Public Information Office

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue’s Public Information Office helps keep our community informed, prepared, and connected.

During emergencies, major incidents, severe weather, and other developing situations, timely information can make a difference. The Public Information Officer (PIO) works to provide residents, businesses, visitors, and the news media with accurate and understandable information as quickly as possible.

For the community, that means knowing what is happening, what areas may be affected, what actions to take, and where to find reliable information. During everyday operations, the Public Information Office also shares fire and life-safety information, department news, community programs, and the work Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue performs throughout the city.

For media requests, interviews, or information about an ongoing incident, contact the Public Information Officer directly:

Office: (954) 828-6865
Email: Frank Guzman

Keeping Our Community Informed

The Public Information Office supports the community by providing:

Emergency information — Timely updates during fires, major accidents, hazardous conditions, severe weather, and other significant incidents

  • Public safety guidance — Clear information residents can use to protect themselves, their families, homes, and businesses
  • Trusted information — Verified updates directly from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue to help reduce rumors, misinformation, and confusion
  • Community preparedness — Fire prevention, life-safety, emergency preparedness, and seasonal safety information
  • Transparency — Information about department activities, emergency response, community programs, and other Fire Rescue services
  • Media access — Coordination with news organizations to help important public safety information reach the community quickly
  • Community connection — Stories, events, educational information, and opportunities to learn more about the firefighters, paramedics, lifeguards, inspectors, emergency managers, and other professionals serving Fort Lauderdale

About the Public Information Officer

Frank Guzman PIO Officer

Frank Guzman serves as Public Information Officer for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. His more than two decades of experience in South Florida television news provide the department with an important perspective: understanding the information people need during an emergency and communicating it clearly, accurately, and quickly.

Before joining Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, Frank spent 20 years with WSVN-TV. He worked on the Miami assignment desk from 2004 to 2012 and served as Broward Bureau Chief from 2012 to 2024. His coverage of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas earned a Suncoast Regional Emmy Award in 2020.

A South Florida native and University of Miami graduate in broadcast journalism and political science, Frank brings extensive experience covering hurricanes, fires, public safety emergencies, government, and major breaking-news events.

That experience directly benefits the Fort Lauderdale community. During a rapidly changing emergency, the Public Information Officer works with incident commanders and department leadership to gather verified information, translate complex emergency operations into clear public guidance, anticipate questions from residents and the media, and provide updates as conditions change.

Communication During an Emergency

Behind every Fire Rescue public update is an ongoing process of gathering, confirming, and communicating information.

During significant incidents, the Public Information Officer may:

  • Provide instructions and protective actions to the community
  • Coordinate directly with incident command and Fire Rescue leadership
  • Confirm facts before information is released
  • Identify road closures, affected areas, hazards, and public safety concerns
  • Brief television, print, radio, and digital news organizations
  • Issue updates through social media and other City communication channels
  • Correct inaccurate or misleading information
  • Coordinate messaging with other City departments and public safety agencies
  • Continue providing information as an incident develops and conditions change

The goal is simple: give the community reliable information it can use.

Media Relations and Public Communication

The Public Information Office serves as Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue’s primary connection with news organizations and helps ensure that public safety information reaches residents through multiple communication channels.

Key functions include:

  • Media briefings and incident updates
  • News releases and official statements
  • Interview coordination
  • Fire and life-safety campaigns
  • Emergency preparedness messaging
  • Social media communication
  • Community education
  • Department announcements and accomplishments
  • Public awareness campaigns
  • Coordination with City and regional public information partners

Follow Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue

Social media provides another direct connection between Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and the community. Follow us for emergency updates, fire and life-safety information, community events, department news, and a closer look at the people who serve Fort Lauderdale every day.

  • Facebook: facebook.com/@flfr411
  • X: @flfr411
  • Instagram: @fort_lauderdale_fire_rescue

Staying connected before an emergency helps ensure that trusted information is easier to find when it matters most.

 

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