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

So Long, Smitty

Anyone who's had the opportunity to work with Smitty knows that it only takes a short time to conclude that he possesses all of the fundamental qualities that every good officer should.

He has good common sense and keeps a cool head under pressure.  He has an amazing work ethic.  He welcomes and encourages critical thinking from his crew members, thereby teaching them fundamental decision making skills.

But perhaps most importantly, he leads by example.  He practices the concept that a good firefighter can't be cultivated from a text book or written policy or verbal commands.  They must be inspired to WANT to be good firefighters by the actions of a good leader.

When we close our eyes and picture Smitty, he always has a broom, a mop, or a rag in his hand.  He is always making a passionate and involved commentary about the job, and staying engaged.  He doesn't tell you what to do, he shows you.  It's those actions that will leave a lasting impression on those of us who will soon be expected to fill his shoes and those of other officers after they're gone.

Not all officers are leaders, and not all leaders are officers.  But we can all agree that Smitty has left us with a good example of what it means to be both... and a good example of why our department and our service should strive to make the two synonymous with each other.

Posted by M. Clark

Rockledge Fire Department dedicates 9/11 memorial

In a short ceremony on Wednesday, 9/11/2013 The City of Rockledge Fire Department officially dedicated to the memory of the victims, a memorial plaque and an actual artifact from the towers.  

The memorial is now permanently on display at station #37 on Murrell Road in Rockledge.  

Thank you to the dedicated department members who donated their own time to help construct the memorial, and to all who attended and took part.

 

Posted by M. Clark

The City of Rockledge has named it's new Fire Chief.

Effective on Monday October 28th, 2013, Battalion Chief Jeptha Sunday will officially take the office of the fire chief upon the retirement of Rick Allen. 

Chief Sunday has served with Rockledge Fire and Emergency Services since 1981. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1988, and in 1998 was again promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief for shift A.

Chief Sunday was one of the original signers of the certification of affiliation with the IAFF in 1988. Between 1988 and 1998, Chief Sunday served the union in the capacity of Treasurer, Vice president, and President.

Chief Sunday is an upstanding member of both the community and the department and is well respected by all who know him.

The union looks forward to - under chief Sunday- a model of leadership which will promote good morale and forward progress.

Attention on deck!!


To see the Florida Today article click here. 

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

August is Drowning Impact Awareness Month

Water safety is especially important for us locally, both as a community and as a state.  Here in Florida families can enjoy boating, swimming, the beach and more year round, plus there are bodies of water, canals and swimming pools everywhere.

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2005-2009, there were an average of 3,533 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about 10 deaths per day.  (src. IaffOnline)

For information and tips on water safety, boating safety, hypothermia and more please visit the Drowning Impact Awareness Month page here.

 Posted by M. Clark

Structure Fire on Matthew Dr in Rockledge FL

This call came in as all of our units were winding down from a morning of training.  An engine company from Palm Bay returning from training just happened upon this incident, which made the response time even faster than it would have otherwise been.  Personnel on scene determined that there were no life hazards, and extinguished the fire from the exterior.  Nobody was injured and no adjacent properties were damaged.

 Posted by M. Clark