Operations Division

The Assistant Chief of Operations actively directs and manages all District operational and emergency response initiatives, while maintaining the District’s 24-hour operational readiness and ability to respond safely to calls. This is done through the identification and achievement of organizational, operational, training, and staffing objectives. Responsibilities also include maintaining the performance excellence of suppression personnel through interactive performance management, progressive training programs, and motivational leadership.

The Operations Division is responsible for all types of responses, from non-emergency medical issues, to life threatening situations. They respond to all fire related calls, as well as water rescue and hazmat incidents.

The operations of the District are carried out through 3 stations. Apparatus are staffed with a minimum of 3 personnel, consisting of a Lieutenant and a combination of Firefighter/Paramedic and Firefighter/EMT personnel. On each shift, a District Chief is responsible for the oversight of the entire shift. These personnel work a 24 hour shift, followed by 48 hours off-duty.

Pinellas County currently operates in a two-tiered system, where fire and rescue personnel arrive on scene to evaluate and stabilize the incident and the private ambulance company arrives and transports the patient to the hospital as needed.

Life Safety Division

The Life Safety Division (which consists of Fire Prevention Officers Robert Hill and Stacie Schwab) is responsible for many different activities within the fire department and the communities we serve.  The Life Safety Division’s primary responsibilities include annual fire safety inspections of over 550 commercial and residential structures (3 units and more),  as well as fire safety plan review, inspections involved with the installation of fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems for new and existing construction, and investigation of fires within the District.

Community public education activities include training classes in CPR, AED and First Aid, distribution of fire prevention materials at community festivals, public speaking events for community organizations, and the annual 9-11 remembrance ceremony.

Interaction with local schools includes opening day activities, such as “National Walk to School Day,” the monthly “Read a Book” program, as well as Fire Prevention Week programs at our five preschools, reaching over 400 children annually.

As liaisons to our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program, we work with a committed group of citizens who, in addition to training to work in our EOC and public education, also “give back” to the community through annual food drives and toy drives.

The Division is also tasked with the planning and management of the Emergency Operations Center for the District and the special needs evacuation program.

Administration Division

The Administration Division of the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District provides support for all fire department operations. The Administration Division is responsible for financial management, human resources, records management, strategic planning, and the implementation of the goals and objectives of the District. The Administration Division consists of the Fire Chief, Finance Director, and District Administrator.