With more firefighter/EMT positions soon to be filled, PCFR gets closer to one hundred percent staffing level.
Plant City Fire Rescue (PCFR) took a major step toward bolstering its ranks during last month’s investiture ceremony that not only welcomed a new fire chief and two deputy chiefs but also eight new firefighter/paramedics.
The swearing-in ceremony, held May 19 at the TECO Expo Hall, was especially meaningful for Fire Chief David Dittman, who was officially sworn in that same day alongside Deputy Chiefs Michael Brown and Andrew Muzzy.
“I was honored to have them sworn in at the same ceremony,” said Chief Dittman. “To hand them their helmets, to see their families pin their badges- it was a touching moment that marked the beginning of their careers and mine as chief.”
The newly hired firefighters include Michel Triana, Octavio Rosales III, Cory McWilliams, Daven Daniels, Riley Buchman, Cihan Catalbas, Steven Parra and David Sotolongo. Each received a badge and helmet- a powerful symbol of the commitment, courage and responsibility that comes with the job.
The new hires are already on the job, having completed training. All are dual-certified as firefighter/EMTs, with plans to complete paramedic certification within three years.
The additions bring PCFR’s total staff to 67, including 62 firefighter/paramedics. The department has 64 budgeted positions for firefighters and is actively working to fill the remaining two openings. Another group of conditional hires is expected to start in mid-July.
The recruitment push comes as Plant City continues to grow, and PCFR aims to keep pace to meet the evolving needs of the community. “Bringing new firefighters on board is essential not just for maintaining staffing levels, but also for supporting the health, safety and morale of the team,” said Dittman.
With three active fire stations and plans for further growth, the department remains focused on hiring qualified applicants and retaining talent. “Having all our vacancies filled strengthens the department and allows us to serve the community more safety and efficiently,” he said.
Interested applicants can apply online or submit applications in person at City Hall or Fire Rescue Headquarters at 604 E. Alexander St. For job listings, visit: https://jobboard.ontempworks.com/PlantCity/Jobs/Search?Keywords=&Location=&Distance=Fifty&SortBy=Relevance.
