Pasco County Fire Rescue is pleased to announce two new programs that will better serve the citizens and visitors of Pasco County – The Special Operations Response Team and the Latent Fire Investigation Unit.

Both programs started running Sunday, February 5, 2017.

“Both of these initiatives are incrementally raising the bar on the level of service provided by Pasco County Fire Rescue,” said Scott Cassin, Pasco County Fire Chief.  “They will each undoubtedly improve the department’s response to those specific incidents.”

• The Special Operations Response Team, within the Operations division, is a specially-trained response team based out of Fire Station 37 in Land O Lakes.  The four-member unit, known as Squad 1, is made up of one Captain, one Driver Engineer and two firefighters who can assist in technical rescue situations, including confined space, high angle and top-water events.  Squad 1 will also respond to hazardous materials incidents, traffic accidents involving heavy extrication and various other incidents throughout Pasco County.  The team will also assist with large structure fires, such as commercial buildings.

• The Latent Fire Investigation Unit, within the Fire Prevention Division, is comprised of two law enforcement-certified fire investigators who serve as the department’s primary arson investigators.  Latent fire investigators use advanced origin and cause techniques, with specialized equipment and training to investigate fires and to help prosecute arson cases.  Investigators work on rotating, 12-hour shifts to provide coverage seven days a week.  This unit provides support to the existing shift-based origin-and-cause fire investigators who deem a fire a possible arson case or a case that might involve criminal activity.

These programs continue to build on Pasco County Fire Rescue’s commitment to excellence while strengthening service delivery to citizens and visitors of Pasco County.

For more information about Pasco County Fire Rescue and fire prevention:
Visit our website: www.pascocountyfl.net/firerescue
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pascocountyfirerescue