New EMS chief among hires.
On August 4, seven new Plant City Fire Rescue (PCFR) recruits began their service to residents. The recruits have already graduated from fire schooland are in the midst of a four-week orientation program designed to prepare them for the physical, technical, and operational challenges of the fire service. The training combines physical conditioning, field exercises, and classroom instruction to give the recruits a strong foundation in both emergency response skills and department operations.
The core areas of training are:
• Structure fire search and rescue
scenarios
• Forcible entry
• Vehicle extrication techniques
• Ventilation techniques
• Firefighter survival
• Master streams
• Hose line advancement
• Hydrant operations
• 40 hours of EMS (Emergency Medical Services) training, including equipment familiarization, patient care scenarios, and related skills.
This comprehensive program prepares each new firefighter to uphold Plant City Fire Rescue’s mission of protecting lives and property while ensuring the safety of the community through professionalism, knowledge, and dedication.
A key change since the hiring of Chief Dittman, Deputy Chief Muzzy, and Deputy Chief Brown in May is the state of recruiting. Currently, more candidates are applying for PCFR than there are open positions, and the staffing level has increased to 86 percent.
In addition to the seven recruits, one of the new staff is Ray Torres, PCFR’s new EMS Chief. PCFR transports approximately 4,000 patients annually to local hospital emergency rooms. Torres served 29 years with Tampa Fire Rescue, where, in addtion to building EMT expertise, handling hazardous materials became one of his specialties. Torres has also taught Hillsborough Community College Fire program classes since 1997. “It was my plan when I did retire, if something came up that caught my attention, I would take it,” Torres said. “I retired for nine months, then I received a call from Chief Dittman asking me if I wanted to head the EMS Division for PCFR, so I accepted that. I am still young. It is a good opportunity. I think I can make a big difference in the department here.” PCFR had this position 10 years ago, but did away with it. “Chief Dittman brought the position back. It is definitely needed.”
In this role, Torres will keep PCFR up-to-date with new medical directives from the American Heart Association, new EMS Regulations, and making sure PCFR is up speed on new narcotics regulations and how those are distributed, stored, and administered. He will also train personnel in new EMT procedures, continuing education, and make sure staff ACLS BLS, EMT, and paramedic certifications stay current. Torres will also monitor and ensure certifications and licensures for all rescue vehicles are obtained and retained.
“From outside looking in, when I first got here I saw the firefighters are very eager to learn,” Torres commented. “They are always training, they are always doing something. They are very active. Even when we made surprise visits to the stations, they were up and training. They have a lot of heart here.”
After successfully completing the program, the new personnel will be officially sworn in as firefighters for the City of Plant City during a pinning ceremony on August 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Police Center. For those who wish to attend, RSVP to Megan at medwards@plantcitygov.com by Wednesday, August 27.
