Sumter County Fire & EMS

06/04/2026

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Matthew Meyer on becoming the newest member of our Special Operations Team!

Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, Firefighter Meyer completed additional specialized training classes and successfully passed both a written and practical county assessment to earn this accomplishment.

Matthew has now been assigned as the Station 30 A Shift Driver on the Special Operations engine, a role that requires advanced knowledge, skill, and dedication. Our Special Operations Team serves a critical purpose by responding to complex incidents, protecting our community during high-risk emergencies, supporting mutual aid responses, and assisting fellow agencies when specialized resources are needed.

Becoming part of this team reflects Matthew’s commitment to growing professionally and serving our community at the highest level. We are proud to have him representing Sumter County Fire & EMS in this important role.

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time. Making preparations now can help reduce stress and keep your family safe when an unexpected event occurs. One of the most important steps you can take now is to begin building an emergency supply kit. Your kit should include essentials such as:

- Water (one gallon per person, per day for several days)
- Non-perishable food items
- Can opener
- Prescription medications
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Cell phone chargers and backup power sources
- Rain gear
- Tent
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Hygiene items
- Sanitation items (garbage bags, sanitizer, moist towelettes)
- Pet supplies, if needed

Prepared communities are resilient communities. Start assembling your emergency supply kit today!

SumterPrepares.com

&EMS

05/29/2026

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners has officially rescinded the countywide burn ban following improved conditions as indicated by the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI).

With drought conditions easing, outdoor burning is now permitted in accordance with state and local regulations. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious and practice safe burning at all times to help prevent wildfires and protect the community.

In addition, the temporary waiver of fees for yard debris disposal at the County Citizens’ Drop-Off Area will end on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Residents utilizing the CDA for yard waste disposal on and after May 30 will be subject to the standard disposal fees in accordance with County policy.

Residents choosing to burn yard debris must follow all applicable guidelines:
• Never burn prohibited materials.
- Household garbage or trash
- Construction and demolition debris (treated wood, plywood, drywall, insulation, etc.)
- Plastics of any kind
- Rubber products (including tires)
- Painted or treated wood
- Upholstered furniture, mattresses, or carpeting
- Hazardous materials (chemicals, oils, fuels, batteries)
• Always have proper suppression equipment readily available.
• Monitor fires at all times and never leave them unattended.
• Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

Sumter County Fire & EMS reminds residents that even with improved conditions, fire risk remains, and responsible burning is essential to keeping the community safe. We encourage everyone to follow best practices to prevent wildfires and ensure the safety of our community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting sumtercountyfl.gov/fire.

05/22/2026

Sumter County Fire & EMS recently partnered with students at South Sumter Middle School on a unique hands-on project that combined skilled construction, fire safety education, and firefighter training.

In early March, Sumter County Fire & EMS staff met with students in the school’s construction program, led by construction teacher Eric Studebaker, to introduce a special project designed to support firefighter training. During the initial meeting, Fire & EMS staff explained the importance of the project, how the fire training dollhouses would be used in training, and provided guidance on how the students would construct the build.

Using skills learned in the classroom, students hand-constructed fire training dollhouses designed to help firefighters simulate and better understand fire behavior in a controlled environment. Throughout the project, students utilized tools including jigsaws, miter saws, circular saws, air guns, and various hand tools to complete the build entirely by hand.

On Monday, all five construction classes gathered at the end of the school day to watch Sumter County Fire & EMS conduct a live demonstration using one of the student-built dollhouses. During the simulation, John Davis, Division Chief, walked students through the stages of fire behavior while emphasizing the importance of home fire safety and prevention.

As the demonstration unfolded, Davis explained how quickly fire can spread throughout a structure and highlighted the critical importance of keeping bedroom doors closed at night to help slow fire progression and improve survivability during a house fire.

To further engage students in the learning experience, Davis also brought several thermal imaging cameras, allowing students to observe and survey temperature changes throughout the demonstration. Students had the opportunity to see firsthand how heat moves through a structure and how firefighters use thermal imaging technology during emergency incidents.

“Training is one of the most important things we do in the fire service,” said Division Chief John Davis with Sumter County Fire & EMS. “These dollhouses give our new firefighters an opportunity to learn and interact with fire behavior in a safe and controlled environment before entering a live burn structure for training. At the same time, this partnership allowed students to see how quickly fire conditions can change, understand the importance of fire safety, and experience some of the tools firefighters use in the field. Education like this can have a lasting impact.”

Students watched in amazement as one of their construction projects burned through the various stages of fire, transforming months of hard work into a real-world learning experience. The demonstration not only showcased the importance of firefighter training but also provided students with valuable lessons about fire prevention, safety, and the science behind fire behavior.

According to Studebaker, the partnership has been a rewarding experience for students, and South Sumter Middle School looks forward to continuing the collaboration with Sumter County Fire & EMS in the future.

“We are excited to continue this partnership and look forward to building these training dollhouses for Sumter County Fire & EMS each year,” said Eric Studebaker, construction teacher at South Sumter Middle School.

The partnership highlights the value of collaboration between local schools and public safety agencies, providing students with meaningful hands-on learning opportunities while supporting the training needs of the firefighters who protect the community.

05/21/2026

Sometimes, the dream of becoming a hero starts with something small, the sound of a siren, the sight of flashing lights, or the moment you witness someone helping another in need.

“The Making of a First Responder” tells the story of how one childhood dream became a life of service. Follow the journey of Brian Narvaez, Firefighter/EMT, from watching emergency vehicles as a child to answering the call and serving his community through Fire & EMS.

This inspirational video highlights the heart, purpose, and passion behind what it means to serve, and the people who dedicate themselves to helping others when it matters most.

At Sumter County Fire & EMS, our team is more than a department; we are family, mentors, protectors, and everyday heroes dedicated to serving our community with courage and compassion.

For every child who dreams of being a superhero… know this: heroes are real.

🚒 Interested in making a difference?
If you are passionate about helping others, serving your community, and becoming part of something bigger than yourself, consider joining the Sumter County Fire & EMS team.

Learn more about careers with Sumter County Fire & EMS:
🌐 www.sumtercountyfl.gov/fire

https://youtu.be/msHeOsggEA0

Sometimes, the dream of becoming a hero starts with something small — the sound of a siren, the sight of flashing lights, or the moment you witness someone h...

05/21/2026

As Sumter County celebrates Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 17–23, 2026, Sumter County Fire & EMS is proud to announce it has received the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award, the department’s first recognition through the program, for its commitment to providing rapid, research-based care for patients experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes. This national recognition reflects the dedication, training, and teamwork of the men and women serving our community every day.

The Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award recognizes agencies that demonstrate excellence in prehospital emergency cardiac and stroke care, ensuring patients receive evidence-based treatment when minutes matter most. Emergency medical services personnel can begin treatment immediately upon arrival, often up to an hour sooner than if someone travels to the hospital by personal vehicle, helping improve outcomes during life-threatening emergencies.

For the professionals of Sumter County Fire & EMS, this recognition represents more than an award; it represents countless hours of training, teamwork, and commitment to serving residents and visitors with compassion and professionalism.

Every day, Sumter County Fire & EMS personnel answer the call during some of life’s most difficult moments, providing critical medical care, emergency response, public education, and lifesaving interventions across the community. Behind every emergency response is a team of emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, dispatchers, educators, support staff, and healthcare partners working together to deliver exceptional care.

This year’s EMS Week theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” perfectly reflects the department’s mission and the collaborative effort it takes to provide high-quality emergency medical care. Through professionalism, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to service, Sumter County Fire & EMS continues working every day to improve patient outcomes and make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

While this recognition highlights excellence in heart attack and stroke care, it is ultimately a reflection of the people behind the badge, the dedicated professionals who show up every day ready to serve their community with skill, compassion, and courage.

Sumter County Fire & EMS also recognizes the leadership and commitment of its EMS Division, including Division Chief of EMS Daniel Crooks, whose focus on education, quality improvement, and training has helped support continued growth and success throughout the department.

During EMS Week, Sumter County Fire & EMS thanks every member of its team for the sacrifices they make and the exceptional care they provide to our community every single day.

05/20/2026

🔥 Burn Ban In Effect 🔥

A Burn Ban remains in effect due to dry conditions and increased wildfire risk. Residents are reminded that all outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice. Even a small spark can quickly spread and threaten homes, property, and natural areas. Please do your part to help keep our community safe by avoiding activities that could ignite a fire.

What Is Prohibited
• All outdoor burning, including yard debris, agricultural and silvicultural burning, campfires, bonfires, and pile burning, unless conducted or authorized by the Florida Forest Service.
• The use or discharge of fireworks, flares, sparklers, noisemakers, and other novelties as defined in Florida Statute 791.01.

Exceptions & Allowed Activities
The following activities are allowed when they are done safely and, when required, properly permitted:
• Outdoor cooking at home using grills or other equipment made to safely contain flames and heat.
• Outdoor cooking in public or private spaces that are specifically designed for grilling or cooking and can safely contain fire or heat.
• Industrial or commercial activities that involve fire, heat, or flames when a permit has been issued.
• Any activity involving fire or heat that would normally be a safety concern but is allowed because it has been approved through a local, state, or federal permit.
• Fire department training exercises that involve open flames, as long as they are conducted under controlled conditions and strictly for training purposes.
• Outdoor burning permitted by or conducted by the Florida Forest Service is not included in this restriction and will be regulated and controlled by them as a State Agency.
• Outdoor burning permitted by or conducted by the Florida Forest Service is not included in this restriction and will be regulated and controlled by them as a State Agency.

As always, if there is an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 911.

SumterCountyFL.Gov

&EMS

05/19/2026

Behind every call is a team committed to caring for our community!

This EMS Week, we’re proud to recognize the incredible professionals of Sumter County Fire & EMS who show up every day with compassion, dedication, and heart. Whether responding in moments of crisis or providing care when it matters most, this team is always ready to serve.

Improving Outcomes, Together. Thank you for all you do to keep Sumter County safe.

05/18/2026

Every emergency call represents someone’s worst moment, and behind every response are dedicated professionals ready to answer without hesitation.

During EMS Week, we proudly recognize the incredible men and women of Sumter County Fire & EMS and The Villages Public Safety Department for their unwavering commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community.

From lifesaving emergency care and critical medical interventions to compassionate support during moments of fear and uncertainty, these teams work tirelessly every day to serve our residents and visitors with professionalism, courage, and heart.

This week, we honor the paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, emergency dispatchers, nurses, physicians, educators, and support personnel who make emergency medical services possible. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and your impact reaches far beyond the emergency scene.

Thank you for the long hours, the sacrifice, the compassion, and the countless lives touched through your service.

Please join us in recognizing and thanking the heroes of Sumter County Fire & EMS and The Villages Public Safety Department during EMS Week, May 17–23, 2026.

Improving Outcomes, Together.