313 Fairpoint Drive
Gulf Breeze, Florida
(850) 934.5131
| Mission Statement |
Deliver the best possible service to our customers, the residents, and visitors within the City and outlying areas where we provide pre-arranged mutual aid in a safe, courteous, and timely manner when faced with the perils of fire, man-made disasters, or medical emergencies.
About the Department
The Gulf Breeze Fire Department operates as a combination department, comprising of approximately 20 dedicated volunteer firefighters and a full-time Fire Chief and Fire Marshal.
Joining as a volunteer firefighter is a great way to give back to the community through your time and energy.
Our junior firefighter program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore career and volunteer roles in emergency services. Participants can earn service hours while making a meaningful impact in their community. For more information, email Lt. Dylan Harter at [email protected] or call the station to talk to Chief Jim Custred or Fire Marshal Gabe Johnson at (850) 934-5133.
History
The Gulf Breeze Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated as a “non-profit” organization in October 1955. After several successful fundraisers and membership drives, the department purchased its first fire truck in 1957. The truck, equipped with approximately 1000 feet of hose, cost $13,500.
Following the truck purchase, the department faced the immediate challenge of finding a place to house it. In 1957, a concrete block fire station was constructed on land generously deeded to the department by Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore.
The department’s fire services proved to be both popular and effective. In 1961, Gulf Breeze was incorporated as a city, expanding its public safety efforts to include a local police department. For many years, the police department shared space with the fire station. The original 1957 fire station served the community until 2005 when the current fire station was built.
Today
In 2023, the old fire station was demolished to make way for a new police station, which was constructed adjacent to the fire station. This strategic placement maintains the strong relationship and collaboration between the fire and police departments.
The new fire station includes sleeping quarters for overnight staffing, a kitchen, a classroom, a TV room, administrative offices, and facilities to house two fire engines, a ladder truck, and a fire rescue boat.
In 2023, the City transitioned from a full volunteer department to a combination model, adding two career staff members: the Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal. While the Fire Chief and Fire Marshal manage the department’s administrative functions, our committed volunteers continue to provide exceptional emergency services to the citizens and visitors of the City of Gulf Breeze.
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Gulf Breeze Fire Department: Join Us in Serving Your Community
As fires continue to devastate communities across California, public awareness is growing about the critical importance of fire response. Here in Gulf Breeze, our Fire Department operates as a combination professional/volunteer organization, with salaried professionals overseeing operations while our dedicated firefighters and medics serve the community on a volunteer basis.
Why Volunteer with Gulf Breeze Fire Department?
Being a volunteer emergency responder is a deeply rewarding experience. It requires dedication, sacrifice, leadership, and mental and physical stamina. Volunteer first responders play an essential role in our community, helping to keep residents safe during emergencies, fires, medical incidents, and more.
Did you know?
Approximately 12 million Floridians rely on volunteer firefighters to protect their communities. More than 200 departments across Florida depend on volunteers to keep their operations running smoothly.
The Gulf Breeze Fire Department offers an incredible opportunity for residents to serve their neighbors, protect lives, and make a real difference. We are always seeking new members who are passionate about helping others and committed to emergency response challenges. If you’re interested in joining our team, here’s how you can get started:
How to Get Involved
To apply, visit the City’s website and head to the Fire Department page, where you’ll find the volunteer application. After submitting your application, the Fire Chief will reach out to arrange an interview and invite you to attend a training session.
Training Sessions:
Our department holds training meetings every Tuesday at 6:30 PM. We provide all the necessary firefighter and medical training required for certification.
Volunteer Opportunities: Fire and Medical Side
New members can choose to specialize in our operations’ fire or medical side.
- Medical Responders: We provide training for those interested in medical calls to become an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). With this training, you can respond to medical emergencies and assist with patient care.
- Firefighters: Those looking to become volunteer firefighters will begin with the Firefighter I training program, including online coursework and hands-on practical training. The program covers fire behavior, safety protocols, fire control, SCBA use, and tools required for firefighting. Firefighter I students will also receive EMR and Hazardous Materials response training.
Current Stipend and Compensation
Our volunteer firefighters and medics receive a stipend based on their level of certification and role within the department. Below are the current payment amounts for various ranks:
- Clerical: $200
- Probationary: $200
- Certified: $300
- Deputy Chief: $450
- Assistant Chief: $450
- Captain: $400
- Lieutenant: $375
Membership Requirements
We welcome individuals who meet the following qualifications to apply:
- Age: All members must be 18 years old. Members of the Junior Firefighter program must be at least 14 years old.
- Education: All members must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Background Check: Per the State Statute, all applicants must pass a background check.
- Physical Exam: Upon acceptance to the department, candidates must pass a physical exam, which the department will cover.
Training and Stipend Requirements
- All members must attend two authorized training sessions monthly and respond to at least 20% of the department’s monthly calls to remain active and eligible for stipends.
- Members must complete the Firefighter I certification within one year of joining the department to continue receiving stipend payments. There is also a stipend program for EMTs and Paramedics.
Our Impact in 2024
In 2024, Gulf Breeze Fire Department responded to a total of 608 incidents, including:
- 143 Fire Incidents
- 394 Medical Incidents
- 71 Hazardous Condition Incidents
The average response time was 5 minutes and 47 seconds. The response time averaged 5 minutes and 34 seconds for calls requiring lights and sirens, while non-emergency calls had an average response time of 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Thanks to our dedicated boat unit, our department also responded to 24 waterborne incidents.
Staffing and Team Structure
Our department currently has:
- FF2: 8
- FF1: 16
- Enrolled in FF1: 4
When responding to incidents, we maintain an average staffing of four operational personnel for fire and hazardous condition calls. These certified members are responsible for fire control operations and can work directly in hazardous environments. We also have one support personnel who manages non-hazardous tasks like incident command, running the truck, and other logistical duties.
For medical calls, we typically respond with four medical responders per incident. Our medical team includes EMRs, certified EMTs, and Paramedics.
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The Gulf Breeze Fire Board: Guiding Our Department’s Success
The Gulf Breeze Fire Board is a citizen-led board appointed by the City Council to provide advisory support on matters related to fire protection services within the city. The Fire Board plays a key role in shaping the direction of the department by offering advice to the Fire Chief, City Manager, and City Council on important topics such as recruitment, retention of volunteer firefighters, operational policies, community partnerships, and grant opportunities. The board is also instrumental in developing training and outreach strategies.
The Fire Board’s term limit is two years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. The current members appointed by the City Council include:
- CAPT Christopher Martin, USN (Ret.) – NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer and Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management at the University of West Florida
- Michael Osban – Fire Marshal of the Midway Fire District
- John Roche – Founder, President, and CEO of Lifeguard Air Ambulance Service & Lifeguard Ambulance Service, with 30 years of service
- Andrew O’Daniel – Retired Captain from the Pensacola Fire Department, Certified Real Estate Appraiser, and former high school sports coach
- Shane Carmichael – Retired Gulf Breeze Fire Chief (2005-2023) and current Director of the Community Services Department
The Fire Board’s leadership and insights help ensure that the Gulf Breeze Fire Department continues to thrive, grow, and provide exceptional service to the community.
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Join the Gulf Breeze Fire Department Today
If you’re interested in joining the Gulf Breeze Fire Department and helping to protect and serve our community, visit the City’s website to apply. Our team is ready to welcome you into this vital and rewarding service. Together, we can make Gulf Breeze a safer place for everyone.
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Life Safety Inspection Brochure
Frequently Called Numbers
| Area Code | 850 |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Office | 934-5131 |
| Fax | 934-5132 |
| Chief Jim Custred | 203-6087 |
| Fire Marshal Gabe Johnson | 712-1129 |
