About Fire Rescue

Assistant Fire Chiefs Conversing in Headquarters

For more than 100 years, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue has stood ready to protect the people who live, work, and visit our community. Established in 1912, FLFR has evolved from a volunteer-driven department into a professional, full-service fire and rescue agency serving Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and the Town of Lazy Lake with 450 uniformed personnel.

Mission and Vision

FLFR is committed to protecting life, property, and the well-being of the community by delivering the highest level of emergency response, fire prevention, rescue, and public safety services. Guided by professionalism, readiness, integrity, dedication, and excellence, FLFR strives to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors with compassion, accountability, and pride. Its vision is to be recognized as an internationally accredited agency that sets the standard for exceptional service, continuous improvement, and trusted community partnership.

The photo above shows the Assistant Chief’s Office at Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Headquarters, where daily operations are coordinated and supported. Each day, one of three rotating shifts is on duty, ensuring continuous 24-hour protection for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and the Town of Lazy Lake. From this central hub, command staff and the Battalion Chief on duty help oversee emergency response, staffing, and operational readiness across the city.

  • Professionalism: Adaptable, sustainable, and well-equipped services
  • Responsibility: Supporting employee health, wellness, and career development.
  • Integrity: Enhanced communications, public education, and outreach.
  • Diversity: Reflecting and relating to the community served
  • Empathy: Delivering customer service that meets or exceeds expectations

Services & Operations

FLFR operates 12 fire stations and is the busiest fire rescue agency in Broward County, responding to over 55,000 calls for service annually. The department’s fleet includes:

  • 12 Fire Suppression Units
  • 3 Aerial Ladder Trucks
  • 17 Medical Rescue Units (MRUs)
  • 1 Heavy Rescue Squad
  • 1 Airport Truck
  • 1 Hazardous Materials Unit
  • 2 Fireboats

FLFR offers a comprehensive range of emergency and support services, including:

  • Fire suppression and prevention
  • ALS/BLS emergency medical transport
  • Fire investigation and origin/cause determination
  • Hazardous materials response
  • Dive, marine, technical high angle, trench, and confined space rescue
  • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Medical support
  • Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF)
  • Ocean Rescue: 20 lifeguard towers staffed seven days a week, protecting over 3.5 million visitors annually

FLFR also conducts fire prevention inspections for commercial and multifamily properties, reviews building plans for fire code compliance, and investigates fire origins and causes.

Emergency Management

FLFR leads emergency management planning for the city, operating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and supervising Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to ensure prompt and effective response and recovery during major emergencies and disasters.

Organizational Structure

FLFR is organized into two main divisions:

  1. Office of the Chief
  2. Fire Rescue

Both divisions are supported by four functional bureaus:

  • Emergency Service Operations: Fire/EMS response, special operations, staffing, communications, USAR, Ocean Rescue, station inspections
  • Strategic Prevention Services: Fire prevention, emergency management, fire plans review, accident review, accreditation and professional standards
  • Support Services: Technology, hiring & recruitment, research & development, fire logistics
  • Training/EMS: Labor management, legal, capital projects, EMS bureau, mobile integrated health, professional development, health, safety & wellness, C.O.R.E. program

Each bureau is overseen by a Deputy Fire Chief and organized into smaller units to ensure efficient management and support.

Community Commitment

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is dedicated to fastest unit response (FUR), partnering with neighboring agencies to ensure the fastest possible emergency response. The agency also implements advanced medical protocols, such as induced hypothermia (ICE alert) and a STEMI program for cardiac emergencies.

Saving Life and Property Since 1912—FLFR continues to evolve, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors through professionalism, innovation, and community-focused service.

Careers in Fire Rescue

Ready for a career with purpose, challenge, and opportunity? Explore how Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue(PDF, 2MB) can help you serve the community, develop specialized skills, and build your future in the fire service. Contact Recruitment at FLFRRecruitment.

 

 

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