a nationwide competitive hockey tournament that goes beyond the camaraderie and love they share for the game. "It's all for a good cause and we enjoy it," Asher Blumenthal, a firefighter and Captain of OFD Hockey club said. The charitable organization is composed of a group of Orlando firefighters as well as others from surrounding departments. The OFD Hockey club raises money and donates proceeds of the event to the affected families of fallen police officers and firefighters. If they sacrificed in the line of duty and they die in the line of duty, let’s help their families out,” Shanks said.
'Monochrome' co-producer wants documentary to be conversation starter between first responders, residents
Read full article: 'Monochrome' co-producer wants documentary to be conversation starter between first responders, residents'Monochrome' co-producer wants documentary to be conversation starter between first responders, residentsPublished: January 14, 2020, 9:59 am"Monochrome" co-producer Deb Ortiz talks about how you can help donate to get the documentary completed.