November 7th. 2016 - Residential structure fire, Poinciana St. in Rockledge. 

Heavy equipment fire

RFD E36 gearing up for a heavy equipment fire off of Rosa L Jones Blvd in Rockledge on 5/23/16.  

RFD celebrates new paramedic graduates

Congratulations to the five RFD members who recently completed their paramedic training.  

RFD works residential fire on Sherwood Dr. in Rockledge

Pictured below is Rockledge Fire Department, BCFR and Cocoa FD cleaning up after a working residential fire in the Sherwood subdivision off of Huntington Ln. in Rockledge, 4/27/16.  The fire started on the stove and spread to the living space and attic before being quickly stopped by fire crews.  

RFD works a structure fire in Marlin Manor Subdivision

Rockledge, Brevard County and Cocoa units responded to the Marlin Manor Subdivision off of Pluckebaum Rd. in Rockledge for a residential structure fire.  RFD Engine 36 arrived first on scene and found heavy fire in the attic space above the garage.  The fire was stopped and most of the contents were salvaged.  

It was later found that the homeowners did not have the property insured.  The members of RFD assisted the homeowner the next day with further efforts to salvage their property.  Another example of great customer service by the RFD. 



Cardiac arrest victim makes a full recovery

 

The Rockledge Professional Firefighters would like to recognize the police officers and firefighters who responded last month to a patient suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, and ultimately provided the victim with the life saving care that he needed.

Brian Schrader collapsed during a sporting event in the Rockledge High School gymnasium, at which point the bystanders initiated CPR and called 9-11. The responders (pictured below, from your left to right) were:

Rockledge Police Officer Brian Simmons
Rockledge Firefighter / Paramedic Jacob Lee
(the victim pictured center)
Rockledge Firefighter / Paramedic Scott Clark
Rockledge Battalion Chief Jim Russo
Rockledge Firefighter / EMT Joel Pickel

The two paramedics with Brevard County Fire Rescue (unfortunately not pictured) were also a critical link in the chain of care.

Great job to all the responders

 

Rockledge Fire Department says goodbye to one of their finest

On October 15^th, 2015, after 34 years of loyal service, our longest standing member served his last shift with the Rockledge Fire Department.  Chief Jeptha Sunday is now retired and free to spend his days on his own accord, having more than earned the liberty to indulge in every recreation and pleasure possible to him. 

While in his service to the department, Chief Sunday conducted matters in such a way that would inspire nothing less than the highest esteem from all who crossed his path.  His demeanor boldly conveyed the purest honesty, with no trace of the crude deceit which is such an unfortunate and common hindrance to interpersonal dealings. 

He led his people with compassion, humility and empathy, and he never gave the impression that he thought he was any better than anyone else.  He had a policy of an open door, an open mind, and an open heart, and treated the members of his department as if they were his own family. 

He was a true leader because these traits inspired a desire within people to follow him, even when they thought he was wrong.  He is quoted as saying that the people around him were the best part of his career, and it certainly shows by the way that he treated all of them. 

As chief Sunday moves on to the next chapter, so it will be for the department.  The calls will keep coming and the wheels will keep turning.  But those of us who had the privilege of serving under Chief Sunday’s leadership will always regard his time as some of the best times.  His tenure as chief – short lived as it was - has left an example for future leaders which will live on for many years to come. 

With all sincerity, the Rockledge Professional Firefighters would like to wish Chief Sunday a happy, healthy, and lengthy retirement. 

 

 

 

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department responds to motorcyle accident at US 1 and Bouganvilla Dr.

On 10/14/15 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Rockledge fire department engine 35 and BCFR rescue 41 responded to a MVC involving a car and motorcycle. The motorcyclist was airlifted to HRMC with several injuries.

Posted by Rockledge Professional Firefighters on Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Firefighter and Officer of the year named at 2015 awards banquet

Congratulations to Lt. Steve Curry and firefighter Scott Clark, who were chosen as Officer of the year and Firefighter of the year, respectively, at our annual awards banquet on October 8th, 2015. Both are highly competent and dedicated professionals and are highly deserving of their awards.

 

Posted by M. Clark 

Burn building complete and members certified as instructors

On Wednesday, 9/9/15, The Rockledge Fire Department completed a series of live fire exercises in their recently completed burn building, enabling several members to achieve their live fire training certifications.

Special thanks go out to the members of Brevard County Fire Rescue who assisted with the training, as well as all of our members who's hard work and dedication in the construction of the prop made it all possible.

Rockledge Fire crews respond to a lightning strike to a residence

 

On Monday, September 7th, Rockledge Fire Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of Bridgeport Circle for a lightning strike to a house.  The strike did not cause a fire, however there was significant damage to the roof.  Rockledge E36 patched the roof to limit water damage. 

 

 

RFD responds to kitchen fire

On Friday, August 21st at approximately 5:00 pm, RFD units were dispatched to the 700 block of White Pine Ave. for a kitchen fire.  RFD Engine 37 arrived on scene to find all residents evacuated, and a heavy smoke condition inside the home.  Upon further investigation, personnel found that there was no longer any active fire, however there was significant damage in the kitchen from smoke, fire and running water. 

Ceiling and upper level of kitchen severely damaged from smoke and fire 

Crews ventilated the house and removed all of the standing water to minimize the damage.  Upon interviewing the homeowner, it was found that the cause of the fire was ignition of cooking oil on the stove top. 




Posted by M. Clark

RFD responds to head on collision with entrapment

On Friday, August 28th at approximately 10:00 pm, Rockledge Fire Department Engines 35, 36, 37 and District Chief 35 were dispatched to the intersection of Murrell Rd. and Barnes Blvd. for a head on crash.  BCFR rescues 45, 47 and 48, truck 48, and district chief 45 were also dispatched for additional assistance.  Crews worked tirelessly for approximately 45 minutes to remove the single occupant of one vehicle from the wreckage using specialized extrication equipment. 

Of the two occupants of the other vehicle, one was flown by helicopter to HRMC with serious injuries while the other was uninjured.  All responding agencies worked professionally and as quickly as possible to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.  The members of IAFF 3138 wish to extend our sincere condolences and well wishes to all of those involved in this unfortunate accident. 



Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department first on scene to a house fire in Viera

On Wednesday, July 22nd at at approximately 3:00 p.m. Rockledge Fire Department Engine 37 responded to West Viera in unincorporated Brevard County for a reported house fire.  Rockledge E37 arrived to find heavy smoke coming from within the structure, but no visible fire.  The crew from Rockledge, along with members from BCFR Rescue 48 initiated an offensive interior attack, however they were quickly ordered to evacuate due to heavy fire conditions in the attic.



BCFR Truck 41 used an elevated master stream to continue fighting the flames, along with several other crews using hand lines from the exterior.  Unfortunately the home was deemed a total loss.  The official cause is under investigation, although several witnesses reported a lightning strike to the home just prior to the fire.

Posted by M. Clark

RFD responds to brush fire near Rockledge Community Park

On Friday, June 19th at approximately 8:00 p.m., RFD Engine 36, Engine 35, District Chief 35, and Brush 37 responded to a reported brush fire north of Rockledge Community Park on Gus Hipp Blvd.  Upon arrival, crews found approximately one acre of medium-density brush just north of the soccer fields involved in fire, likely from a lightning strike. 

Crews quickly applied water to contain the spread while waiting for specialized brush apparatus to arrive.  Brush 37, a specialized military style truck carrying 750 gallons of water, was able to penetrate the brush and completely contain the fire, while the remaining brush between the fields and the fire was intentionally burned in a controlled manner (seen above) to limit future fire risk. 


Posted by M. Clark

RFD responds to a vehicle into a pond

 

On Wednesday, June 17th at approximately 6:30 p.m., RFD Engine 36, Engine 35 and District Chief 35 along with BCFR Rescues 45 and 46 responded to the intersection of Huntington Ln and Eyster Blvd for a car reported to be rolled into a ditch.  Further information from dispatchers advised that two patients had been thrown from the vehicle, and one person was still trapped. 

Upon arrival, crews found that the vehicle had gone through the fence into a retention pond, and there were in fact only two patients who had crawled from the vehicle after impact.  One person was uninjured and was able to climb fire department ladders out of the pond.  The other patient was carefully removed by securing him to a backboard and hoisting him up on a ladder with ropes.  He was then transported from the scene in stable condition by helicopter to the nearest trauma center.

Posted by M. Clark

RFD crews respond to a two car accident with rollover

On the morning of Saturday, June 13th, RFD Engine 36, Engine 37 and District Chief 35 along with BCFR Rescues 45 and 44 were dispatched to the intersection of Huntington Ln and Eyster Blvd for a motor vehicle crash with 1 car reported to be rolled over.  Upon arrival crews found two vehicles involved with one rollover and three total patients.  Two patients were treated and transported to local hospitals in stable condition, and one patient was uninjured.  Another job well done.

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department works an MVC with extrication

On Wednesday, May 27th at approximately 5:00 p.m. Rockledge Fire Department Engine 35, District Chief 35 and Engine 36 responded along with Brevard County Fire Rescue 45 to a two vehicle crash along the 2100 block of Fiske Blvd. in Rockledge.  Upon arrival crews found that one of the vehicles had rolled and the pt was trapped inside.

Crews used specialized extrication equipment to make access to the trapped person.  Due to serious injuries, crews called for a helicopter to transport the patient to Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne, which specializes in trauma care.  The occupant of the other vehicle was uninjured.  

Another job well done by the Rockledge Professional Firefighters, Brevard County Fire, and the crew aboard First Flight. 


Posted by M. Clark

Firefighters participate in 2015 "Trash Bash"

The Rockledge Firefighters participated in the 2015 "Trash Bash" on Saturday, 4/18.  The program - sponsored by the Rockledge Environmental Enhancement Board and Keep Brevard Beautiful, INC - Took place from 8 - 10 a.m., and several volunteers helped clean up trash city wide. 

Excellent job "B" shift, for taking pride in the community, and creating a positive image of the Fire Department for the city officials and the public. 

City approves purchase of new extrication tools to better serve the citizens

The City of Rockledge has approved purchase of a full compliment of new extrication tools to serve the public more efficiently in emergencies.  The tools, called "eDRAULIC" by Hurst Tools, will replace the current tools being used by the Fire Department which are over 16 years old. 

These tools are fully operated by battery power, reducing setup time and other potential complications during use.  In addition, the potential for more rapid deployment and increased mobility allow for application in more types of emergencies.

The Rockledge Firefighters would like to thank and commend the city for their willingness to make the necessary expenditures to maintain the highest level of service to the citizens in an emergency.




Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Rescue Engine 37 responds to a motorcycle Vs. Car

On Monday, March 9th 2015, Rockledge Fire Department along with Brevard County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the intersection of Carver Rd. and US1 in South Rockledge for a MVC involving a motorcycle and a single car.

Upon arrival crews found a single motorcyclist with severe injuries.   In addition to multiple open long bone fractures, the pt displayed an altered level of consciousness.

Crews called for a helicopter for the motorcyclist to be airlifted to the closest trauma center, and one other pt was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Update (03/15)
The motorcyclist unfortunately died of his injuries 


Posted by M. Clark

Another round of promotions

Congratulations to our two newest brothers, Connor Hurley and Joel Pickel (pictured front).  They both show a level of enthusiasm and dedication that will shape the future of our department for the better.  

Congratulations are also in order for our most recent promotions:

Steve Mahaffey, promoted to the rank of EMS Chief

Jeff Hughey, promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief

Matt Clark, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant

Best of luck from 3138!

Rockledge Fire Department works a two car crash with entrapment

On Friday, 1/30/2015 at approximately 2100 hours,  Rockledge Fire Department Engine 36 responded to a motor vehicle crash with reported entrapment at the corner of Fiske Blvd. and Eyster Blvd.  Engine 35, District Chief 35 and BCFR also responded. 

Using specialized hydraulic equipment, crews quickly extricated 1 patient from the wreckage with no further injury or incident.  The patient was transported to Wuesthoff Hospital in stable condition. 

Another professional and exemplary job by Rockledge Fire Department crews to ensure the safety of the public. 


Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department battles detached garage fire

On Friday, January 9th 2015 at approximately 12:00 pm, Rockledge Fire Department was dispatched along with Brevard County Fire Rescue and Rockledge Police Department to Laurel Oak Dr. in the Timbers West subdivision of Rockledge for a residential structure fire.  Rockledge Engine 36 arrived to find a large detached garage involved in fire.  Crews worked diligently to bring the fire under control and eventually extinguished the fire.  No adjacent structures or property were damaged.  Unfortunately, several chickens were killed, and the entire contents of the garage were destroyed. 

Posted by M. Clark

Video from late 2010 of Rockledge Fire crews battling a brushfire near the Chelsea Park subdivision

Rockledge Fire Department Engine 37 battles fully involved food trailer

On Monday, November 17th 2014 just before midnight, Rockledge Fire Department Engine 37 was dispatched to the 100 block of Gus Hipp Blvd for a fully involved food truck fire.  Engine 37 arrived to find a food trailer in close proximity to a building fully involved in fire.  An employee of Coastal Ambulance was on scene to provide information for dispatch prior to arrival.  The fire was quickly brought under control with no damage to the adjacent structure.  The cause is still under investigation.

Posted by M. Clark

October is fire prevention month

It's that time of year again, when fire departments around the country make an extra special effort to educate the public on fire prevention. 

The Rockledge Professional Firefighters take great pride in providing the best possible educational experiences for school children of all ages, as well as adults, to maximize safety and survivability in a fire emergency.   

If you would like one of our engine crews to come to your school, work place, or other public venue for a presentation on fire prevention and education, feel free to contact us. 

Call 321-690-3968 and speak to our senior staff assistant, Lori Matson to arrange a time and place.

We'll see you there!
 
 Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire crews battle a fully involved modular home

On Wednesday, October 15th at approximately 9:00 a.m. Rockledge Fire Department was dispatched to 820 Barnes Blvd. at Space Coast RV Park for a modular home on fire.  Crews arrived within minutes and safely extinguished the fire without injury or damage to other structures.  The home was deemed a total loss (as is usually the outcome with manufactured homes).  Another job well done by the dedicated members of the Rockledge Fire Department. 

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge fire rescue responds to industrial accident with serious injuries

On Monday, Sept. 29th at approximately 9:00 a.m. Rockledge Fire Department along with Brevard County Fire Rescue and Rockledge Police were dispatched to LRM Industries, INC. on Gus Hipp Blvd. for a fire with possible injuries.

Upon arrival Rockledge Engine 37 was directed to a single male patient with severe burns caused by an equipment malfunction.  Paramedics on Engine 37 worked quickly to stabilize the patient while other crews secured the equipment and adressed any remaining hazards.

Paramedics on Engine 37 dispatched air transport for the patient and he was transported in serious condition.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

For more information follow the link below to WESH news:

http://www.wesh.com/news/fd-worker-seriously-injured-in-manufacturing-plant-explosion/28312842


Posted by M. Clark 











 

Citizen survives cardiac arrest, firefighters and postal workers honored

On June 2nd, 2014 Rockledge Fire Department responded to a "person down" in the parking lot at the post office on Murrell Road.  Upon arrival, Rockledge fire personnel found Mr. Anthony D. Callipari, a citizen of Rockledge, unresponsive. It was quickly determined that Mr. Callipari was in full cardiac arrest.  Postal workers performed CPR until Rockledge Fire Department arrived to provide advanced care. Mr. Callipari was then rapidly transported to Wuesthoff Hospital by Brevard County Fire Rescue and eventually made a full recovery.

During the city council meeting held on August 20th, the mayor and city council recognized the three postal workers who provided essential care to the patient, and  presented them with "hometown hero" awards.  All of the fire / rescue personnel were in attendance.

It is without doubt that Mr Callipari would not have survived if not for the quick actions of these postal workers, and for the quick response and expertise of the fire / rescue personnel who responded.


Posted by M. Clark







  

Rockledge Fire Department Engine 37 extinguishes vehicle fire

On the afternoon of Friday, July 25th, Rockledge Fire Department Engine 37 was dispatched to the parking lot of the Publix at the intersection of Barnes Blvd. and Murrel Rd. for a vehicle fire.  Rockledge Police Department had arrived on scene minutes earlier and were unable to extinguish the growing fire with their extinguishers.  Due to it's close proximity to the scene, Engine 37 was able to respond quickly and stop the fire in it's early stages, before it caused any serious damage. 

posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire crews work a residential structure fire

Rockledge Fire Department along with Brevard County Fire Rescue and Cocoa Fire were dispatched to the 1900 block of Cavendish Ct. in South Rockledge Monday morning for a residential structure  fire.

Crews arrived to find an active fire inside the home and attempted to make an interior attack, but quickly withdrew from the inside of the house due to heavy fire conditions in the attic.  The fire was safely brought under control from the exterior with no injuries and no damage to adjacent homes.  The home was deemed a total loss and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Follow the link below for more pictures and information. 

http://spacecoastdaily.com/2014/05/photos-bcfr-assits-rockledge-fight-house-fire/

Posted by M. Clark









 

Brush fire scorches wooded area adjacent to Dick Blake Park

On Friday, April 4th 2014 at approximately 3:00 p.m. Rockledge fire crews, along with Brevard county were dispatched to the area adjacent to Dick Blake Park on Guss Hipp Blvd. for a brush/woods fire.  Specialized brush apparatus from the City of Rockledge and Brevard County worked to suppress the fire, and tractors from the Florida Department of Forestry were called in to plow containment lines.  The fire was contained and no property damage was reported. 

For additional information and footage from Florida Today, click here.   

Posted by M. Clark

FDNY Firemen make stop in Rockledge with 9-11 artifact

On Friday, April 4th 2014, the Rockledge Fire Department served as a resting and re-fueling point for FDNY firefighters on a 1,400 mile bicycle ride to the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, to dedicate a piece of steel from the fallen World Trade Center towers.  Our on duty crews escorted the procession to the southern city limits.  

Click here to see the full article from Florida Today.

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department crews work a mobile home fire

Rockledge Fire Department - along with Rockledge police department, Cocoa Fire Department and Brevard County Fire Rescue - were dispatched to the 800 block of Eyster Blvd. in Rockledge early Tuesday morning (3/4/2014) for a fire in a manufactured home.

Crews arrived on scene to find a single-wide trailer home fully involved in fire, with an adjacent structure threatened by radiant heat and flames.

Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control without any injury or damage to surrounding structures.  

Click  here for the full article and video.

Posted by M. Clark









 

Steve Mahaffey

Congratulations to Lt. Stephen (Steve) Mahaffey for his recent promotion to the rank of Battalion Chief.  Steve has proudly served the citizens of Rockledge for the last 23 years, starting with the fire department in May of 1992 after a short time with the public works department.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2001, and has been serving as an engine company officer ever since.  He is now the newest shift commander for shift A.

We are certain that Chief Mahaffey will continue to serve the citizens and his shift with professionalism and integrity, and we wish him the best for the future.

From 3138, congratulations chief !


Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire crews battle a fully involved passenger van with propane tanks

Rockledge Fire Department along with Rockledge Police were dispatched to the 3900 block of Montesino Drive in Rockledge Tuesday afternoon for a passenger van fully involved and in close proximity to a residence.  Crews arrived to find that the van had luckily been moved away from the house, however there was on board propane cylinders that were venting and creating large columns of fire.

Crews maintained a safe distance and quickly brought the fire under control without injury or further incident. 

Two other vehicles and two adjacent palm trees were damaged as a result of flying embers and radiant heat.

Video coming soon.

Posted by M. Clark

April 2013, Rockledge fire crews work a defensive residential structure fire

Rockledge Fire Department crews work a residential fire on Christmas day

Crews arrived around 3:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon with reports of a structure fire with victims still trapped inside. Rockledge Fire Department along with other agencies followed standard operating procedures to clear the structure of any occupants and safely bring the fire under control.  See the full story here.

Posted by M. Clark







 

Rockledge Fire crews work a single vehicle roll over on US 1

On December 12th, 2013 Rockledge fire Department crews along with Brevard county Fire Rescue and Rockledge Police were dispatched to north Rockledge Blvd for a single vehicle roll over.  Upon arriving to the scene, fire crews discovered one person trapped in the vehicle.  Crews used specialized equipment to remove the patient, who was then transported to the emergency department with minor injuries.

Posted by M. Clark

Scott Hartling

Yet another promotion to celebrate - this time to Firefighter Scott Hartling.  Scott has served the citizens for 23 years and is now the newest company officer on A shift.  Good luck and our most sincere congratulations from local 3138.

Posted by M. Clark









 

Steve Curry

Congratulations to Firefighter / Paramedic Steve Curry for his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.  Curry has served for 12 years with dedication and enthusiasm. His brothers and sisters are certain that he will make an outstanding officer.

Posted by M. Clark

Ed Syfrett

Congratulations to Ed Syfrett for his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.  Ed has always served the citizens of Rockledge with professionalism and integrity. We are certain that he will continue to do so as a company officer.  Best of luck Ed from local 3138.

 

 Posted by M. Clark