many services and responsibilities far beyond the typical fire department. “Our apparatus are staffed daily with paramedics who deliver the same level of care as Collier County EMS,” says Fire Chief Chris Wolfe. While Collier County EMS handles patient transport, he explains that Greater Naples Fire provides advanced life support on the scene, ensuring medical care begins immediately. “It’s not just about putting out fires; it’s about saving lives in all forms.” Wolfe paints a picture of a fire district that’s much more than hoses and firetrucks. “We manage a Florida State technical rescue team, and our hazmat technicians are equipped to handle a range of emergencies,” he says. The technical rescue team, he adds, is prepared for complex scenarios such as collapsed structures or high-angle rescues. “We’re not only ready for the routine—we’re ready for the unthinkable.” COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY AT THE CORE The Greater Naples Fire District thrives on the philosophy that public safety is a shared responsibility. Wolfe explains that the relationship between the fire department and the community is symbiotic. “The community invests in us through their tax base,” he says, “and in return, we serve them. It’s a cycle that promotes public safety in every sense.” Beyond service delivery, the district actively engages with the people it protects, creating meaningful connections that extend well beyond emergencies. “We’re heavily involved in community outreach,” Wolfe continues, describing the department’s educational programs. Firefighters regularly visit local elementary and preschools, offering demonstrations with fire trucks and equipment. “In the summer, we run campaigns like spray-downs, where we use the big nozzles to cool kids off during camps or school programs. It’s one of those things that sticks with them and makes fire safety approachable.” Seasonal events like “trunk or treat” during Halloween and year-round smoke detector awareness programs are staples of the district’s outreach efforts. Wolfe then emphasizes the daily coordination among the county’s five fire districts, including unincorporated Collier County and Collier County EMS. He highlights the district’s growing partnership with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as an example of how interagency collaboration enhances operations. “The sheriff’s aviation helicopters are now equipped with firefighting tools, like Bambi buckets,” he explains, referring to the specialized equipment used to drop water over wildfires. 121 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 GREATER NAPLES FIRE DISTRICT
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