Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: The Seminole County Fire Department

The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) reached a significant milestone on October 1, 2024, and celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the community.  Most notably, the Seminole County Fire Department hosted a 50^th anniversary reunion for retired firefighters and current personnel to reminisce and celebrate the growth over the last half century. More than 200 retirees, including all five former Fire Chiefs and some of the original 1974 crews participated in the event. Food was generously donated by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
 
“Having our retirees join together at our Fire Training Center symbolized our common bond and rich history and that we belong to something bigger than ourselves – a camaraderie we all share in the fire service and proudly serve our citizens,” said Fire Chief Matt Kinley.
In 1974, SCFD's origins began with the consolidation of several volunteer fire departments, located in the unincorporated areas of Seminole County. These early years saw the department form from borrowed equipment and a provisional communication system. Without a designated, central station to operate out of, the fire department began utilizing unconventional locations like a two-bedroom apartment, a trailer, and a garage.
 
1974:                                                                                  Today:
9 stations                                                                            20 stations
27 personnel                                                                      575 personnel
1,905 calls                                                                           50,515 calls
 
Over the years, the department has grown and evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the community. The department grew to expand its existing fleet of vehicles and equipment, including 16 Advanced Life Support (ALS) engines, 21 ALS transport rescues, tower trucks, and specialized units for hazardous materials, rehabilitation, swift water and large animal rescue.
 
The department has obtained esteemed accreditations, including the top ISO Class 1 Ranking in fire protection, the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s International Accredited Agency and Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), demonstrating their adherence to industry standards, along with numerous awards and recognitions for their outstanding service and contributions to the community.
 
In addition to their daily duties of responding to calls around the Seminole County, firefighters celebrated their department’s milestone anniversary by doing what they do best – giving back to the community.
 
Outreach events for the 50th anniversary ranged from educational events to meet and greets. Firefighters continued to strengthen community bonds by visiting schools like The Geneva School, where they met with young students to collect teddy bears to gift to children in hospitals. Firefighters, and even some alumni, also visited Winter Springs High School to participate in the ceremonial challenge coin toss to kick off the game. They also visited libraries for story times and meet-and-greets.
 
The 50th-anniversary celebration highlighted SCFD's core mission: to provide exceptional service, protect lives and property, and foster a safe community. With its unwavering dedication to service, commitment to education and outreach, and its well-equipped personnel standing on the legacy of those before them, the Seminole County Fire Department stands ready to serve and protect Seminole County for another fifty years and beyond.