Rotarian Nate Kilton introduced Plant City Fire Chief David Burnett for Monday’s program.
Chief Burnett updated the Club on the City’s ongoing progress to serve and protect this community. The department now has 54 staff members, with 16 on-duty at all times over three shifts. The department operates out of three stations, and equipment includes a 77-foot ladder truck, two engines with a pumpers, three staffed ambulances, and a chief truck. All vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art EMS apparatus.
The department supports Hillsborough County and Polk County, as needed and as they are available.
Last year, the department fielded nearly 3,300 EMS calls last year, which is an increase from prior years (likely due to the population increase).
The Chief is proud of the newest station, Station 3, which in addition to having the latest accommodations and technology, also houses the 1927-era fire truck.
The three-bay station is equipped with seven private dorms with individual bathrooms for privacy, making it easier to accommodate mixed-gender crews. The building will also feature exposed brick that works structurally as well as aesthetically. The building will also feature polished concrete floors, solid-surface countertops, limited paint and conduits on the roof to add solar panels, which will increase the building’s efficiency.
The new station allowed the city to divide services into three zones, with the third serving the city’s northeast quadrant, where the highest volume of growth is expected to occur.
Fire Station 3
Station 2 is undergoing renovation, as it has not been touched since original construction in 1991. Upgrades include improved dormitories, and moving the bathrooms away from the kitchen! The renovation is ahead of schedule and under budget.
The Chief reported no major incidents at the Strawberry Festival, but they had two staffed first-aid stations during the event.
The Chief thanked the City for their support, and looks forward to further improvements and efficiencies in the department!
