OUR DEPARTMENT

Life and property are safer in the City of Tamarac more than ever before. Over a quarter century of professional firefighting growth, supported by the vision of the Mayor and the City Commission, have provided a safe and secure community.

Tamarac Fire Rescue employs state-of-the-art technology. We have the ability to administer the latest clot busting drugs for heart attack victims, thereby saving critical minutes and lives. We have an aerial platform truck capable of elevated rescue of fire and accident victims, elevated fire streams, and serving as a fully equipped engine. In addition, we have an engine capable of patient transport as well as firefighting. Personnel are cross trained as Firefighter/Paramedics or Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians.

HISTORY

In the early years of firefighting in Tamarac, the job was left to a few eager young firefighters who would jump into their 1974 Plymouth Valiant to answer calls. Anticipating continued growth of the Community and the need for dedicated, well-trained emergency responders, the City Council created the Tamarac Fire Department in 1975 and made Bernard G. Simon the first Fire Chief.

Headquarters was located at a small picnic table outside of the old Rock Island Road City Hall. In 1977 operations improved with the delivery of a new American La France Engine in addition to two older, but serviceable 1960's pumpers. Firefighters remained on duty overnight by sleeping on the hose beds of their apparatus in the Public Works building on the corner of Pine Island Road and Commercial Blvd. Later, police holding cells at the City Hall at 5811 NW 88 Ave. were also utilized to house firefighters. In 1978 a new 85 foot aerial platform, made by LTI, was delivered and in 1979 a new 1500gpm engine from Seagrave became part of the fleet. In May of 1980 a new Ford Pumper was added to the Department and housed in the new station.

A new Emergency-One HUSH pumper was purchased in 1989 and another in 1991. These units remain in service today. With the expansion into EMS, six Medic Master Rescue units have been added and the LTI was refurbished in 1998. A transport capable pumper was built for the Department and delivered in 1997.

Today, our third fire station is on the brink of completion and we expect to take occupancy in the spring of 2004. Station 15, part of the Public Services Administration Complex, located on the northwest corner of Hiatus Road and Commercial Boulevard, will serve the western part of the City. We are currently in the process of adding 13 new positions to coincide with the opening of Station 15. In addition, five brand new ALS rescue vehicles and two fire apparatus vehicles have been ordered for delivery in 2004.

As the City of Tamarac grows, we continually strive to meet the challenge to best serve the residents of our great Community.